Introduction to Integration
Integration is the inverse process of differentiation. If differentiation measures the rate of change, integration measures the accumulation of quantities. This chapter covers the fundamental concepts, formulas, and techniques of integration and differential equations.
Anti-derivative: A function F(x) is called an anti-derivative of f(x) if F'(x) = f(x). The process of finding anti-derivatives is called integration.
Anti-derivation Basics
Learn the fundamental concept of anti-derivatives and the relationship between differentiation and integration.
Standard Integrals
Memorize essential integration formulas for algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and other functions.
Integration Methods
Master techniques like substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions for solving complex integrals.
Anti-derivation and Differentials
Definition
The inverse process of differentiation is called anti-derivative or integration. The process of finding a function when its differential coefficient is known is called integration.
Differentials
If y = f(x), then differential dy = f'(x)dx. The differential represents the change in the function value for a small change in x.
Remember: Differentiation and integration are inverse operations. The integral “undoes” what the derivative does, just like multiplication and division are inverse operations.
Important Notes
- ∫f'(x)dx = f(x) + C
- ∫f(x)dx represents the indefinite integral of f(x)
- d/dx and ∫ are inverse operators of each other
- If a function f(x) is continuous on [a, b], then it has an anti-derivative
Standard Integrals
1. Algebraic Functions
2. Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric Integrals Pattern: The integrals of sin, cos, sec², cosec², sec tan, and cosec cot follow a simple pattern where the integral is the “co-function” (except with signs adjusted). Remember “sin→-cos”, “cos→sin”, “sec²→tan”.
3. Exponential Functions
4. Inverse Trigonometric Functions
5. Hyperbolic Functions
Methods of Integration
1. Integration by Substitution
Used when the integral can be transformed into a standard form by substituting a new variable.
- ∫f(ax+b)dx → Substitute u = ax+b
- ∫f'(x)/f(x)dx → Substitute u = f(x), gives ln|f(x)| + C
- For √(a²-x²), use x = a sinθ
- For √(a²+x²), use x = a tanθ
- For √(x²-a²), use x = a secθ
2. Integration by Parts
Used for integrating products of functions: ∫u dv = uv – ∫v du
When using integration by parts, choose u in this order:
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Logarithmic functions
- Algebraic functions
- Trigonometric functions
- Exponential functions
Note: Some use “LIATE” which is the reverse order. Both work!
3. Integration by Partial Fractions
Used for rational functions (fractions where numerator and denominator are polynomials). Break complex fractions into simpler ones that can be integrated individually.
Definite Integrals
Integration with limits is called definite integral: ∫ab f(x) dx = F(b) – F(a)
Properties of Definite Integrals
- ∫ab f(x) dx = -∫ba f(x) dx
- ∫ab f(x) dx = ∫ac f(x) dx + ∫cb f(x) dx
- ∫ab f(x) dx = ∫ab f(a+b-x) dx
- ∫0a f(x) dx = ∫0a f(a-x) dx
- ∫-aa f(x) dx = 2∫0a f(x) dx if f(x) is even
- ∫-aa f(x) dx = 0 if f(x) is odd
The definite integral ∫ab f(x) dx represents the signed area between the curve y = f(x), the x-axis, and the vertical lines x = a and x = b. Areas above the x-axis are positive, areas below are negative.
Differential Equations
An equation containing at least one derivative of a dependent variable with respect to an independent variable is called a differential equation.
Order and Degree
- Order: The highest derivative in the equation
- Degree: The power of the highest order derivative after removing radicals and fractions
Variable Separable Form
First order differential equations of the form: dy/dx = f(x)g(y) can be solved by separating variables:
General vs Particular Solutions
- General Solution: Contains arbitrary constants (equal to the order of the equation)
- Particular Solution: Obtained by substituting specific values for the constants
For differential equations problems:
- Identify the order and degree first
- Check if it’s separable (dy/dx = f(x)g(y))
- If separable, separate variables and integrate both sides
- Use initial conditions to find particular solutions
- Verify your solution by differentiating
Practice Quiz: Integration & Differential Equations
Test your knowledge with these 50 multiple choice questions. Click on your answer, then check the solution.
Study Guidelines for Success
How to Master Calculus Integration
- Memorize the basic formulas: Start with standard integrals of algebraic, trigonometric, and exponential functions.
- Practice daily: Solve at least 5-10 integration problems every day to build muscle memory.
- Understand the concepts: Don’t just memorize steps; understand why each integration technique works.
- Learn to recognize patterns: Many integrals fit common patterns that can be solved with specific substitutions.
- Master integration by parts: This is one of the most important techniques for solving complex integrals.
- Check your answers: Always differentiate your result to verify it matches the original integrand.
- Study in chunks: Break down your study sessions into focused topics (e.g., one hour on trigonometric integrals).
- Use visualization: For definite integrals, sketch the area being calculated to build intuition.
- Solve past papers: Practice with exam-style questions to understand the format and difficulty level.
- Review mistakes: Keep an error log and review it regularly to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
During exams: 1) Scan all questions first, 2) Start with questions you know best, 3) Allocate time based on marks, 4) Show your work for partial credit, 5) Leave time to review answers. For integration problems, if stuck, try a different method (substitution, parts, etc.).