Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 1/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
In the past, we’ve learned how inverse trigonometric functions can help us find
unknown angles and solve word problems involving right triangles. We’ve
expanded our understanding of inverse trigonometric functions by learning
how to differentiate them. This time, we’ll learn how inverse trigonometric
functions can help us in integrating rational expressions with complex
denominators.
Establishing the integral formulas that lead to inverse trig functions will
definitely be a lifesaver when integrating rational expressions such as
the ones shown below.
dx dx dx
, ,
2
√ 1–25x 2 4x + 9 2
x√ 16x –25
Latest Videos
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 2/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
d 1
−1
sin x =
dx √ 1–x 2
d 1
−1
∫ (sin x) dx = ∫ dx
dx √ 1–x 2
1
−1
sin x + C = ∫ dx
√1 − x 2
1
−1
∫ dx = sin x + C
√1 − x 2
We’ll show you the rest of the integral rules involving inverse trigonometric
functions. This is a simpler version of the rules because we’re deriving them from
×
the derivative rules we’ve learned in the past.
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 3/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
d 1 1
−1 −1
sin x = ∫ dx = sin x + C
dx √ 1–x 2 √ 1–x 2
d 1 1
−1 −1
cos x = − ∫ − dx = cos x + C
dx √ 1–x 2 √ 1–x 2
d 1 1
−1 −1
tan x = ∫ dx = tan x + C
2 2
dx 1 + x 1 + x
d 1 1
−1 −1
cot x = – ∫ − dx = cot x + C
2 2
dx 1 + x 1 + x
d 1 1
−1 −1
sec x = ∫ dx = sec x + C
2 2 2
dx xx − 1 x√ x –x
d 1 1
−1 −1
csc x = – ∫ − dx = csc x + C
2 2 2
dx xx − 1 x√ x –x
Noticed how each pair of cofunctions (sin x & cos x sec x , & csc x , and
tan x & cot x ) have derivatives that only differ by sign? This is why we only
focus on three integral rules involving trigonometric functions.
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 4/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
The table below shows the three important integral rules to keep in mind. Take
note of the denominator’s forms closely since they will immediately tell you the
integral rule we need to apply.
du u
−1
∫ = sin + C
√ a 2 –u 2 a
du 1 u
−1
∫ = tan + C
2 2
a + u a a
du 1 u
−1
∫ = sec + C
2 2 a a
u√ u –a
Keep in mind that a is a positive constant and u represents the variable that
we’re working on. In the next section, we’ll show you the different cases that we’ll
encounter when integrating functions with inverse trig functions as
their antiderivative. There are instances when we’ll have to use other
integration techniques such as the substitution method. Keep your notes handy
in case you need a refresher.
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 5/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
We can group functions into three groups: 1) integrals that result in inverse
sine function, 2) functions with an inverse secant function as its
antiderivative, and 3) functions returning an inverse tangent function
when integrated.
Identify the denominator’s form to help you determine which of the three
formulas apply.
dx u
−1
∫ ⇒ sin + C
√ a 2 –u 2 a
dx 1 u
−1
∫ ⇒ tan + C
2 2
a + u a a
dx 1 u
−1
∫ ⇒ sec + C
2 2 a a
u√ u –a
×
Determine the values of a and u from the given expression.
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 6/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
These are just key pointers to remember and steps may vary depending on the
given integrand. Learning how to integrate functions that result in inverse
trigonometric functions requires practice. This is why the best way to learn the
process is by working on functions and mastering each of the three formulas.
Let’s go back to the three integrands we’ve shown from the earlier section:
dx dx dx
, ,
2
√ 1–25x 2 4x + 9 2
x√ 16x –25
In the past, we will have a difficult time integrating these three functions. We’ll
show you how to use the formulas for the integrals involving inverse
trigonometric functions using these three functions.
du u
Applying the formula: ∫ = sin
−1
+ C
√ a 2 –u 2 a
Let’s start by showing you how we can use the integral formula and return a sine
inverse function when integrated.
dx
∫
√ 1–25x 2
×
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 7/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
Inspecting the denominator, we have √1 2 –(5x) 2 , so the best formula to use for
du u
our function is ∫ = sin
−1
+ C , where a = 5 and u = 5x .
√ a 2 –u 2 a
Whenever you see the square root of the difference between a perfect
square constant and function, keep the inverse sine function formula in
mind right away.
For us to apply the formula, we’ll need to use the substitution method and
rewrite the integrand as shown below.
u = 5x
du = 5 dx
1
du = dx
5
1
du
dx 5
∫ = ∫
√ 1–25x 2 √ 1–u 2
1 du
= ∫
5 √ 1–u 2
We now have a denominator with u 2 in its second term inside the radical, so let’s
apply the appropriate formula that will return a sine inverse function.
du u
−1
∫ = sin + C
√ a 2 –u 2 a
1 du 1 u
−1
∫ = sin + C
5 √ 1–u 2 5 1
1
−1
= sin u + C
5
dx 1
−1
∫ = sin (5x) + C
× √ 1–25x 2 5
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 8/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
This example shows us how from a rational expression that contains a radical
denominator, we’ve integrated the expression and returned a sine inverse
function instead. What was once challenging or even impossible for us
to integrate, we now have three solid strategies all thanks to inverse
trig functions.
du 1 u
Applying the formula: ∫ = tan
−1
+ C
2 2
a + u a a
We’ve seen how we can use the integral formula that involves the sine inverse
function, so now, let’s see how we end up with a tangent inverse
function when integrating functions with a similar form like the one shown
below.
dx
∫
2
4x + 9
When you see a denominator that is the sum of two perfect squares, this is a
great indicator that we’re expecting an inverse tangent function as its
antiderivative.
du
Since the function we’re working with has a form of , use the formula
2 2
a + u
du 1 u
that results to an inverse tangent function: ∫ tan
−1
+ C , where
2 2
a + u a a
a = 3 and u = 2x .
× As with our previous example, since we have a coefficient before x , let’s apply 2
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 9/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
u = 2x
du = 2 dx
1
du = dx
2
1
du
dx 2
∫ = ∫
2 2
4x + 9 u + 9
1 du
= ∫
2
2 u + 9
Apply the appropriate integral properties and formulas to evaluate our new
expression.
1 du 1 du
∫ = ∫
2 2 2
2 u + 9 2 3 + u
1 1 u
= [ tan
−1
] + C
2 3 3
1 u
−1
= tan + C
6 3
Since we used the substitution method earlier, make sure to replace u with 2x
back to return an integral in terms of x.
dx 1 2x
−1
∫ = tan + C
2
4x + 9 6 3
Apply a similar process when integrating functions with a similar form. Here’s
another tip to remember: when given a definite integral, just focus on integrating
the expression first then evaluate the antiderivatives later.
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 10/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
du 1 u
Applying the formula: = sec
−1
+ C
2 2 a a
u√ u –a
We’ll now work on the third possible outcome: integrating the functions and
getting an inverse secant function as a result.
dx
∫
2
x√ 16x –25
du
The integrand has the form, , so apply the formula that returns an
2 2
x√ u − a
du 1 u
inverse secant function: ∫ sec
−1
+ C , where a = 5 and
2 2 a a
x√ u − a
u = 4x . What makes this form unique is that aside from the radical
expression, we see a second factor in the denominator. If the second
factor remains after simplifying the integrand, then expect an inverse secant
function for its antiderivative.
Since we still have a coefficient before the variable inside the radical, use the
substation method and use u = 4x and u 2 = 16x
2
.
u = 4x
1
u = x
4
1
du = dx
4
1
du
dx
4
∫ = ∫
2 1
x√ 16x –25 2
u√ u –25
4
du
= ∫
2
u√ u –25
Now that we’ve rewritten the integrand into a form where the inverse secant
× function formula applies, let’s now integrate the expression as shown below.
d d
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 11/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
du du
∫ = ∫
2 2 2
u√ u –25 u√ u –5
1 u
−1
= sec + C
5 5
dx 1 4x
−1
∫ = sec + C
2 5 5
x√ 16x –25
1
In the past, integrating functions such as is very intimidating, but
2
x√ 16x –25
with the help of integrals involving inverse trigonometric functions, we now have
three key tools to use to integrate complex rational expressions.
This is why we’ve allotted a special section for you to continue practicing this new
technique. When you’re ready, head over to the next section to try out more
integrals and apply the three formulas you’ve just learned!
Example 1
dx
Evaluate the indefinite integral, ∫ .
√ 36–x 2
× Solution
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 12/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
From the denominator, we can see that it’s the square root of the difference
between 36 = 6
2
and x 2 . With this form, we’re expecting the antiderivative to
be an inverse sine function.
du u
Apply the first integral formula, ∫ = sin
−1
+ C , where a = 6
√ a 2 –u 2 a
and u = x .
dx x
−1
∫ = sin + C
√ 36–x 2 6
dx x
Hence, we have ∫ = sin
−1
+ C .
√ 36–x 2 6
This is the simplest form for this type of function, so head over to our first
practice question if you want to practice on simpler functions first. When ready,
move on to the second problem.
Example 2
√ 3/2 dx
Calculate the definite integral, ∫ 0 .
2
25x + 4
Solution
dx
Let’s disregard the lower and upper limits first and integrate ∫ . As we
2
25x + 4
have mentioned in our discussion, it’s best to focus on integrating the function
first then simply evaluating the values at the lower and upper limits afterward.
d d
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 13/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
dx dx
∫ = ∫
2 2 2
25x + 4 (5x) + 2
This means that we can integrate the expression by using the integral formula
du 1 u
that results to an inverse tangent function: ∫ tan
−1
+ C ,
2 2
a + u a a
u = 5x
du = 5 dx
1
du = dx
5
1
du
dx 5
∫ = ∫
2 2
25x + 4 u + 4
1 du
= ∫
2
5 u + 4
Integrate the resulting expression then substitute u = 5x back into the resulting
integral.
1 du 1 1 u
∫
2
= [ tan
−1
+ C ]
5 u + 4 5 2 2
1 5x
−1
= tan + C
10 2
dx 1 5x
Now that we have ∫ 2
= tan
−1
+ C . Evaluate the expression
25x + 4 10 2
√3
at x = and x = 0 then subtract the result.
2
√ 3/2 √ 3/2
dx 1 5x
∫
2
= [ tan
−1
]
0 25x + 4 10 2
0
1 5 ⋅ √ 3/2 5 ⋅ 0
= [( tan
−1
) − ( tan
−1
) ]
× 10 2 2
1 5√ 3
−1
= tan
10 4
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 14/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
√ 3/2 dx 1 5√ 3
Hence, we have ∫ 0 = tan
−1
.
2
25x + 4 10 4
Example 3
3
Evaluate the indefinite integral, ∫ dx .
4
2x√ 16x –9
Solution
3
Factor out from the integral expression.
2
3 3 dx
∫ dx = ∫
4 2 4
2x√ 16x –9 x√ 16x –9
where a = 3 and u = 4x
2
.
u
Apply the substitution method by using u = 4x
2
, = x
2
, and u 2 = 16x
4
as
4
shown below.
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 15/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
2
u = 4x
du = 8x dx
1
du = dx
8x
1
du
3 dx 3 8x
∫ = ∫
2 4 2 2
x√ 16x –9 x√ u –9
3 du
= ∫
16 2 2
x √ u –9
3 du u
2
= ∫ , = x
u
16 4
√ u 2 –9
4
3 du
= ∫
4 2
u√ u –9
Now that we have the integrand in the right form for the inverse secant function,
let’s apply the integral formula.
3 du 3 1 u
∫ = [ sec
−1
+ C ]
4 2 4 3 3
u√ u –9
1 u
−1
= sec + C
4 3
Substitute u = 4x
2
back into the expression and we have the antiderivative in
terms of x.
2
1 u 1 4x
−1 −1
sec + C = sec + C
4 3 4 3
2
3 1 4x
Hence, we have ∫ dx = sec
−1
+ C .
4 4 3
2x√ 16x –9
Example 4
dx
Evaluate the indefinite integral, ∫ .
2
x + 4x + 13
Solution
×
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 16/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
At first glance, it may appear that this integrand may not benefit from integrals
involving inverse trigonometric functions. Let’s go ahead and express the
denominator as the sum of a perfect square trinomial and a constant
and see what we have.
dx dx
∫ = ∫
2 2
x + 4x + 13 (x + 4x + 4) + 9
dx
= ∫
2
(x + 2) + 9
In this form, we can see that the integrand’s denominator is a sum of two perfect
squares. This means that we can use the integral formula,
du 1 u
∫ tan
−1
+ C , where a = 3 and u = x + 2 . But first, let’s
2 2
a + u a a
u = x + 2
du = dx
dx du
∫ = ∫
2 2
(x + 2) + 9 u + 9
Apply the integral formula now then substitute u = x + 2 back into the
resulting antiderivative.
du 1 u
−1
∫ = tan + C
2
u + 9 3 3
1 x + 2
−1
= tan + C
3 3
×
dx 1 x + 2
Hence, we have ∫ = tan
−1
+ C .
2
x + 4x + 13 3 3
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 17/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
This example shows us that there are instances when we have to rewrite the
denominators before we can apply one of the three integral formulas that involve
inverse trigonometric functions.
We have prepared more practice questions for you, so when you need to work on
more problems, check the problems below and master using the three formulas
we’ve just learned!
Practice Questions
1 dx
b. ∫ 0
2
25x + 81
√3 dx
c. ∫ √
2
2
x√ x –1
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 18/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
4 dx
b. ∫
4
5x√ 9x –4
6 dx
c. ∫
√ 81–16x 2
5 dx
c. ∫ 1
2
x√ 25x –6
Answer Key
1.
dx x
−1
a. ∫ = sin + C
√ 81–x 2 9
dx 1 x
b. ∫ = tan
−1
+ C
2
x + 16 4 4
dx 1 x
c. ∫ = sec
−1
+ C
2
x√ x –15 √ 15 √ 15
2.
√ 2/2 dx 1 3√ 2
a. ∫ 0 = sin
−1
√ 16–9x 2 3 8
1 dx 1 5
b. ∫ 0 = tan
−1
2
25x + 81 5 9
√3 dx π
c. ∫ √ = tan
−1
√ 2–
2
2 4
x√ x –1
3.
dx 1 x–3
a. ∫ = tan
−1
+ C
2
x –6x + 18 3 3
2
4 dx 1 3x
b. ∫ = sec
−1
+ C
4 5 2
5x√ 9x –4
6 dx 3 4x
c. ∫ = sin
−1
+ C
√ 81–16x 2 2 9
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 19/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
4.
6 dx π
a. ∫ 2 2
= − + tan
−1
5
x –14x + 50 4
−2x
2 2e π 1
−1
b. ∫ 0 dx = – sin
4
√ 1–e −4x 2 e
5 dx 1 25 1 5
c. ∫ 1 = sec
−1
– sec
−1
2 4 4 4 4
x√ 25x –16
Search
Algebra
Arithmetic
Calculus
Matrices
Precalculus
Probability
Geometry
Statistics
Trigonometry
Vectors
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 20/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
Multiplication Charts
Contact Supplier
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 21/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 22/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 23/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 24/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 25/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 26/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 27/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 28/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 29/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 30/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 31/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 32/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 33/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 34/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 35/36
2/23/24, 5:51 PM Integrals of Inverse Trig Functions - Definition, Formulas, and Examples
https://www.storyofmathematics.com/integrals-of-inverse-trig-functions/ 36/36