When do you know to use integration by parts?

You use integration by parts if there's more than one function of x. For example; to integrate xsin(x) you'd use integration by parts as this is two functions of x. The formula to remember is I(udv) = uv - I(vdu) For xsin(x) you would set u = x, and dv = sin(x). So du = 1, and v = -cos(x). Putting theses values into the formula gives you; I(xsin(x))= -xcos(x) - I(-cos(x)) = -xcos(x) + sin(x) However, for x(x + 2) you wouldn't use integration by parts as this is equal to x2 + 2x which is one function of x.

NL
Answered by Natasha L. Maths tutor

4002 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Express 1/(1+2x)(1-x) in partial fractions


Given that y > 0, find ∫((3y - 4)/y(3y + 2)) dy (taken from the Edexcel C4 2016 paper)


Find the stationary points on y = x^3 + 3x^2 + 4 and identify whether these are maximum or minimum points.


Given that y = 16x^2 + 7x - 3, find dy/dx [3 marks]


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