Skip to main content
Ch. 8 - Techniques of Integration
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 8.2.4

Evaluate the integrals in Exercises 1–24 using integration by parts.
∫ x² sin(x) dx

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the parts of the integral for integration by parts. Let \( u = x^2 \) and \( dv = \sin(x) \, dx \).
Compute the derivatives and antiderivatives needed: \( du = 2x \, dx \) and \( v = -\cos(x) \) because the integral of \( \sin(x) \) is \( -\cos(x) \).
Apply the integration by parts formula: \( \int u \, dv = uv - \int v \, du \). Substitute the expressions to get \( \int x^2 \sin(x) \, dx = -x^2 \cos(x) - \int -\cos(x) \cdot 2x \, dx \).
Simplify the integral: \( -x^2 \cos(x) + 2 \int x \cos(x) \, dx \). Now, you need to evaluate \( \int x \cos(x) \, dx \) using integration by parts again.
For the new integral \( \int x \cos(x) \, dx \), set \( u = x \) and \( dv = \cos(x) \, dx \), then repeat the integration by parts steps to solve it.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
5m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Integration by Parts

Integration by parts is a technique derived from the product rule of differentiation. It transforms the integral of a product of functions into simpler integrals using the formula ∫u dv = uv - ∫v du. Choosing u and dv wisely simplifies the problem, especially when integrating products like x² sin(x).
Recommended video:
06:18
Integration by Parts for Definite Integrals

Choosing u and dv

Selecting which part of the integrand to assign as u and which as dv is crucial. Typically, u is chosen as a function that simplifies when differentiated (like polynomials), and dv is chosen as a function that is easy to integrate (like trigonometric functions). This choice reduces the complexity of the resulting integral.
Recommended video:
07:51
Choosing a Convergence Test

Repeated Application of Integration by Parts

When the integral involves powers of x multiplied by trigonometric functions, integration by parts may need to be applied multiple times. Each application reduces the power of x until the integral becomes straightforward. This iterative process is essential for solving integrals like ∫ x² sin(x) dx.
Recommended video:
08:23
Repeated Integration by Parts