Unit 10: Techniques of Integration

Lesson 10.1
Integration by Algebraic Substitution
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 3

Integration Rules 3
1
Integral of 𝑥 4

Integration by Algebraic Substitution 4

Key Points 20

Check Your Understanding 20

Challenge Yourself 21

Photo Credit 22

Bibliography 22

Key to Try It! 23

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Lesson 10.1

Integration by Algebraic
Substitution

Introduction
In team sports like basketball and volleyball, players can be substituted during a match. This
gives the players, especially starters, time to rest and recover for a short period of time. It
can also be used to break the game momentum of the opposing team.

The concept of substitution can also be applied in calculus. Some integrals cannot be
evaluated right away unless we transform the integrand into an integrable function. This is
done by a method called algebraic substitution, where some expressions in the integrand

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 1

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
are replaced by variables. Let us discover more about this method and how it is used as a
technique of integration.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competency
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
following: Compute the antiderivative of a

● Illustrate integration by algebraic function using algebraic

substitution rule and table of
substitution.
integrals (including those whose
● Compute the antiderivative of a function antiderivatives involve logarithmic
using algebraic substitution. functions)
(STEM_BC11I-IVb-c-1).

Warm Up
Integrate If You Can! 10 minutes
This activity will illustrate how substitution can help in integrating functions.

Materials
● pen
● paper

Procedure
1. Discuss with your partner how you will solve for ∫(𝑥 + 4)3 𝑑𝑥.
2. Next, discuss with your partner how you will solve for ∫ 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢. Compare the process in
solving the integral and determine which among the two is easier to solve.
3. Answer the guide questions below.

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 2

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Guide Questions
1. Which among the two integrals is easier to solve? Why do you say so?
2. Do you think it is possible to use ∫ 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢 in solving for ∫ (𝑥 + 4)3 𝑑𝑥? Why do you say
so?
3. How does substitution help in solving the integral of a function?

How can we evaluate integrals using algebraic

substitution?

Learn about It!

In the Warm Up activity, you were able to discover that there are functions that we cannot
integrate right away using the integration rules that we know. How do we deal with such
functions? We can use a technique called integration by algebraic substitution.

Integration Rules
Let us recall the different integration rules.
• ∫ 𝑎 𝑑𝑥 + 𝐶 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝐶, where 𝑎 is any real number
𝑥 𝑛+1
• ∫ 𝑥 𝑛 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑛+1
+ 𝐶, where 𝑛 ≠ −1

• Constant Multiple Theorem: ∫ 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑓 (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑐 ⋅ ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

• Sum or Difference Theorem: ∫ [𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)] 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 ± ∫ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎𝑥
• ∫ 𝑎 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ln 𝑎 + 𝐶, where 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1

• ∫ 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝐶
𝑥
• ∫ log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 log 𝑏 ( 𝑒 ) + 𝐶, where 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1

• ∫ cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = sin 𝑥 + 𝐶
• ∫ sin 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = − cos 𝑥 + 𝐶
• ∫ sec 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = tan 𝑥 + 𝐶
• ∫ csc 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = − cot 𝑥 + 𝐶

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 3

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
• ∫ sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = sec 𝑥 + 𝐶
• ∫ csc 𝑥 cot 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = − csc 𝑥 + 𝐶
• ∫ tan 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = − ln |cos 𝑥 | + 𝐶
• ∫ cot 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ln |sin 𝑥 | + 𝐶
• ∫ sec 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ln |sec 𝑥 + tan 𝑥| + 𝐶
• ∫ csc 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = − ln |csc 𝑥 + cot 𝑥| + 𝐶

𝟏
Integral of 𝒙
1
There is another integration rule that we can apply, which is ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥. Recall that the derivative
1 1
of 𝑓 (𝑥) = ln |𝑥| is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥. Thus, the antiderivative of 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 is 𝐹 (𝑥) = ln |𝑥| + 𝐶.

1
Thus, ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ln |𝑥| + 𝐶

𝒙𝒏+𝟏
Why is it that we cannot use ∫ 𝒙𝒏 𝒅𝒙 = + 𝑪 in
𝒏+𝟏
𝟏
evaluating ∫ 𝒅𝒙?
𝒙

Integration by Algebraic Substitution

There are functions that we cannot integrate using the integration rules that we have. There
are instances that we have to substitute expressions so that the function can be integrated.
The algebraic substitution is a method used in evaluating integrals whose integrand cannot
be evaluated right away using the integration rules. In this method, we manipulate the
integrand by substituting a variable so that we can reduce it into an integrable function.

The goal of performing algebraic substitution is to rewrite the function into another function
where we can apply integration rules. We take an expression and replace it with a variable,
usually 𝑢.

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 4

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Algebraic Substitution Rule:

∫ 𝒇[𝒈(𝒙)]𝒈′ (𝒙)𝒅𝒙 = ∫ 𝒇(𝒖) 𝒅𝒖

The steps in integrating functions by algebraic substitution are as follows:

1. Rewrite the integrand into the form 𝑓 (𝑢) 𝑑𝑢, where 𝑢 = 𝑔(𝑥).
2. Evaluate ∫ 𝑓 (𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.
3. Substitute 𝑢 = 𝑔(𝑥) and simplify if necessary.

Example:
Evaluate ∫(2𝑥 − 4)8 𝑑𝑥.

Step 1: Rewrite ∫(2𝑥 − 4)8 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓(𝑢)𝑑𝑢.

1
Let 𝑢 = 2𝑥 − 4. It follows that 𝑑𝑢 = 2𝑑𝑥 → 2 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥.

1
∫(2𝑥 − 4)8 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑢8 ∙ 𝑑𝑢
2
𝑢8
=∫ 𝑑𝑢
2

𝑢8
Step 2: Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑢.
2

𝑢8 1
∫ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 𝑢8 𝑑𝑢
2 2
1 𝑢8+1
= ∙ +𝐶
2 8+1
𝑢9
= +𝐶
18

Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = 2𝑥 − 4 and simplify it if necessary.

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 5

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
𝑢9
∫(2𝑥 − 4)8 𝑑𝑥 = +𝐶
18
(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟗
= +𝑪
𝟏𝟖

Tips
Sometimes, it is difficult to determine the function that needs to be
substituted. Constant practice can help in mastering the method of
integrating functions by algebraic substitution. Below are some tips
to determine the expression to be substituted:
• Carefully observe the radicand (or the whole radical
expression in the function), the base of an exponential
expression with constant exponents, or the argument of
logarithmic and trigonometric functions. These are usually
given the first consideration.
• If the integrand is expressed as a product or quotient of two
functions, determine if one of them is the derivative of the
other.

What are the steps in integrating functions by

algebraic substitution?

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 6

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration

Let’s Practice!

Example 1
Evaluate ∫ 𝑥 √𝑥 2 − 1𝑑𝑥.
3

Solution
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 𝑥 √𝑥 2 − 1𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓 (𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.
3

1
Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 − 1. It follows that 𝑑𝑢 = 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 → 2 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

3 3
∫ 𝑥 √𝑥 2 − 1 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ √𝑥 2 − 1 ⋅ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

3 1
= ∫ √𝑢 ∙ 𝑑𝑢
2
3
√𝑢
=∫ 𝑑𝑢
2

3
√𝑢
Step 2: Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑢.
2

3
√𝑢 1
∫ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 3√𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2 2
1 1
= ∫ 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢
2
1
1 𝑢3+1
= ∙ +𝐶
2 1+1
3
4
1 𝑢3
= ∙ +𝐶
2 4
3
4
1 3𝑢3
= ∙ +𝐶
2 4
4
3𝑢3
= +𝐶
8

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 7

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 − 1 and simplify if necessary.

4 4
3𝑢3 3(𝑥 2 − 1)3
+𝐶 = +𝐶
8 8

𝟒
𝟑(𝒙𝟐−𝟏)𝟑
Thus, ∫ 𝑥
3
√𝑥 2 − 1 𝑑𝑥 = 𝟖
+𝑪

1 Try It!
Evaluate ∫ 3𝑥 2 √2𝑥 3 − 1 𝑑𝑥.
4

Example 2
2
Evaluate ∫ 𝑥𝑒 5𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
2
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 𝑥𝑒 5𝑥 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.

1
Let 𝑢 = 5𝑥 2 . It follows that 𝑑𝑢 = 10𝑥 𝑑𝑥 → 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.
10

2 2
∫ 𝑥𝑒 5𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑒 5𝑥 ⋅ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1
= ∫ 𝑒𝑢 ∙ 𝑑𝑢
10
𝑒𝑢
=∫ 𝑑𝑢
10

𝑒𝑢
Step 2: Evaluate ∫ 10 𝑑𝑢.

𝑒𝑢 1
∫ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 𝑒 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 10
1 𝑢
= 𝑒 +𝐶
10

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 8

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = 5𝑥 2 and simplify if necessary.

2
1 𝑢 𝑒 5𝑥
𝑒 +𝐶 = +𝐶
10 10

𝟐
2 𝒆𝟓𝒙
Thus, ∫ 𝑥𝑒 5𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = + 𝑪.
𝟏𝟎

2 Try It!
3 +1
Evaluate ∫ 𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Example 3
3𝑥
Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑥
2𝑥 2+4

Solution
3𝑥
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 2𝑥 2+4 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓 (𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.

1
Let 𝑢 = 2𝑥 2 + 4. It follows that 𝑑𝑢 = 4𝑥 𝑑𝑥 → 4 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

3𝑥 3
∫ 2
𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 2 ⋅ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2𝑥 + 4 2𝑥 + 4
3 1
= ∫ ⋅ 𝑑𝑢
𝑢 4
3
= ∫ 𝑑𝑢
4𝑢

3
Step 2: Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑢.
4𝑢

3 3 1
∫ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 𝑑𝑢
4𝑢 4 𝑢
3
= ln |𝑢| + 𝐶
4

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 9

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration

Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = 2𝑥 2 + 4 and simplify if necessary.

3 3
ln |𝑢| + 𝐶 = ln|2𝑥 2 + 4| + 𝐶
4 4

3𝑥 𝟑
Thus, ∫ 𝑑𝑥 = 𝐥𝐧 |𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒| + 𝑪.
2𝑥 2 +4 𝟒

3 Try It!
5
Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑥.
2𝑥−3

Example 4
cos 𝑥
Evaluate ∫ (3−2 sin 𝑥)2 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
cos 𝑥
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ (3−2 sin 𝑥)2 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓 (𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.

1
Let 𝑢 = 3 − 2 sin 𝑥. It follows that 𝑑𝑢 = −2 cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 → − 2 𝑑𝑢 = cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

cos 𝑥 1
∫ 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ ⋅ cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
(3 − 2 sin 𝑥 )2 (3 − 2 sin 𝑥 )2
1 1
= ∫ 2 ⋅ − 𝑑𝑢
𝑢 2
1
= ∫ − 2 𝑑𝑢
2𝑢

1
Step 2: Evaluate ∫ − 2𝑢2 𝑑𝑢.

1 1 1
∫− 2
𝑑𝑢 = − ∫ 2 𝑑𝑢
2𝑢 2 𝑢

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 10

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
1
= − ∫ 𝑢−2 𝑑𝑢
2
1 𝑢 −1
=− ∙ +𝐶
2 −1
1
= +𝐶
2𝑢

Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = 3 − 2 sin 𝑥 and simplify if necessary.

1 1
+𝐶 = +𝐶
2𝑢 2(3 − 2 sin 𝑥 )
1
= +𝐶
6 − 4 sin 𝑥

cos 𝑥 𝟏
Thus, ∫ (3−2 sin 𝑥)2 𝑑𝑥 = 𝟔−𝟒 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 + 𝑪.

4 Try It!
sin 4𝑥
Evaluate ∫ (5+4 cos 4𝑥)4 𝑑𝑥.

Example 5
cos(2𝑥+1)
Evaluate ∫ 𝑒 sin(2𝑥+1) 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
cos(2𝑥+1)
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.
𝑒 sin(2𝑥+1)
1
Let 𝑢 = sin(2𝑥 + 1). It follows that 𝑑𝑢 = 2 cos(2𝑥 + 1) 𝑑𝑥 → 2 𝑑𝑢 = cos(2𝑥 + 1) 𝑑𝑥.

cos(2𝑥 + 1) 1
∫ sin(2𝑥+1)
𝑑𝑥 = ∫ sin(2𝑥+1) ⋅ cos(2𝑥 + 1) 𝑑𝑥
𝑒 𝑒
1 1
= ∫ 𝑢 ⋅ 𝑑𝑢
𝑒 2
1
= ∫ 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2𝑒

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 11

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
1
Step 2: Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑢.
2𝑒 𝑢

1 1 1
∫ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 𝑑𝑢
2𝑒 𝑢 2 𝑒𝑢
1
= ∫ 𝑒 −𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2

To evaluate ∫ 𝑒 −𝑢 𝑑𝑢, we need to perform another substitution. Let 𝑣 = −𝑢. It

follows that 𝑑𝑣 = −𝑑𝑢 → −𝑑𝑣 = 𝑑𝑢.

1 1
∫ 𝑒 −𝑢 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 𝑒 𝑣 ∙ −𝑑𝑣
2 2
1
= − ∫ 𝑒 𝑣 𝑑𝑣
2
𝑒𝑣
=− +𝐶
2

𝑒𝑣 𝑒 −𝑢
Substituting 𝑣 = −𝑢, we have − +𝐶 = − + 𝐶.
2 2

Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = sin(2𝑥 + 1) and simplify it if necessary.

𝑒 −𝑢 𝑒 − sin(2𝑥+1)
− +𝐶 = − +𝐶
2 2
1
= − sin(2𝑥+1) + 𝐶
2𝑒

cos(2𝑥+1) 𝟏
Thus, ∫ 𝑒 sin(2𝑥+1) 𝑑𝑥 = − 𝟐𝒆𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟐𝒙+𝟏) + 𝑪.

5 Try It!
sin(3𝑥−5)
Evaluate ∫ 𝑒 cos(3𝑥−5) 𝑑𝑥

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 12

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Example 6
1
Evaluate ∫ 3𝑥 ln 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
1
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 3𝑥 ln 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.

1
Let 𝑢 = ln 𝑥. It follows that 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

1 1 1
∫ 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ ⋅ 𝑑𝑥
3𝑥 ln 𝑥 3 ln 𝑥 𝑥
1
=∫ 𝑑𝑢
3𝑢

1
Step 2: Evaluate ∫ 3𝑢 𝑑𝑢.

1 1 1
∫ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 𝑑𝑢
3𝑢 3 𝑢
1
= ln |𝑢| + 𝐶
3

Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = ln 𝑥 and simplify if necessary.

1 1
ln |𝑢| + 𝐶 = ln | ln 𝑥 | + 𝐶
3 3

𝟏 𝟏
Thus, ∫ 𝟑𝒙 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 𝒅𝒙 = 𝟑 𝐥𝐧 | 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 | + 𝑪

6 Try It!
cot 𝑥
Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑥.
ln(sin 𝑥)

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 13

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Example 7
Evaluate ∫ 𝑥√𝑥 + 1 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 𝑥√𝑥 + 1 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓 (𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.

Let 𝑢 = √𝑥 + 1. It follows that 𝑢2 = 𝑥 + 1 → 2𝑢 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥.

∫ 𝑥√𝑥 + 1 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑢 ∙ 2𝑢 𝑑𝑢

= ∫ 2𝑢2 𝑥 𝑑𝑢

The integrand contains an 𝑥. We can substitute 𝑢2 = 𝑥 + 1 → 𝑢2 − 1 = 𝑥 to

replace the value of 𝑥.

∫ 2𝑢2 𝑥 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 2𝑢2 (𝑢2 − 1) 𝑑𝑢

= ∫(2𝑢4 − 2𝑢2 ) 𝑑𝑢

Step 2: Evaluate ∫(2𝑢4 − 2𝑢2 )𝑑𝑢.

∫(2𝑢4 − 2𝑢2 )𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 2𝑢4 𝑑𝑢 − ∫ 2𝑢2 𝑑𝑢

= 2 ∫ 𝑢4 𝑑𝑢 − 2 ∫ 𝑢2 𝑑𝑢

𝑢5 𝑢3
=2∙ −2∙ +𝐶
5 3
2𝑢5 2𝑢3
= − +𝐶
5 3

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 14

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = √𝑥 + 1 and simplify if necessary.

5 3
2𝑢5 2𝑢3 2(√𝑥 + 1) 2(√𝑥 + 1)
− +𝐶 = − +𝐶
5 3 5 3
5 3
2(𝑥 + 1)2 2(𝑥 + 1)2
= − +𝐶
5 3

𝟓 𝟑
𝟐(𝒙+𝟏)𝟐 𝟐(𝒙+𝟏)𝟐
Thus, ∫ 𝑥√𝑥 + 1 𝑑𝑥 = 𝟓
− 𝟑
+ 𝑪.

7 Try It!
Evaluate ∫ 𝑥√𝑥 − 2 𝑑𝑥.

Tips
In Example 7, ∫ 𝑥√𝑥 + 1 𝑑𝑥 can also be rewritten using 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 1 and
𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥. Also, 𝑢 − 1 = 𝑥 since 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 1. By substitution, we have:

∫ 𝑥√𝑥 + 1 𝑑𝑥 = ∫(𝑢 − 1)√𝑢 𝑑𝑢

Example 8
Evaluate ∫ 𝑥 3 √𝑥 2 + 8 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 𝑥 3 √𝑥 2 + 8 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓(𝑢)𝑑𝑢.
1
Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 + 8. It follows that 𝑑𝑢 = 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 → 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.
2

∫ 𝑥 3 √𝑥 2 + 8 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑥 2 √𝑥 2 + 8 ⋅ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1
= ∫ 𝑥 2 √𝑢 ⋅ 𝑑𝑢
2

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Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Note that there is an 𝑥 2 in the integrand. Since 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 + 8, it follows that
𝑢 − 8 = 𝑥 2 . We can use this expression for substitution.

1 1
∫ 𝑥 2 √𝑢 ⋅ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫(𝑢 − 8)√𝑢 ⋅ 𝑑𝑢
2 2

1
Step 2: Evaluate ∫(𝑢 − 8)√𝑢 ⋅ 2 𝑑𝑢

1 1 1
∫(𝑢 − 8)√𝑢 ⋅ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫(𝑢 − 8) ⋅ 𝑢2 𝑑𝑢
2 2
1 3 1
= ∫ (𝑢 2 − 8𝑢2 ) 𝑑𝑢
2
1 3 1
= [∫ 𝑢2 𝑑𝑢 − ∫ 8𝑢 2 𝑑𝑢]
2
1 3 1
= [∫ 𝑢2 𝑑𝑢 − 8 ∫ 𝑢2 𝑑𝑢]
2
3 1
1 𝑢 2+1 𝑢 2+1
= [ −8( )] + 𝐶
2 3+1 1
+ 1
2 2
5 3
1 𝑢2 8𝑢 2
= ( − )+𝐶
2 5 3
2 2
5 3
1 2𝑢 2 16𝑢 2
= ( − )+𝐶
2 5 3
5 3
𝑢2 8𝑢 2
= − +𝐶
5 3

Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 + 8 and simplify if necessary.

5 3 5 3
𝑢2 8𝑢 2 (𝑥 2 + 8)2 8(𝑥 2 + 8)2
− = − +𝐶
5 3 5 3

𝟓 𝟑
(𝒙𝟐 +𝟖)𝟐 𝟖(𝒙𝟐 +𝟖)𝟐
Thus, ∫ 𝑥 3
√𝑥 2 + 8 𝑑𝑥 = − + 𝑪.
𝟓 𝟑

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 16

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration

8 Try It!
Evaluate ∫ 2𝑥 2 √𝑥 + 3 𝑑𝑥.

Example 9
𝑥 2 −5
Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑥.
√𝑥+2

Solution
𝑥 2 −5
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓(𝑢)𝑑𝑢.
√𝑥+2

Let 𝑢 = √𝑥 + 2. Then 𝑢2 = 𝑥 + 2 → 2𝑢 𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥.

𝑥2 − 5 𝑥2 − 5
∫ 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ ∙ 2𝑢 𝑑𝑢
√𝑥 + 2 𝑢

= ∫ 2(𝑥 2 − 5) 𝑑𝑢

= ∫(2𝑥 2 − 10) 𝑑𝑢

The integrand contains an 𝑥. We can use 𝑢2 = 𝑥 + 2 → 𝑢2 − 2 = 𝑥 to substitute

for 𝑥.

∫(2𝑥 2 − 10)𝑑𝑢 = ∫[2(𝑢2 − 2)2 − 10] 𝑑𝑢

= ∫[2(𝑢4 − 4𝑢2 + 4) − 10] 𝑑𝑢

= ∫(2𝑢4 − 8𝑢2 + 8 − 10) 𝑑𝑢

= ∫(2𝑢4 − 8𝑢2 − 2) 𝑑𝑢

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 17

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
Step 2: Evaluate ∫(2𝑢4 − 8𝑢2 − 2)𝑑𝑢.

∫(2𝑢4 − 8𝑢2 − 2)𝑑𝑢 = 2 ∫ 𝑢4 𝑑𝑢 − 8 ∫ 𝑢2 𝑑𝑢 − 2 ∫ 𝑑𝑢

2𝑢5 8𝑢3
= − − 2𝑢 + 𝐶
5 3

Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = √𝑥 + 2 and simplify if necessary.

5 3
2𝑢5 8𝑢3 2(√𝑥 + 2) 8(√𝑥 + 2)
− − 2𝑢 + 𝐶 = − − 2√𝑥 + 2 + 𝐶
5 3 5 3
5 3
2(𝑥 + 2)2 8(𝑥 + 2)2 1
= − − 2(𝑥 + 2)2 + 𝐶
5 3

𝟓 𝟑
𝟏
𝑥 2 −5 𝟐(𝒙+𝟐)𝟐 𝟖(𝒙+𝟐)𝟐
Thus, ∫ 𝑑𝑥 = 𝟓
− 𝟑
− 𝟐(𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐 + 𝑪.
√𝑥+2

9 Try It!
𝑥 2 +1
Evaluate ∫ 𝑑𝑥.
√𝑥+6

Example 10
𝑒 2𝑥 −𝑒 −2𝑥
Evaluate ∫ 𝑒 2𝑥 +𝑒 −2𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
𝑒 2𝑥 −𝑒 −2𝑥
Step 1: Rewrite ∫ 𝑒 2𝑥 +𝑒 −2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 into the form ∫ 𝑓(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.

1
Let 𝑢 = 𝑒 2𝑥 + 𝑒 −2𝑥 . Thus, 𝑑𝑢 = (2𝑒 2𝑥 − 2𝑒 −2𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥 → 2 𝑑𝑢 = (𝑒 2𝑥 − 𝑒 −2𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 18

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
𝑒 2𝑥 − 𝑒 −2𝑥 1
∫ 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 2𝑥 (𝑒 2𝑥 − 𝑒 −2𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥
𝑒 + 𝑒 −2𝑥 𝑒 + 𝑒 −2𝑥
1 1
= ∫ ⋅ 𝑑𝑢
𝑢 2
1
= ∫ 𝑑𝑢
2𝑢

1
Step 2: Evaluate ∫ 2𝑢 𝑑𝑢.

1 1 1
∫ 𝑑𝑢 = ∫ 𝑑𝑢
2𝑢 2 𝑢
1
= ln|𝑢| + 𝐶
2

Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 = 𝑒 2𝑥 + 𝑒 −2𝑥 and simplify it if necessary.

1 1
ln|𝑢| + 𝐶 = ln|𝑒 2𝑥 + 𝑒 −2𝑥 | + 𝐶
2 2

𝑒 2𝑥 −𝑒 −2𝑥 𝟏
Thus, ∫ 𝑑𝑥 = 𝐥𝐧|𝒆𝟐𝒙 + 𝒆−𝟐𝒙 | + 𝑪.
𝑒 2𝑥 +𝑒 −2𝑥 𝟐

10 Try It!
𝑒 2𝑥 −𝑒 −2𝑥
Evaluate ∫ 𝑒 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥.

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 19

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● The algebraic substitution is a method used in evaluating integrals whose

integrand cannot be evaluated right away using the integration rules. In this method,
we manipulate the integrand by substituting a variable so that we can reduce it into
an integrable function.
● The goal of performing algebraic substitution is to rewrite the function into another
function where we can apply integration rules. We take an expression and replace it
with a variable, usually 𝑢.
● The steps in performing algebraic substitution are as follows:
○ Rewrite the integrand into the form 𝑓(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢, where 𝑢 = 𝑔(𝑥).
○ Evaluate ∫ 𝑓(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢.
○ Substitute 𝑢 = 𝑔(𝑥) and simplify if necessary.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Check Your Understanding

A. Rewrite the following into the form ∫ 𝑓(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢 using the given value of
𝑢.

1. ∫ 𝑥 2 cos 3𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥; 𝑢 = 3𝑥 3
2. ∫ 𝑥√2𝑥 − 1 𝑑𝑥; 𝑢 = √2𝑥 − 1
𝑥+5
3. ∫ 3 𝑑𝑥; 𝑢 = 3√𝑥
√𝑥

4. ∫(2𝑥 − 1)(3𝑥 + 2)5 𝑑𝑥; 𝑢 = 3𝑥 + 2

2 −9
5. ∫ 5𝑥𝑒 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥; 𝑢 = 2𝑥 2 − 9

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 20

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
B. Evaluate the following integrals.

1. ∫(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥)5 (𝑥 − 3) 𝑑𝑥
2. ∫(𝑥 4 + 8𝑥)3 (𝑥 3 + 2) 𝑑𝑥
3. ∫ √3𝑥 − 9 𝑑𝑥
2𝑥
4. ∫ 3 𝑑𝑥
√𝑥+5
2𝑥−1
5. ∫ 𝑑𝑥
√𝑥+2
3𝑥−5
6. ∫ 𝑑𝑥
√𝑥−9
𝑑𝑥
7. ∫
(𝑥+1)√ln (𝑥+1)

8. ∫ 𝑥 2 sec 2 𝑥 3 tan 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥
sec2 𝑥
9. ∫ tan 𝑥 ln(tan 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

10. ∫ 𝑒 5𝑥 tan 𝑒 5𝑥 𝑑𝑥
3−2 sin 𝑥
11. ∫ 𝑑𝑥
3𝑥+2 cos 𝑥
𝑒 5𝑥 +𝑒 −5𝑥
12. ∫ 𝑒 5𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥
13. ∫
𝑥− 3√𝑥

14. ∫(𝑥 2 − 1)√𝑥 + 4 𝑑𝑥

𝑥 2 −3𝑥
15. ∫ 𝑑𝑥
√𝑥−7

Challenge Yourself

Evaluate the following integrals. Use Pythagorean identities.

1. ∫ 𝑥 (tan 𝑥 2 − cot 𝑥 2 )2 𝑑𝑥
2. ∫ sin3 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥
3. ∫ cos3 3𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Solve the following problems.

4. Find the equation of the curve whose slope at any point (𝑥, 𝑦) is √3𝑥 + 1 and passes
through (5, 15).

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 21

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration
𝑑2 𝑦 √3
5. Find the equation of the curve passing through (9, 19√3) if 𝑑𝑥 2 = 2√𝑥.

Photo Credit
Official volleyball signals - substitution by Zorro2212 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via
Wikimedia Commons.

Bibliography
Edwards, C.H., and David E. Penney. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 7th ed. Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008.

Larson, Ron H., and Bruce H. Edwards. Essential Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008.

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. New York: HarperCollins College Publ., 1997.

Smith, Robert T., and Roland B. Milton. Calculus. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012.

Tan, Soo T. Applied Calculus for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences: A Brief Approach.
Australia: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2012.

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 22

Unit 10: Techniques of Integration

Key to Try It!

5
2(2𝑥 3 −1)4
1. 5
+𝐶
3
𝑒 𝑥 +1
2. 3
+𝐶
5
3. 2
ln|2𝑥 − 3| + 𝐶
1
4. 48(5+4 cos 4𝑥)3
+𝐶
1
5. 3𝑒 cos(3𝑥−5)
+𝐶

6. ln | ln(sin 𝑥 ) | + 𝐶
5 3
2(𝑥−2)2 4(𝑥−2)2
7. + +𝐶
5 3
7 5
3
4(𝑥+3)2 24(𝑥+3) 2
8. − + 12(𝑥 + 3)2 + 𝐶
7 5
5
3 1
2(𝑥+6)2
9. 5
− 8(𝑥 + 6)2 + 74(𝑥 + 6)2 + 𝐶
1
10. 𝑥 + +𝐶
4𝑒 4𝑥

10.1. Integration by Algebraic Substitution 23