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Simplify an integrand before choosing a rule. Definite evaluation still requires the correct antiderivative.
Worked example 1
Evaluate ∫02xdx.
F(x)=2x2
F(2)−F(0)=222−0=2
Answer:2
Worked example 2
Evaluate ∫03x2dx.
F(x)=3x3
F(3)−F(0)=333−0=9
Answer:9
Idea 2 of 3
Recognize an inner derivative
An available u′ factor often makes substitution the shortest method.
Worked example 1
Evaluate ∫012x(x2+2)dx.
u=x2+2; du=2xdx; x=0⟹u=2,x=1⟹u=3
∫012x(x2+2)dx=∫23udu
232−22=25≈2.5
Answer:25≈2.5
Worked example 2
Evaluate ∫012x(x2+3)2dx.
u=x2+3; du=2xdx; x=0⟹u=3,x=1⟹u=4
∫012x(x2+3)2dx=∫34u2du
343−33=337≈12.33
Answer:337≈12.33
Idea 3 of 3
Inverse-trigonometric forms
Distinguish an a2+x2 denominator from an a2−x2 radical; they lead to different antiderivatives.
Worked example 1
Evaluate ∫024+x21dx.
F(x)=2arctan(2x)
F(2)−F(0)=8π≈0.39
Answer:8π≈0.39
Worked example 2
Evaluate ∫01.59−x21dx.
F(x)=arcsin(3x)
F(1.5)−F(0)=6π≈0.52
Answer:6π≈0.52
Resource alignment: Larson & Edwards, Calculus of a Single Variable, Tenth Edition, §8.1,p. 508. Explanations, diagrams and numerical practice variants are original MathLab content aligned to this section.