262 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

uses them. We have already discussed some basic integration formulas and the method of integration by substitution. In
this chapter, we study some additional techniques, including some ways of approximating definite integrals when normal
techniques do not work.

3.1 | Integration by Parts

Learning Objectives
3.1.1 Recognize when to use integration by parts.
3.1.2 Use the integration-by-parts formula to solve integration problems.
3.1.3 Use the integration-by-parts formula for definite integrals.

By now we have a fairly thorough procedure for how to evaluate many basic integrals. However, although we can integrate
∫ x sin(x 2)dx by using the substitution, u = x 2, something as simple looking as ∫ x sin x dx defies us. Many students
want to know whether there is a product rule for integration. There isn’t, but there is a technique based on the product rule
for differentiation that allows us to exchange one integral for another. We call this technique integration by parts.

The Integration-by-Parts Formula

If, h(x) = f (x)g(x), then by using the product rule, we obtain h′(x) = f ′(x)g(x) + g′(x) f (x). Although at first it may

seem counterproductive, let’s now integrate both sides of this equation: ∫ h′(x)dx = ∫ ⎛
⎝g(x) f ′(x) + f (x)g′(x)⎞⎠dx.

This gives us

h(x) = f (x)g(x) = ∫ g(x) f ′(x)dx + ∫ f (x)g′(x)dx.

Now we solve for ∫ f (x)g′(x)dx :

∫ f (x)g′(x)dx = f (x)g(x) − ∫ g(x) f ′(x)dx.

By making the substitutions u = f (x) and v = g(x), which in turn make du = f ′(x)dx and dv = g′(x)dx, we have the
more compact form

∫ u dv = uv − ∫ v du.

Theorem 3.1: Integration by Parts

Let u = f (x) and v = g(x) be functions with continuous derivatives. Then, the integration-by-parts formula for the
integral involving these two functions is:

∫ u dv = uv − ∫ v du. (3.1)

The advantage of using the integration-by-parts formula is that we can use it to exchange one integral for another, possibly
easier, integral. The following example illustrates its use.

Example 3.1

Using Integration by Parts

Use integration by parts with u = x and dv = sin x dx to evaluate ∫ x sin x dx.

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 263

Solution
By choosing u = x, we have du = 1dx. Since dv = sin x dx, we get v = ∫ sin x dx = −cos x. It is handy to
keep track of these values as follows:
u = x dv = sin x dx
du = 1dx v = ∫ sin x dx = −cos x.
Applying the integration-by-parts formula results in

∫ x sin x dx = (x)(−cos x) − ∫ (−cos x)(1dx) Substitute.

= −x cos x + ∫ cos x dx Simplify.

= −x cos x + sin x + C. Use ∫ cos x dx = sin x + C.

Analysis
At this point, there are probably a few items that need clarification. First of all, you may be curious about
what would have happened if we had chosen u = sin x and dv = x. If we had done so, then we would
have du = cos x and v = 1 x 2. Thus, after applying integration by parts, we have
2
∫ x sin x dx = 12 x 2 sin x − ∫ 1 x 2 cos x dx. Unfortunately, with the new integral, we are in no better position
2
than before. It is important to keep in mind that when we apply integration by parts, we may need to try several
choices for u and dv before finding a choice that works.

Second, you may wonder why, when we find v = ∫ sin x dx = −cos x, we do not use v = −cos x + K. To see
that it makes no difference, we can rework the problem using v = −cos x + K:

∫ x sin x dx = (x)(−cos x + K) − ∫ (−cos x + K)(1dx)

= −x cos x + Kx + ∫ cos x dx − ∫ Kdx

= −x cos x + Kx + sin x − Kx + C
= −x cos x + sin x + C.
As you can see, it makes no difference in the final solution.
Last, we can check to make sure that our antiderivative is correct by differentiating −x cos x + sin x + C:
d (−x cos x + sin x + C) = (−1)cos x + (−x)(−sin x) + cos x
dx
= x sin x.
Therefore, the antiderivative checks out.

Watch this video (http://www.openstaxcollege.org/l/20_intbyparts1) and visit this website

(http://www.openstaxcollege.org/l/20_intbyparts2) for examples of integration by parts.

3.1 Evaluate ∫ xe 2x dx using the integration-by-parts formula with u = x and dv = e 2x dx.

The natural question to ask at this point is: How do we know how to choose u and dv ? Sometimes it is a matter of trial
and error; however, the acronym LIATE can often help to take some of the guesswork out of our choices. This acronym
264 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

stands for Logarithmic Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Algebraic Functions, Trigonometric Functions, and
Exponential Functions. This mnemonic serves as an aid in determining an appropriate choice for u.
The type of function in the integral that appears first in the list should be our first choice of u. For example, if an integral
contains a logarithmic function and an algebraic function, we should choose u to be the logarithmic function, because L
comes before A in LIATE. The integral in Example 3.1 has a trigonometric function (sin x) and an algebraic function
(x). Because A comes before T in LIATE, we chose u to be the algebraic function. When we have chosen u, dv is
selected to be the remaining part of the function to be integrated, together with dx.
Why does this mnemonic work? Remember that whatever we pick to be dv must be something we can integrate. Since we
do not have integration formulas that allow us to integrate simple logarithmic functions and inverse trigonometric functions,
it makes sense that they should not be chosen as values for dv. Consequently, they should be at the head of the list as
choices for u. Thus, we put LI at the beginning of the mnemonic. (We could just as easily have started with IL, since
these two types of functions won’t appear together in an integration-by-parts problem.) The exponential and trigonometric
functions are at the end of our list because they are fairly easy to integrate and make good choices for dv. Thus, we have
TE at the end of our mnemonic. (We could just as easily have used ET at the end, since when these types of functions appear
together it usually doesn’t really matter which one is u and which one is dv.) Algebraic functions are generally easy both
to integrate and to differentiate, and they come in the middle of the mnemonic.

Example 3.2

Using Integration by Parts

Evaluate ∫ ln3x dx.

x

Solution
Begin by rewriting the integral:

∫ ln3x dx = ∫ x −3 ln x dx.
x

Since this integral contains the algebraic function x −3 and the logarithmic function ln x, choose u = ln x,
since L comes before A in LIATE. After we have chosen u = ln x, we must choose dv = x −3 dx.

Next, since u = ln x, we have du = 1x dx. Also, v = ∫ x −3 dx = − 1 x −2. Summarizing,

2

u = ln x dv = x −3 dx
du = 1x dx v = ∫ x −3 dx = − 1 x −2.
2
Substituting into the integration-by-parts formula (Equation 3.1) gives
⎛ ⎞ ⎛ ⎞
∫ ln3x dx = ∫ x −3 ln x dx = ⎝ln x)(− 1 x −2⎠ − ∫ ⎝− 1 x −2⎠( 1x dx)
2 2
x
= − 1 x −2 ln x + ∫ 1 x −3 dx Simplify.
2 2
1 1
= − x ln x − x −2 + C
−2
Integrate.
2 4
= − 1 2 ln x − 1 2 + C. Rewrite with positive integers.
2x 4x

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 265

3.2 Evaluate ∫ x ln x dx.

In some cases, as in the next two examples, it may be necessary to apply integration by parts more than once.

Example 3.3

Applying Integration by Parts More Than Once

Evaluate ∫ x 2 e 3x dx.

Solution
⎛ ⎞
Using LIATE, choose u = x 2 and dv = e 3x dx. Thus, du = 2x dx and v = ∫ e 3x dx = ⎝1 ⎠e 3x. Therefore,
3

u = x2 dv = e 3x dx
du = 2x dx v = ∫ e 3x dx = 13 e 3x.
Substituting into Equation 3.1 produces

∫ x 2 e 3x dx = 13 x 2 e 3x − ∫ 23 xe 3x dx.

We still cannot integrate ∫ 23 xe 3x dx directly, but the integral now has a lower power on x. We can evaluate this

new integral by using integration by parts again. To do this, choose u = x and dv = 2 e 3x dx. Thus, du = dx
3
⎛2 ⎞ 3x ⎛2 ⎞ 3x
and v = ∫ ⎝3 ⎠e dx = ⎝9 ⎠e . Now we have

u = x dv = 2 e 3x dx
3
du = dx v = ∫ 2 e 3x dx = 2 e 3x.
3 9
Substituting back into the previous equation yields

∫ x 2 e 3x dx = 13 x 2 e 3x − ⎛⎝29 xe 3x − ∫ 29 e 3x dx⎞⎠.
After evaluating the last integral and simplifying, we obtain

∫ x 2 e 3x dx = 13 x 2 e 3x − 29 xe 3x + 27
2 e 3x + C.

Example 3.4

Applying Integration by Parts When LIATE Doesn’t Quite Work

2
Evaluate ∫ t3 et dt.
266 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

Solution
If we use a strict interpretation of the mnemonic LIATE to make our choice of u, we end up with u = t 3 and
2 2
dv = e t dt. Unfortunately, this choice won’t work because we are unable to evaluate ∫ et dt. However, since
2 2
we can evaluate ∫ te t dx, we can try choosing u = t 2 and dv = te t dt. With these choices we have

2
u = t2 dv = te t dt
2 2
du = 2t dt v = ∫ te t dt = 1 e t .
2
Thus, we obtain
2 2 2
∫ t 3 e t dt = 1 t 2 e t − ∫ 1 e t 2tdt
2 2
2 2
= 1 t 2 e t − 1 e t + C.
2 2

Example 3.5

Applying Integration by Parts More Than Once

Evaluate ∫ sin(ln x)dx.

Solution
This integral appears to have only one function—namely, sin(ln x) —however, we can always use the constant
function 1 as the other function. In this example, let’s choose u = sin(ln x) and dv = 1dx. (The decision to
use u = sin(ln x) is easy. We can’t choose dv = sin(ln x)dx because if we could integrate it, we wouldn’t be

using integration by parts in the first place!) Consequently, du = (1/x)cos(ln x)dx and v = ∫ 1dx = x. After
applying integration by parts to the integral and simplifying, we have

∫ sin(ln x)dx = x sin(ln x) − ∫ cos(ln x)dx.

Unfortunately, this process leaves us with a new integral that is very similar to the original. However, let’s see
what happens when we apply integration by parts again. This time let’s choose u = cos(ln x) and dv = 1dx,

making du = −(1/x)sin(ln x)dx and v = ∫ 1dx = x. Substituting, we have

∫ sin(ln x)dx = x sin(ln x) − ⎛⎝x cos(ln x) — ∫ ⎞

− sin(ln x)dx⎠.

After simplifying, we obtain

∫ sin(ln x)dx = x sin(ln x) − x cos(ln x) − ∫ sin(ln x)dx.

The last integral is now the same as the original. It may seem that we have simply gone in a circle, but now we
can actually evaluate the integral. To see how to do this more clearly, substitute I = ∫ sin(ln x)dx. Thus, the

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 267

equation becomes
I = x sin(ln x) − x cos(ln x) − I.
First, add I to both sides of the equation to obtain
2I = x sin(ln x) − x cos(ln x).
Next, divide by 2:

I = 1 x sin(ln x) − 1 x cos(ln x).

2 2

Substituting I = ∫ sin(ln x)dx again, we have

∫ sin(ln x)dx = 12 x sin(ln x) − 12 x cos(ln x).

From this we see that (1/2)x sin(ln x) − (1/2)x cos(ln x) is an antiderivative of sin(ln x)dx. For the most general
antiderivative, add +C:

∫ sin(ln x)dx = 12 x sin(ln x) − 12 x cos(ln x) + C.

Analysis
If this method feels a little strange at first, we can check the answer by differentiation:
d ⎛1 x sin(ln x) − 1 x cos(ln x)⎞
dx ⎝2 2 ⎠
⎛ ⎞
= (sin(ln x)) + cos(ln x) · x · 1 x − ⎝1 cos(ln x) − sin(ln x) · 1x · 1 x⎠
1 1
2 2 2 2
= sin(ln x).

3.3 Evaluate ∫ x 2 sin x dx.

Integration by Parts for Definite Integrals

Now that we have used integration by parts successfully to evaluate indefinite integrals, we turn our attention to definite
integrals. The integration technique is really the same, only we add a step to evaluate the integral at the upper and lower
limits of integration.

Theorem 3.2: Integration by Parts for Definite Integrals

Let u = f (x) and v = g(x) be functions with continuous derivatives on [a, b]. Then
b b (3.2)
∫ a u dv = uv| ba − ∫ a v du.

Example 3.6

Finding the Area of a Region

268 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

Find the area of the region bounded above by the graph of y = tan −1 x and below by the x -axis over the interval
[0, 1].

Solution
1
This region is shown in Figure 3.2. To find the area, we must evaluate ∫ tan −1 x dx.
0

Figure 3.2 To find the area of the shaded region, we have to

use integration by parts.

For this integral, let’s choose u = tan −1 x and dv = dx, thereby making du = 2 1 dx and v = x. After
x +1
applying the integration-by-parts formula (Equation 3.2) we obtain
1
Area = x tan −1 x| 10 − ∫ 2 x dx.
0 x +1

Use u-substitution to obtain

1
x dx = 1 ln x 2 + 1 1.
∫ 2
0 x +1
2 |0 |
Thus,

| |
1 1

0 2 0
|
Area = x tan −1 x − 1 ln x 2 + 1 = π − 1 ln 2.
4 2

At this point it might not be a bad idea to do a “reality check” on the reasonableness of our solution. Since
π − 1 ln2 ≈ 0.4388, and from Figure 3.2 we expect our area to be slightly less than 0.5, this solution appears
4 2
to be reasonable.

Example 3.7

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 269

Finding a Volume of Revolution

Find the volume of the solid obtained by revolving the region bounded by the graph of f (x) = e −x, the x-axis,
the y-axis, and the line x = 1 about the y-axis.

Solution
The best option to solving this problem is to use the shell method. Begin by sketching the region to be revolved,
along with a typical rectangle (see the following graph).

Figure 3.3 We can use the shell method to find a volume of revolution.

1
To find the volume using shells, we must evaluate 2π ∫ xe −x dx. To do this, let u = x and dv = e −x. These
0

choices lead to du = dx and v = ∫ e −x −x

= −e . Substituting into Equation 3.2, we obtain

|
1 1 1
Volume = 2π ∫ xe −x
dx = 2π(−xe −x
+ ∫ e −x dx) Use integration by parts.
0 0
0

|
1 1

|
1
= |
−2πxe −x 1 − 2πe −x Evaluate ∫ e −x
dx = −e −x
.
0 0 0
0
= 2π − 4π
e. Evaluate and simplify.

Analysis
Again, it is a good idea to check the reasonableness of our solution. We observe that the solid has a volume
slightly less than that of a cylinder of radius 1 and height of 1/e added to the volume of a cone of base radius
1 and height of 1 − 1 . Consequently, the solid should have a volume a bit less than
3
⎛ ⎞
π(1) 2 1e + ⎝π ⎠(1) 2 ⎛⎝1 − 1e ⎞⎠ = 2π − π ≈ 1.8177.
3 3e 3

Since 2π − 4π
e ≈ 1.6603, we see that our calculated volume is reasonable.

3.4 π/2
Evaluate ∫ x cos x dx.
0
270 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

3.1 EXERCISES
In using the technique of integration by parts, you must
carefully choose which expression is u. For each of the
18. ∫ x 2 e 4xdx
following problems, use the guidelines in this section to
choose u. Do not evaluate the integrals. 19. ∫ e x sin x dx
1. ∫ x 3 e 2x dx
20. ∫ e x cos x dx
2. ∫ x 3 ln(x)dx 2
21. ∫ xe −x dx

3. ∫ y 3 cos ydx
22. ∫ x 2 e −x dx
4. ∫ x 2 arctan x dx
23. ∫ sin(ln(2x))dx
5. ∫ e 3x sin(2x)dx
24. ∫ cos(ln x)dx
Find the integral by using the simplest method. Not all
problems require integration by parts. 25. ∫ (ln x) 2 dx
6. ∫ vsinvdv
26. ∫ ln(x 2)dx
7. ∫ ln x dx (Hint: ∫ ln x dx is equivalent to
27. ∫ x 2 ln x dx
∫ 1 · ln(x)dx.)
28. ∫ sin −1 x dx
8. ∫ x cos x dx
29. ∫ cos −1(2x)dx
9. ∫ tan −1
x dx
30. ∫ x arctan x dx
10. ∫ x 2e x dx
31. ∫ x 2 sin x dx
11. ∫ x sin(2x)dx
32. ∫ x 3 cos x dx
12. ∫ xe 4x
dx
33. ∫ x 3 sin x dx
13. ∫ xe −x
dx
34. ∫ x 3 e x dx
14. ∫ x cos3x dx
35. ∫ x sec −1 x dx
15. ∫x 2
cos x dx
36. ∫ x sec 2 x dx
16. ∫ x ln x dx
37. ∫ x cosh x dx
17. ∫ ln(2x + 1)dx

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 271

Compute the definite integrals. Use a graphing utility to evaluate the integral. If so, identify u and dv. If not,
confirm your answers. describe the technique used to perform the integration
without actually doing the problem.
1
38. ∫ ln x dx
1/e 52. ∫ x ln x dx
1 2
39. ∫ xe −2x dx (Express the answer in exact form.) 53. ∫ lnx x dx
0

40. ∫
1
e x dx(let u = x)
54. ∫ xe x dx
0
2−3
e 55. ∫ xe x dx
41. ∫ 2
ln(x )dx
1

π
56. ∫ x 2 sin x dx
42. ∫ x cos x dx
0
57. ∫ x 2 sin(3x 3 + 2)dx
π
43. ∫ −π x sin x dx (Express the answer in exact form.)
Sketch the region bounded above by the curve, the x-axis,
and x = 1, and find the area of the region. Provide the
3 exact form or round answers to the number of places
44. ∫ ln(x 2 + 1)dx (Express the answer in exact form.) indicated.
0

π/2 58. y = 2xe −x (Approximate answer to four decimal

45. ∫ x 2 sin x dx (Express the answer in exact form.) places.)
0
59. y = e −x sin(πx) (Approximate answer to five
1
46. ∫ x
x5 dx (Express the answer using five significant decimal places.)
0
digits.) Find the volume generated by rotating the region bounded
by the given curves about the specified line. Express the
47. Evaluate ∫ cos x ln(sin x)dx answers in exact form or approximate to the number of
decimal places indicated.

Derive the following formulas using the technique of 60. y = sin x, y = 0, x = 2π, x = 3π about the y-axis
integration by parts. Assume that n is a positive integer.
(Express the answer in exact form.)
These formulas are called reduction formulas because the
exponent in the x term has been reduced by one in each 61. y = e −x y = 0, x = −1x = 0; about x=1
case. The second integral is simpler than the original
integral. (Express the answer in exact form.)

62. A particle moving along a straight line has a velocity

48. ∫ x n e x dx = x n e x − n∫ x n − 1 e x dx of v(t) = t 2 e −t after t sec. How far does it travel in the
first 2 sec? (Assume the units are in feet and express the
49. ∫ x n cos x dx = x n sin x − n∫ x n − 1 sin x dx answer in exact form.)

63. Find the area under the graph of y = sec 3 x from

50. ∫ x n sin x dx = ______
x = 0to x = 1. (Round the answer to two significant
digits.)
51. Integrate ∫ 2x 2x − 3dx using two methods:
64. Find the area between y = (x − 2)e x and the x-axis
a. Using parts, letting dv = 2x − 3 dx
from x = 2 to x = 5. (Express the answer in exact form.)
b. Substitution, letting u = 2x − 3

State whether you would use integration by parts to

272 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

65. Find the area of the region enclosed by the curve

y = x cos x and the x-axis for 11π ≤ x ≤ 13π . (Express
2 2
the answer in exact form.)

66. Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving

the region bounded by the curve y = ln x, the x-axis,
and the vertical line x = e 2 about the x-axis. (Express the
answer in exact form.)

67. Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving

the region bounded by the curve y = 4cos x and the

x-axis, π ≤ x ≤ 3π , about the x-axis. (Express the

2 2
answer in exact form.)

68. Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving

the region in the first quadrant bounded by y = e x and
the x-axis, from x = 0 to x = ln(7), about the y-axis.
(Express the answer in exact form.)

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