How do you integrate tan^2(x)?

This is a question which tests your knowledge of how to use trigonometric identities as well as integration. As there is no way to immediately integrate tan^2(x) using well known trigonometric integrals and derivatives, it seems like a good idea would be writing tan^2(x) as sec^2(x) - 1.

Now, we can recognise sec^2(x) as the derivative of tan(x) (you can prove this using the quotient rule and the identity sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1), while we get x when we integrate 1, so our final answer is tan(x) - x + c.

WL
Answered by Warren L. Maths tutor

101104 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the tangent line to the curve y = x^3+4x+5 at the point where x = 2?


How do I tell if a curve has a maximum or a minimum?


Find the tangent and normal to the curve y=(4-x)(x+2) at the point (2, 8)


Integrate 3x^2 + 4/3 x^5 with respect to x


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning