Techniques of Integration · Substitution Methods

u-Substitution

f(g(x))g(x)dx=f(u)duwhere u=g(x)\int f(g(x))\, g'(x)\, dx = \int f(u)\, du \quad \text{where } u = g(x)

The reverse of the chain rule. Identify an inner function u = g(x), compute du = g'(x) dx, and substitute.

  • 0 variables
  • 3 worked examples
  • 16 in Techniques of Integration

Worked examples

Find ∫ 2x cos(x²) dx.
  1. Let u = x², du = 2x dx
  2. ∫ cos(u) du = sin(u) + C
  3. Back-substitute: sin(x²) + C

Answer: sin(x²) + C

2 more worked examplesPremium

Find ∫ eˢⁱⁿˣ cos x dx.

Step-by-step solution locked.

Find ∫ x/(x²+1) dx.

Step-by-step solution locked.

Unlock the full working. CalcRef Premium opens the step-by-step solutions above, and 141 worked solutions across the whole library - the intermediate lines, not just the answer. The formula statement, its conditions, its variables and the first worked example stay free on every page.

See all 16 Techniques of Integration formulas on one printable sheet - the same statements and conditions as these pages, typeset and laid out for paper.

Practice

Quiz yourself on Techniques of Integration

u-Substitution is one of 16 Techniques of Integration formulas in CalcRef, out of 136 in the library. Today's free round is 10 mixed multiple-choice questions drawn from the same dataset as this page, refreshed every day and replayable as often as you like - no account needed.