MI
Answered byMolly I.Maths Tutor

Show that the integral of tan(x) is ln|sec(x)| + C where C is a constant.

First, recall that tan(x) can be rewritten in terms of sine and cosine.

tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x)

The rephrasing of our question suggests that we should try the substitution rule of integration.

We should substitute u=cos(x), since then du = -sin(x) dx and so sin(x) dx = -du

So the integral of tan(x) = the integral of sin(x)/cos(x) = the integral of -1/u = - ln|u| +C = - ln|cosx| +C

Now, - ln|cos(x)| = ln(|cos(x)|-1) = ln(1/|cos(x)|) = ln|sec(x)|

Therefore, the integral of tan(x) is ln|sec(x)| + C

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The complex conjugate of 2-3i is also a root of z^3+pz^2+qz-13p=0. Find a quadratic factor of z^3+pz^2+qz-13p=0 with real coefficients and thus find the real root of the equation.


The line AB has equation 3x + 5y = 7, find; a) the gradient of AB b) the x-axis and y-axis intercepts c) sketch the graph


find the value of x for when f(x)=0. f(x)=9x^(2)-4


Draw the curve for x^2-5x+6


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning