MathIsimple
Lesson 1-2: Integration Techniques - Indefinite & Definite Integrals

Integration Techniques - Indefinite & Definite Integrals

Master fundamental integration techniques including indefinite and definite integrals, substitution methods, integration by parts, and geometric interpretations. Learn to apply these techniques to solve complex calculus problems and real-world applications.

Learning Objectives

Indefinite Integrals

Master antiderivatives and basic integration rules

Definite Integrals

Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and geometric interpretations

Integration Techniques

Master substitution and integration by parts methods

Real-World Applications

Apply integration to physics, economics, and engineering problems

Core Knowledge Points

Indefinite Integrals & Basic Rules

An antiderivative FF of a function ff satisfies F(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x). The indefinite integral is the general antiderivative plus a constant:

f(x)dx=F(x)+C\int f(x) \, dx = F(x) + C

where CC is the constant of integration

Basic Integration Rules:

  • xndx=xn+1n+1+C\int x^n \, dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C (for n1n \neq -1)
  • exdx=ex+C\int e^x \, dx = e^x + C
  • 1xdx=lnx+C\int \frac{1}{x} \, dx = \ln|x| + C
  • sinxdx=cosx+C\int \sin x \, dx = -\cos x + C
  • cosxdx=sinx+C\int \cos x \, dx = \sin x + C

Definite Integrals & Fundamental Theorem

The definite integral represents the signed area under the curve and is computed using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus:

abf(x)dx=F(b)F(a)\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = F(b) - F(a)

where FF is any antiderivative of ff

Geometric Interpretation:

  • • Positive area above the x-axis
  • • Negative area below the x-axis
  • • Net area = sum of positive and negative areas

Integration Techniques

Substitution (u-substitution)

f(g(x))g(x)dx=f(u)du\int f(g(x))g'(x) \, dx = \int f(u) \, du

Let u = g(x), then du = g'(x)dx

Integration by Parts

udv=uvvdu\int u \, dv = uv - \int v \, du

Choose u and dv strategically

Real-World Applications

Physics and Engineering Applications

Work and Energy

Work done by a variable force: W=abF(x)dxW = \int_a^b F(x) \, dx

Calculate work done by forces that vary with position

Area and Volume

Area between curves: A=abf(x)g(x)dxA = \int_a^b |f(x) - g(x)| \, dx

Volume of revolution: V=πab[f(x)]2dxV = \pi \int_a^b [f(x)]^2 \, dx

Comprehensive Example Analysis

Substitution Method Example

Find: lnxxdx\int \frac{\ln x}{x} \, dx

1. Identify u and du

Let u=lnxu = \ln x, then du=1xdxdu = \frac{1}{x} \, dx

2. Substitute

lnxxdx=udu\int \frac{\ln x}{x} \, dx = \int u \, du

3. Integrate

udu=u22+C=(lnx)22+C\int u \, du = \frac{u^2}{2} + C = \frac{(\ln x)^2}{2} + C

Integration by Parts Example

Find: xexdx\int x e^x \, dx

1. Choose u and dv

Let u=xu = x, dv=exdxdv = e^x \, dx

Then du=dxdu = dx, v=exv = e^x

2. Apply Integration by Parts

xexdx=xexexdx\int x e^x \, dx = x e^x - \int e^x \, dx

3. Complete the Integration

xexdx=xexex+C=ex(x1)+C\int x e^x \, dx = x e^x - e^x + C = e^x(x - 1) + C

Practice Problems

Problem 1: Basic Integration

Evaluate the following indefinite integrals:

a) (3x2+2x5)dx\int (3x^2 + 2x - 5) \, dx

b) 1x3dx\int \frac{1}{x^3} \, dx

c) sin(2x)dx\int \sin(2x) \, dx

d) e3xdx\int e^{3x} \, dx

Problem 2: Substitution Method

Use substitution to evaluate:

a) xx2+1dx\int x \sqrt{x^2 + 1} \, dx

b) xx2+4dx\int \frac{x}{x^2 + 4} \, dx

c) cos3xsinxdx\int \cos^3 x \sin x \, dx

Problem 3: Definite Integrals

Evaluate the following definite integrals:

a) 02(x2+3x)dx\int_0^2 (x^2 + 3x) \, dx

b) 1elnxxdx\int_1^e \frac{\ln x}{x} \, dx

c) 0π/2sinxdx\int_0^{\pi/2} \sin x \, dx

Key Takeaways

Indefinite Integrals

Find antiderivatives using basic rules and always include the constant of integration

Fundamental Theorem

Use F(b) - F(a) to evaluate definite integrals and interpret as signed area

Integration Techniques

Master substitution and integration by parts for complex integrals

Applications

Apply integration to calculate areas, volumes, work, and other physical quantities

Advanced Insights

Integration by Parts Strategy: Choose u as the function that becomes simpler when differentiated, and dv as the function that's easy to integrate.

Substitution Strategy: Look for composite functions where the derivative of the inner function appears as a factor.

Definite Integral Properties: abf(x)dx=baf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = -\int_b^a f(x) \, dx and abf(x)dx=acf(x)dx+cbf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = \int_a^c f(x) \, dx + \int_c^b f(x) \, dx.

Common Pitfalls

  • • Forgetting the constant of integration in indefinite integrals
  • • Not changing the limits of integration when using substitution in definite integrals
  • • Choosing u and dv incorrectly in integration by parts
  • • Confusing definite and indefinite integrals in problem-solving