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Chapter 9 Solutions

Worked solutions to all thirty problems, with the reason for each step. These explanations were added for this edition; the chapter answer key and original worked examples follow below.

Chapter problems → · Chapter answer key → · Original worked examples →

Problem 1

Original problem · added worked solution

Solve the indefinite integral ∫cscxdx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

  1. Let u=csc x+cot x. Then u′=-cscxcotx-csc2x=-cscx·u.

    Why: The derivative combines into the same selected sum.

  2. Multiplying the integrand by u/u gives ∫cscx·u/udx=-∫du/u.

    Why: The substitution supplies the numerator and leaves the log denominator.

  3. Integrate to −ln|u|+C and substitute back.

    Why: Absolute values cover any connected interval where sine is nonzero.

Reviewed answer: -ln|cscx+cotx|+C, on intervals with sin x≠0.

Takeaway: A well-chosen sum can make a reciprocal trig integral logarithmic.

Final answer

-ln|cscx+cotx|+C, on intervals with sin x≠0.

Problem 2

Original problem · added worked solution

Evaluate ∫0πcosxcos(sinx)dx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

  1. A primitive is F(x)=ln|sec(sinx)+tan(sinx)|.

    Why: Differentiating gives sec(sin x)·cos x, equal to the integrand.

  2. The inner sine is 0 at both x=0 and x=π, so F has equal endpoint values.

    Why: The integrand is continuous because sin x lies in [0,1], where cosine of that inner value stays positive.

  3. The definite integral is F(π)−F(0)=0.

    Why: This is cancellation of signed contributions, not zero geometric area.

Reviewed answer: 0

Takeaway: Using a primitive avoids treating a nonmonotone substitution as a one-to-one interval change.

Final answer

0

Problem 3

Original problem · added worked solution

Evaluate ∫0264-xdx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

Source review note: The source gives 36.3. The printed MathML has upper bound 2 followed by coefficient 6; evaluating that integral yields the reviewed value shown here.

  1. The printed upper limit is 2 and the coefficient of the radical is 6. Set u=√x, so dx=2u du and u runs from 0 to √2.

    Why: Read the MathML bounds separately from the adjacent coefficient.

  2. The integral becomes 12∫02u4-udu. Put v=4−u to integrate -12(4-v)v1/2dv.

    Why: The second substitution removes the radical's shift.

  3. A primitive in x is -32(4-x)3/2+(24/5)(4-x)5/2; subtract its value at 0 from its value at 2.

    Why: The lower primitive value is −512/5, so its subtraction adds 512/5.

Reviewed answer: 512/5-32(4-2)3/2+(24/5)(4-2)5/2≈20.951317.

Takeaway: Nested substitutions require both differentials and careful endpoint readings.

Final answer

512/5-32(4-2)3/2+(24/5)(4-2)5/2≈20.951317.

Problem 4

Original problem · added worked solution

Solve the indefinite integral ∫239-x2dx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

  1. Use x=3sinθ with θ in [−π/2,π/2]; dx=3cosθ dθ and the radical is 3cosθ.

    Why: This angle range makes the square root's cosine nonnegative.

  2. The transformed integral is 6∫cos2θdθ=3θ+(3/2)sin(2θ)+C.

    Why: Use cos²θ=(1+cos2θ)/2.

  3. Since sin2θ=2(x/3)(√(9−x²)/3), substitute back to the displayed expression.

    Why: This form is equivalent to the source's trig expression on the interior real interval.

Reviewed answer: (x/3)9-x2+3arcsin(x/3)+C

Takeaway: The sign choice for the radical belongs to the substitution's angle interval.

Final answer

(x/3)9-x2+3arcsin(x/3)+C

Problem 5

Original problem · added worked solution

Evaluate the indefinite integral ∫1-4x2xdx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

Source review note: The source gives ln x−2x²+C, valid only for x>0. The original integrand also has a real branch on x<0, covered by ln|x|.

  1. Split the integrand into 1/x−4x.

    Why: Divide the numerator terms separately.

  2. Integrate the two parts to ln|x|−2x²+C.

    Why: The absolute-value logarithm includes both nonzero sign intervals.

Reviewed answer: ln|x|-2x2+C, x≠0.

Takeaway: A primitive's domain should match the original rational function.

Final answer

ln|x|-2x2+C, x≠0.

Problem 6

Original problem · clarified · added worked solution

Evaluate ∫0∞2-x8-4x+2x2-x3dx

Clarification: Interpret the removable hole at x=2 by taking the finite one-sided limits, or equivalently by using the continuous extension.

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

Source review note: The source value is consistent after cancelling a removable 0/0 at x=2 and evaluating the integral by limiting/continuous-extension interpretation.

  1. Factor the denominator as (2-x)(x2+4); away from x=2 the quotient equals 1/(x²+4).

    Why: The original 0/0 at 2 remains a source-domain hole.

  2. The simplified function has a continuous extension through 2 with value 1/8. The two improper side limits at that point are finite.

    Why: A single removable hole does not change the definite integral when interpreted via limits.

  3. A primitive is (1/2)arctan(x/2); evaluating from 0 to infinity gives (1/2)(π/2)=π/4.

    Why: Also take the infinite endpoint as a limit.

Reviewed answer: π/4, treating x=2 as a removable hole.

Takeaway: A removable hole and a genuine singularity behave differently in integration.

Final answer

π/4, treating x=2 as a removable hole.

Problem 7

Original problem · added worked solution

Evaluate ∫13x⋅2-x+3xxdx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

  1. Because x>0 on [1,3], the integrand simplifies to 2x-x2+3=4-(x-1)2.

    Why: Combining the positive square roots does not introduce an absolute-value sign error.

  2. Let u=x−1, giving ∫024-u2du.

    Why: The shifted radical describes a quarter circle of radius 2.

  3. Its area is (1/4)π·22=π; a trig substitution u=2sinθ gives the same value.

    Why: The integration interval stays within the real radical domain.

Reviewed answer: π

Takeaway: Geometry can confirm an otherwise long trig substitution.

Final answer

π

Problem 8

Original problem · added worked solution

Evaluate the indefinite integral ∫tanx⋅sin(ln(cosx))cos(ln(cosx))+3dx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

Source review note: The source gives cos(ln(cos x))+3+C. The denominator requires a logarithm of that expression.

  1. Choose u=cos(ln(cosx))+3.

    Why: The denominator is the natural candidate if its derivative appears above.

  2. u′=-sin(ln(cosx))·(-tanx)=tanxsin(ln(cosx)).

    Why: The two chain-rule minus signs cancel.

  3. The integral is ∫du/u=ln u+C; u≥2 so no absolute value is needed.

    Why: The inside ln requires cos x>0, and the outer log argument stays positive.

Reviewed answer: ln(cos(ln(cosx))+3)+C, on cos x>0.

Takeaway: A denominator paired with its derivative gives a logarithm.

Final answer

ln(cos(ln(cosx))+3)+C, on cos x>0.

Problem 9

Original problem · added worked solution

Evaluate the indefinite integral ∫tan(lnx)x⋅ln(cos(lnx))+3xdx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

Source review note: The source gives ln(ln(cos(ln x)))+3+C. The printed denominator includes +3 inside its bracket; its primitive is −ln|ln(cos(ln x))+3|+C, and the source expression is generally not real-defined.

  1. Factor the denominator as x[ln(cos(lnx))+3] and set u=ln(cos(lnx))+3.

    Why: The whole bracket is the repeated inside expression.

  2. u′=-tan(lnx)/x.

    Why: Differentiate the outer logarithm, cosine, and inner logarithm in order.

  3. The integral becomes −∫du/u, giving the displayed answer and its domain restrictions.

    Why: The negative differential supplies the sign; the absolute value allows either nonzero sign of u.

Reviewed answer: -ln|ln(cos(lnx))+3|+C where x>0, cos(ln x)>0, and ln(cos(ln x))+3≠0.

Takeaway: A missing minus sign or misplaced +3 changes a nested primitive.

Final answer

-ln|ln(cos(lnx))+3|+C where x>0, cos(ln x)>0, and ln(cos(ln x))+3≠0.

Problem 10

Original problem · added worked solution

Solve ∫1-2x1-x2dx

Authored worked explanation for the original source problem.

  1. Integrate the constant 1 to x. For the remaining term use u=1−x², du=−2x dx.

    Why: Split the sum and match the radical's inside derivative.

  2. The substituted part is ∫u^(1/2)du=(2/3)u^(3/2).

    Why: The negative coefficient was already absorbed in du.

  3. Return to x and add C.

    Why: The radical restricts the original real interval.

Reviewed answer: x+(2/3)(1-x2)3/2+C on −1<x<1.

Takeaway: One term can be elementary while another needs substitution.

Final answer

x+(2/3)(1-x2)3/2+C on −1<x<1.

Problem 11

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫2x(x2+1)3dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Let u=x²+1, du=2x dx.

    Why: The numerator exactly matches the inside derivative.

  2. The integral is ∫u³du=u⁴/4+C, then substitute back.

    Why: After changing variables, no x remains.

Reviewed answer: (x2+1)4/4+C

Takeaway: A complete substitution changes both the function and differential.

Final answer

(x2+1)4/4+C

Problem 12

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫2x/(x2+4)dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Set u=x²+4, with du=2x dx.

    Why: The denominator's derivative appears in the numerator.

  2. Integrate du/u and return to x; x²+4>0 for all real x.

    Why: A positive argument makes the absolute value unnecessary.

Reviewed answer: ln(x2+4)+C

Takeaway: A positive quadratic gives a globally valid log argument.

Final answer

ln(x2+4)+C

Problem 13

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫x2sin(x3)dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Let u=x³, so du=3x² dx.

    Why: The coefficient mismatch leaves a factor 1/3.

  2. The integral becomes (1/3)∫sin u du=−cos u/3+C.

    Why: The primitive of sine has a minus sign.

Reviewed answer: -(1/3)cos(x3)+C

Takeaway: Carry a differential's constant factor through the integral.

Final answer

-(1/3)cos(x3)+C

Problem 14

Added problem and worked solution

Find ∫ex/(ex+2)dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Set u=e^x+2, giving du=e^x dx.

    Why: The numerator supplies the inside derivative.

  2. The result is ln u+C and u>0 for every real x.

    Why: The reciprocal u pattern has a logarithmic primitive.

Reviewed answer: ln(ex+2)+C

Takeaway: A constant shift does not change an exponential's derivative.

Final answer

ln(ex+2)+C

Problem 15

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫(lnx)2/xdx for x>0.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Let u=ln x, so du=dx/x.

    Why: The denominator x supplies the log differential.

  2. Integrate u² to u³/3+C and return to x.

    Why: The substitution accounts for the entire integrand.

Reviewed answer: (lnx)3/3+C for x>0.

Takeaway: A logarithm often pairs with a reciprocal x factor.

Final answer

(lnx)3/3+C for x>0.

Problem 16

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫022x/(x2+1)dx using changed bounds.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Use u=x²+1 and du=2x dx; bounds x=0,2 become u=1,5.

    Why: Transform each endpoint through the same substitution.

  2. The integral is ∫₁⁵du/u=ln5−ln1=ln5.

    Why: Evaluate in the variable used by the differential.

Reviewed answer: ln5

Takeaway: Changed bounds prevent mixing x and u in the final evaluation.

Final answer

ln5

Problem 17

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫01x/1-x2dx with u=1−x², treating the endpoint as a limit.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Let u=1−x², du=−2x dx; x=0,1 become u=1,0.

    Why: The substitution reverses the endpoint order.

  2. The integral becomes -(1/2)∫10u-1/2du=(1/2)∫01u-1/2du=1.

    Why: Reversing the bounds cancels the differential's negative sign.

Reviewed answer: 1

Takeaway: Bounds and differential signs must be tracked together.

Final answer

1

Problem 18

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫(x2+1)/(x-1)dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Divide: (x2+1)/(x-1)=x+1+2/(x-1).

    Why: A higher-degree numerator can be simplified before selecting a substitution.

  2. Integrate the polynomial terms and use u=x−1 for the reciprocal term.

    Why: The linear shift's differential is dx.

Reviewed answer: x2/2+x+2ln|x-1|+C, x≠1.

Takeaway: Algebra can be the most useful first integration step.

Final answer

x2/2+x+2ln|x-1|+C, x≠1.

Problem 19

Added problem and worked solution

Use trig substitution to evaluate ∫011/(4-x2)3/2dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Use x=2sinθ for 0≤θ≤π/6; dx=2cosθ dθ and (4−x²)^(3/2)=8cos³θ.

    Why: The cosine is nonnegative on this chosen interval.

  2. The integral becomes (1/4)∫0π/6sec2θdθ=(1/4)tan(π/6).

    Why: The differential’s cosine cancels one factor from the denominator’s cos³θ, leaving 1/(4cos²θ).

Reviewed answer: 1/[43]

Takeaway: Include the scale factor from both the radical and differential.

Final answer

1/[43]

Problem 20

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫0416-x2dx and confirm it geometrically.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. The graph y=√(16−x²) on [0,4] is a quarter circle of radius 4.

    Why: The radicand is nonnegative through both endpoints.

  2. Its area is π·4²/4=4π. Equivalently x=4sinθ yields 16∫0π/2cos2θdθ.

    Why: Geometry confirms the trig substitution and its bounds.

Reviewed answer: 4π

Takeaway: A geometric check can catch an omitted scale factor.

Final answer

4π

Problem 21

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫122x-x2dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Complete the square: 2x-x2=1-(x-1)2.

    Why: A shift turns the radical into a standard circle.

  2. For x from 1 to 2, u=x−1 runs from 0 to 1; the integral is one quarter of a unit circle.

    Why: The transformed interval selects the right-hand quarter.

Reviewed answer: π/4

Takeaway: Complete the square before choosing a trig substitution.

Final answer

π/4

Problem 22

Added problem and worked solution

Use x=3tanθ to evaluate ∫031/(x2+9)dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Let x=3tanθ, dx=3sec²θ dθ and x²+9=9sec²θ.

    Why: The tangent identity handles a sum of squares.

  2. Bounds x=0,3 become θ=0,π/4, so the integral is (1/3)∫0π/4dθ=π/12.

    Why: The secant squared factors cancel exactly.

Reviewed answer: π/12

Takeaway: Choose tan for a positive sum of squares.

Final answer

π/12

Problem 23

Added problem and worked solution

Derive ∫secxdx by choosing u=sec x+tan x.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Let u=sec x+tan x, so du=sec x(sec x+tan x)dx.

    Why: The chosen sum factors from its derivative.

  2. Multiply sec x by u/u and obtain ∫du/u.

    Why: This leaves a logarithmic primitive.

  3. Restore x and add C.

    Why: The source function's excluded cosine zeros remain excluded.

Reviewed answer: ln|secx+tanx|+C, cos x≠0.

Takeaway: A clever factor of one can create the needed differential.

Final answer

ln|secx+tanx|+C, cos x≠0.

Problem 24

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫tanxdx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Rewrite tan x as sin x/cos x and let u=cos x.

    Why: The denominator's derivative is almost the numerator.

  2. du=−sin x dx, so the integral is −∫du/u.

    Why: The differential's sign gives the leading minus.

Reviewed answer: -ln|cosx|+C, cos x≠0.

Takeaway: A trig quotient can be an ordinary logarithmic substitution.

Final answer

-ln|cosx|+C, cos x≠0.

Problem 25

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫sin2(2x)dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Use sin2(2x)=(1-cos(4x))/2.

    Why: The half-angle identity lowers the squared trig power.

  2. Integrate the constant 1/2 and the scaled cosine separately.

    Why: The cosine argument 4x contributes a division by 4.

Reviewed answer: x/2-sin(4x)/8+C

Takeaway: An identity can make an integral elementary before substitution.

Final answer

x/2-sin(4x)/8+C

Problem 26

Added problem and worked solution

A student uses u=x² in ∫xex2dx and writes ∫eudu. Diagnose and correct the error.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. For u=x², du=2x dx, so x dx=du/2.

    Why: The original numerator contains x, not 2x.

  2. The proposed ∫e^u du is twice the correct result.

    Why: Every differential's coefficient must be accounted for.

Reviewed answer: The correct rewritten integral is (1/2)∫eudu, hence (1/2)ex2+C.

Takeaway: Write the differential explicitly before replacing the integrand.

Final answer

The correct rewritten integral is (1/2)∫eudu, hence (1/2)ex2+C.

Problem 27

Added problem and worked solution

Why is the angle interval important when using x=sinθ to simplify 1-x2?

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. In general cos2θ=|cosθ|.

    Why: A square root returns the nonnegative value.

  2. Choosing θ in [−π/2,π/2] ensures cosθ≥0, so the absolute value may then be removed.

    Why: A substitution's angle interval justifies its simplified radical.

Reviewed answer: Use 1-sin2θ=cosθ on θ∈[−π/2,π/2]; outside that interval the absolute value is needed.

Takeaway: A branch choice is part of a trig substitution, not an optional afterthought.

Final answer

Use 1-sin2θ=cosθ on θ∈[−π/2,π/2]; outside that interval the absolute value is needed.

Problem 28

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫cosx/(3+sinx)dx.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. Set u=3+sin x, du=cos x dx.

    Why: The denominator and its derivative pair exactly.

  2. The log needs no absolute value because u lies in [2,4].

    Why: Its argument stays positive on the entire real line.

Reviewed answer: ln(3+sinx)+C

Takeaway: Check the sign of a log argument to simplify the final form safely.

Final answer

ln(3+sinx)+C

Problem 29

Added problem and worked solution

Evaluate ∫-112xcos(x2)dx using a primitive, and explain the sign cancellation.

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. A primitive of 2xcos(x2) is sin(x²).

    Why: The inner square's derivative is the numerator.

  2. At −1 and 1 the primitive is the same, sin1, so the difference is zero.

    Why: The odd integrand's negative and positive portions also cancel.

Reviewed answer: 0

Takeaway: Equal transformed endpoint values can signal signed cancellation.

Final answer

0

Problem 30

Added problem and worked solution

For ∫4-x2dx, compare u=4−x² with x=2sinθ. Which choice gives a useful first step, and why?

Authored solution to an added practice problem.

  1. For u=4−x², du=−2x dx, but the original integral has no factor x.

    Why: The straightforward substitution does not absorb the whole differential.

  2. With x=2sinθ on the principal sine interval, √(4−x²)=2cosθ and dx=2cosθ dθ.

    Why: The trig identity removes the radical and accounts for the differential together.

  3. The remaining cos²θ can be integrated by a half-angle identity.

    Why: The transformed expression uses familiar trig integrals.

Reviewed answer: Use x=2sinθ, which transforms the integrand to 4cos²θ dθ; u=4−x² alone leaves an unmatched x factor.

Takeaway: Choose the substitution that simplifies the full integral, including dx.

Final answer

Use x=2sinθ, which transforms the integrand to 4cos²θ dθ; u=4−x² alone leaves an unmatched x factor.

Chapter answer key and worked steps

Answers and worked steps for the original problems, including verified corrections where needed.

  1. Original short answer

    -ln|cscx+cotx|+C
    Problem 1 →
  2. Original short answer

    0
    Problem 2 →
  3. Corrected answer

    512/5-32(4-2)3/2+(24/5)(4-2)5/2≈20.951317.
    Problem 3 →
  4. Original short answer

    3sin-1(x3)+32sin(2sin-1(x3))+C
    Problem 4 →
  5. Checked answer

    ln|x|-2x2+C, x≠0.
    Problem 5 →
  6. Checked answer

    π/4, treating x=2 as a removable hole.
    Problem 6 →
  7. Original short answer

    π
    Problem 7 →
  8. Corrected answer

    ln(cos(ln(cosx))+3)+C, on cos x>0.
    Problem 8 →
  9. Corrected answer

    -ln|ln(cos(lnx))+3|+C where x>0, cos(ln x)>0, and ln(cos(ln x))+3≠0.
    Problem 9 →
  10. Original short answer

    x+23(1-x2)32+C
    Problem 10 →

Read the chapter answer key in the book →

Source worked examples

These are the book’s example problems and worked steps, with the original explanations.

Example Problem 9.1.1

U-Substitution →

Evaluate the indefinite integral

∫3x2cos(x3+ln(x)+3)+cos(x3+ln(x)+3)xdx

This may seem very complex, but notice that we can factor out the cosine term out of both parts of the integrand.

=∫(3x2+1x)cos(x3+ln(x)+3)dx

Now let’s substitute:

u=x3+ln(x)+3​
du=(3x2+1x)dx

Notice that the integral is now written in such a way that these substitutions just fall right into place.

=∫cos(x3+ln(x)+3)⋅(3x2+1x)dx

=∫cosudu​
=sinu+C

=sin(x3+ln(x)+3)+C​

 

Return to the original example →

Example Problem 9.1.2

U-Substitution →

Evaluate the definite integral ∫252x2+x+2x-1dx

When choosing where to substitute, it is often the instinct to substitute the most complex part of the integral. However, for fractional integrals, it is better to substitute for the denominator, because the numerator can be split up into smaller integrals.

u=x-1​
du=dx
(derivative of a constant is 0)​
Since
x: 2→5, then u: 1→4

Substituting these gives us the integral

∫142x2+x+2udu

What can we do about the numerator though? Well, the great thing about substitution is, just as we can set u as a function of x, we can also set x as a function of u. Rearranging u=x-1into x=u+1

∫142(u+1)2+(u+1)+2udu​

=∫142(u2+2u+1)+u+3udu

=∫142u2+4u+2+u+3udu​
=∫142u2+5u+5udu

Now we can split up this integral and integrate each fraction individually.

=∫142u2udu+∫145uudu+∫145udu

=∫14u2+∫145u+5ln(u)

[u2]14+[5u]14+[5lnu]14

=(42-12)+5(4-1)+5(ln(4)-ln(1))

=15+15-5ln(4)=5(6-ln(4))

Return to the original example →

Example Problem 9.2.1

Trigonometric Substitution →

Evaluate the definite integral ∫00.51(1-x2)32dx

Rather than trying to find an appropriate u this time, let’s substitute for x instead. Let’s use a function that can be written many different ways, like sinθ.

Note: We can use cosθ as well, but sinθ will make calculating the integral a little easier, as we will see.

x=sinθ

dx=cosθdθ

What’s another way we can write cosθ? Recall from our trig identities that

cosθ=1-sin2θ

Let’s also account for the intervals of integration:

As x:0→12,

sinθ:0→π6​
We are assuming that θ lies in quadrants I and IV, which is the standard domain for the function sinθ.

Hopefully you are starting to see how this will work out. If not, perhaps rewriting the integral this way will help

=∫00.51(1-x2)3dx

Now let’s begin substituting:

=∫0π6cosθ(1-sin2θ)3dθ​
​
Remember that cosθ=1-sin2θ​

 

=∫0π6cosθ(cosθ)32dθ

(Did you see what just happened?!?)

=∫0π6sec2θdθ

Which function has a derivative of sec2(x)? Now, before you go ahead and start deriving trigonometric derivatives using implicit differentiation, it’s tan(x).

=[tanθ]0π6

=tanπ6-tan0

=13-0=33

Return to the original example →

Example Problem 9.2.2

Trigonometric Substitution →

Evaluate the integral ∫-12-x2-2x+8dx

This may seem like a relatively simple integral at first, but any time we see -x2, especially inside a radical, it should alert our brains to the possibility that solving the integral will require trig substitution. Get ready for a tough problem.

In the previous problem, Example 9.2.1, we substituted x = sin(x) and converted 1-x2 into cos(x). This is a common strategy in trig substitution. Our job here is to try to change the function within the radical into the form

∫-12constant - (function)2dx

The way we do that is by completing the square.

∫-128+A-(x2+2x+A)dx​
We want to select A so that x2-2x+A will become a perfect square. Notice that the value of A does not change the function inside the radical because the A is added, then later subtracted (you can check for yourself by distributing out the negative sign).

The rules of completing the square tell us that since the coefficient of x2 is 1,

A=(22)2=1

The green 2 in the numerator is because it is the coefficient of x. We now know that A = 1, and the radical can be rewritten as

∫-129-(x+1)2dx​
The problem now is the 9. How can we change that into a 1 for easier substitution? Let’s just factor it out!

∫-129(1-(x+1)29)dx​
The rules of radicals and exponents tell us that the above expression is the same as

∫-129⋅1-(x+1)232dx​
∫-1231-(x+13)2dx

Aaaaah, now we can begin substituting. We want the integral to have 1-sin2θ in it.

sinθ=x+13

cosθdθ=13dx

3cosθdθ=dx

Plugging these substitutions into the integral, we get

=∫1231-sin2θ⋅3cosθdθ​
​
Since 1-sin2θ=cos2θ, the square root of which equals cosθ, we now have in our integrand

∫-129cos2θdθ

Before we integrate this, notice we are missing something. Can you guess what it is? The intervals of integration. They are still in the form of x ranging from -1 to 2. So we ask ourselves, when x ranges from -1 to 2, what is the range of θ? From our original substitution,

θ=sin-1(x+13)

sin-1(0)=0

sin-1(1)=π2

Plugging this into our intervals, we get

=∫0π29cos2θdθ

What to do about cos2θ, though? We want to reduce its order to 1 somehow.

Let’s seek guidance from our trigonometric identities, more specifically, the double angle formulas. Can you spot a cos2θ? It states that cos(2θ)=2cos2θ-1. Going from that, we can see that

=cos2θ=cos(2θ)+12​
​
We can substitute this into our integral to reduce the power of the integrand by 1, giving us

=∫0π292(cos(2θ)+1)dθ

We can actually go ahead and evaluate this integral because we know that the integral of cos(2θ) is equal to 0.5sin(2θ) .

=92([sin(2θ)2]0π2+[θ]0π2)​
=92[(sin(π)2-sin(0)2)+(π2-0)]​
Both sin(π) and sin(0) are 0, so the first term is 0, leaving us with the integral being equal to

=92⋅π2​

=9π4​

 

Return to the original example →

Example Problem 9.2.3

Trigonometric Substitution →

An alternate way to solve ∫12-x2-2x+8dx

Recall that the purpose of an integral is to calculate the area under the curve of the integrand. So, if we know what kind of function the integrand is, then perhaps that will help us calculate its area. Let’s call the integrand y so that

​
y=-x2-2x+8

y2=-x2-2x+8​
x3+2x+y2=8​
Completing the square for the x-terms on the left side gives

x2+2x+1+y2=9

Notice that the equation still stays balanced if you subtract 1 from both sides.

(x+1)2+y2=32

This equation should look familiar. It’s the equation of a circle of radius 3, with a center at (-1, 0). However, due to the square root sign in the original function, we are only looking at the upper half of the circle (if the area in question was the lower half, there would be a negative sign in front of the square root).​

 

Now, what is the area of a semi-circle with radius 3 and a center at (-1, 0) from x = -1 to x = 2. It’s equal to half the area of the semi-circle!

A=14π(3)2

=9π4

Return to the original example →

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