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

120609 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

show that f(x)=cos(x) is even and what is its graphical property


The graphs of functions f(x)=e^x and h(x)=e^(-.5x), where x is a real number and 0<x<1 ,lie on a plane. Draw these functions and find the area they and the line x=0.6 enclose using integration correct to 3 decimal places


Given that f(x) = 1/x - sqrt(x) + 3. Find f'(1).


How do you find the turning points of a graph and how do you if the point is a maximum or a minimum?


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