How do you find the integral of sin^2(x) dx?

Sin^2(x) cannot be integrated in its current form so you must use trigonometric identities to change sin^2(x) into something else.

Use the formula for cox(2x): cos(2x)=cos(x+x)=cos^2(x)-sin^2(x)

Now use that cos^2(x)=(1-sin^2(x))

So cos(2x)=1-2sin^2(x)

Rearrange the equation to find that sin^2(x)=1/2-1/2(cos(2x))

Now you can integrate to get that the integral of sin^2(x)=1/2x-1/4sin(2x)

CW
Answered by Chloe W. Maths tutor

9106 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find dy/dx from the equation 2xy + 3x^2 = 4y


How do you integrate ln(x)?


f(x) = sinx. Using differentiation from first principles find the exact value of f' (π/6).


How can you remember what sin(x) and cos(x) differentiate or integrate to?


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