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integration by parts

Definition/Summary
In this article, we shall learn a method for integrating the product of two functions. This method is derived from the 'product rule' for differentiation, but can only be applied to integrate products of certain types.

Equations
[tex]\int u dv=uv - \int v du[/tex]

where u and v are functions of one variable; x, say.

Scientists

Recent forum threads on integration by parts
 
Breakdown
Mathematics
> Calculus/Analysis
>> Calculus

See Also

Images

Extended explanation
As, you can see in the equation, it contains two variable, namely 'u' and 'v'. These variables are actually the representation of two functions and thus, the above rule can also be stated as:

[tex]\int f(x) \ g(x) \ dx=~ f(x)\int g(x) \ dx
\ -~\int \left[ \ f'(x) \int g(x) \ dx \ \right] \ dx
[/tex]

The most important step of initiating such problems would be the determination of u and v from the given function. This can be done by using the following order:
L- Logarithmic
I- Inverse trigonometric
A- Algebraic
T- Trigonometric
E- Exponential
(Or can be remembered as 'LIATE")

Thus, out of the two given function, whichever comes first in the above given list can considered as 'u', and hence the other to be 'v'.

Implementation of the rule given above can be clearly understood by solving an example. Consider,

[tex] I \equiv \int x cos(x) dx[/tex]

In the above stated example, 'x' is an algebraic expression whereas 'cos(x)' is a trigonometric expression. Thus, 'x' is considered as 'u' and 'cos(x)' is considered as 'v'. Hence, applying the above given rule, that is,

[tex]\int uv dx=~ u\int v dx-~\frac{du}{dx} \int vdx
[/tex]

so that

[tex]I= x\int cos(x) dx - \int\left[\frac{d}{dx}x\int cos(x) dx\right] dx[/tex]

[tex]= x \ sin(x) - \int sin(x) \ 1 \ dx +c_1 [/tex]

Because,

[tex]\int cos(x) dx= sin(x)~\text{and}~ \frac{d}{dx}x=~1[/tex]

And finally,

[tex]I = x \ sin(x) + cos(x) + c[/tex]

because

[tex]\int sin(x) dx= -cos(x)[/tex]

Commentary

seyalbert @ 01:05 PM Apr10-11
The method of the integration for parts help much, am some problems of integration. Mainly when we have done product of functions.

Redbelly98 @ 09:30 AM Jan31-09
EDITS
  • In Extended Explanation, 1st equation:
    Changed equation's appearance, and changed the integrand on far-right-hand side from "g(x)" to
    "g(x) dx"
    Strictly speaking, the x should be x', or something other than x. But I think the meaning is clear, and this change is consistent with the example given later in the section.

  • Ext. Expl., elsewhere:
    Minor cosmetic changes to equations.

  • 5 Jul. 2010, edit-and-save to fix Latex bug.

Redbelly98 @ 09:13 AM Jan31-09
Entry created 18 Jan. 2009 by psykatic.