Integration using Tables
Using Integral Tables
With all u-substitution integration problems:
Step 1: Pick your "u". The best choice is usually the longer x-expression that is inside a power or a square root or the denominator, etc (in an "inside function"). Set u equal to this x-expression.
Step 2: Find "du" by taking the derivative of the u expression with respect to x. For instance, if you have u = 3x+2, your du would then be du = 3dx. (Remember to include "dx" at the end of your du differential expression).
Step 3: Substitute u and du into the integral everywhere in place of x and dx. (If your du does not perfectly match what you need in order to completely substitute before integrating, you must rearrange the du, or sometimes rearrange the u, in order to fully substitute before integrating. For an example of each, see example #2 (time: 8:21) and example #3 (time: 17:15).
Step 4: Integrate, remembering to add "+ C" at the end since you integrated an indefinite integral (no limits). The du goes away when you integrate.
Step 5: "Back-substitute" by replacing everywhere u appears with the x-expression that you chose u to be.
Try the free Mathway calculator and
problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own
problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.
We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.