5.7 Integrals Resulting in Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Learning Objectives

  • Integrate functions resulting in inverse trigonometric functions

In this section we focus on integrals that result in inverse trigonometric functions. We have worked with these functions before. Recall from Functions and Graphs that trigonometric functions are not one-to-one unless the domains are restricted. When working with inverses of trigonometric functions, we always need to be careful to take these restrictions into account. Also in Derivatives, we developed formulas for derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions. The formulas developed there give rise directly to integration formulas involving inverse trigonometric functions.

Integrals that Result in Inverse Sine Functions

Let us begin this last section of the chapter with the three formulas. Along with these formulas, we use substitution to evaluate the integrals. We prove the formula for the inverse sine integral.

Rule: Integration Formulas Resulting in Inverse Trigonometric Functions

The following integration formulas yield inverse trigonometric functions:

  1. [latex]\int \frac{du}{\sqrt{{a}^{2}-{u}^{2}}}={ \sin }^{-1}\frac{u}{a}+C[/latex]
  2. [latex]\int \frac{du}{{a}^{2}+{u}^{2}}=\frac{1}{a}\phantom{\rule{0.05em}{0ex}}{ \tan }^{-1}\frac{u}{a}+C[/latex]
  3. [latex]\int \frac{du}{u\sqrt{{u}^{2}-{a}^{2}}}=\frac{1}{a}\phantom{\rule{0.05em}{0ex}}{ \sec }^{-1}\frac{u}{a}+C[/latex]

Proof

Let [latex]y={ \sin }^{-1}\frac{x}{a}.[/latex] Then [latex]a \sin y=x.[/latex] Now let’s use implicit differentiation. We obtain

[latex]\begin{array}{ccc}\hfill \frac{d}{dx}(a \sin y)& =\hfill & \frac{d}{dx}(x)\hfill \\ \\ \hfill a \cos y\frac{dy}{dx}& =\hfill & 1\hfill \\ \hfill \frac{dy}{dx}& =\hfill & \frac{1}{a \cos y}.\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

For [latex]-\frac{\pi }{2}\le y\le \frac{\pi }{2}, \cos y\ge 0.[/latex] Thus, applying the Pythagorean identity [latex]{ \sin }^{2}y+{ \cos }^{2}y=1,[/latex] we have [latex]\cos y=\sqrt{1={ \sin }^{2}y}.[/latex] This gives

[latex]\begin{array}{cc}\frac{1}{a \cos y}\hfill & =\frac{1}{a\sqrt{1-{ \sin }^{2}y}}\hfill \\ \\ & =\frac{1}{\sqrt{{a}^{2}-{a}^{2}{ \sin }^{2}y}}\hfill \\ & =\frac{1}{\sqrt{{a}^{2}-{x}^{2}}}.\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

Then for [latex]\text{−}a\le x\le a,[/latex] we have

[latex]\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{{a}^{2}-{u}^{2}}}du={ \sin }^{-1}(\frac{u}{a})+C.[/latex]

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Evaluating a Definite Integral Using Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Evaluate the definite integral [latex]{\int }_{0}^{1}\frac{dx}{\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}}.[/latex]

We can go directly to the formula for the antiderivative in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions, and then evaluate the definite integral. We have

[latex]\begin{array}{}\\ \\ {\int }_{0}^{1}\frac{dx}{\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}}\hfill & ={ \sin }^{-1}x{|}_{0}^{1}\hfill \\ & ={ \sin }^{-1}1-{ \sin }^{-1}0\hfill \\ & =\frac{\pi }{2}-0\hfill \\ & =\frac{\pi }{2}.\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

Find the antiderivative of [latex]\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{1-16{x}^{2}}}.[/latex]

Hint

Substitute [latex]u=4x[/latex]

Finding an Antiderivative Involving an Inverse Trigonometric Function

Evaluate the integral [latex]\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{4-9{x}^{2}}}.[/latex]

Substitute [latex]u=3x.[/latex] Then [latex]du=3dx[/latex] and we have

[latex]\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{4-9{x}^{2}}}=\frac{1}{3}\int \frac{du}{\sqrt{4-{u}^{2}}}.[/latex]

Applying the formula with [latex]a=2,[/latex] we obtain

[latex]\begin{array}{cc}\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{4-9{x}^{2}}}\hfill & =\frac{1}{3}\int \frac{du}{\sqrt{4-{u}^{2}}}\hfill \\ \\ & =\frac{1}{3}{ \sin }^{-1}(\frac{u}{2})+C\hfill \\ & =\frac{1}{3}{ \sin }^{-1}(\frac{3x}{2})+C.\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

Find the indefinite integral using an inverse trigonometric function and substitution for [latex]\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{9-{x}^{2}}}.[/latex]

Hint

Use the formula in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions.

Evaluating a Definite Integral

Evaluate the definite integral [latex]{\int }_{0}^{\sqrt{3}\text{/}2}\frac{du}{\sqrt{1-{u}^{2}}}.[/latex]

Integrals Resulting in Other Inverse Trigonometric Functions

There are six inverse trigonometric functions. However, only three integration formulas are noted in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions because the remaining three are negative versions of the ones we use. The only difference is whether the integrand is positive or negative. Rather than memorizing three more formulas, if the integrand is negative, simply factor out −1 and evaluate the integral using one of the formulas already provided. To close this section, we examine one more formula: the integral resulting in the inverse tangent function.

Finding an Antiderivative Involving the Inverse Tangent Function

Find an antiderivative of [latex]\int \frac{1}{1+4{x}^{2}}dx.[/latex]

Use substitution to find the antiderivative of [latex]\int \frac{dx}{25+4{x}^{2}}.[/latex]

Hint

Use the solving strategy from (Figure) and the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions.

Applying the Integration Formulas

Find the antiderivative of [latex]\int \frac{1}{9+{x}^{2}}dx.[/latex]

Apply the formula with [latex]a=3.[/latex] Then,

[latex]\int \frac{dx}{9+{x}^{2}}=\frac{1}{3}\phantom{\rule{0.05em}{0ex}}{ \tan }^{-1}(\frac{x}{3})+C.[/latex]

Find the antiderivative of [latex]\int \frac{dx}{16+{x}^{2}}.[/latex]

Hint

Follow the steps in (Figure).

Evaluating a Definite Integral

Evaluate the definite integral [latex]{\int }_{\sqrt{3}\text{/}3}^{\sqrt{3}}\frac{dx}{1+{x}^{2}}.[/latex]

Evaluate the definite integral [latex]{\int }_{0}^{2}\frac{dx}{4+{x}^{2}}.[/latex]

Hint

Follow the procedures from (Figure) to solve the problem.

Key Concepts

  • Formulas for derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions developed in Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions lead directly to integration formulas involving inverse trigonometric functions.
  • Use the formulas listed in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions to match up the correct format and make alterations as necessary to solve the problem.
  • Substitution is often required to put the integrand in the correct form.

Key Equations

  • Integrals That Produce Inverse Trigonometric Functions
    [latex]\int \frac{du}{\sqrt{{a}^{2}-{u}^{2}}}={ \sin }^{-1}(\frac{u}{a})+C[/latex]
    [latex]\int \frac{du}{{a}^{2}+{u}^{2}}=\frac{1}{a}\phantom{\rule{0.05em}{0ex}}{ \tan }^{-1}(\frac{u}{a})+C[/latex]
    [latex]\int \frac{du}{u\sqrt{{u}^{2}-{a}^{2}}}=\frac{1}{a}\phantom{\rule{0.05em}{0ex}}{ \sec }^{-1}(\frac{u}{a})+C[/latex]

In the following exercises, evaluate each integral in terms of an inverse trigonometric function.

[latex]{\int }_{0}^{\sqrt{3}\text{/}2}\frac{dx}{\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}}[/latex]

[latex]{\int }_{-1\text{/}2}^{1\text{/}2}\frac{dx}{\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}}[/latex]

[latex]{\int }_{\sqrt{3}}^{1}\frac{dx}{\sqrt{1+{x}^{2}}}[/latex]

[latex]{\int }_{1\text{/}\sqrt{3}}^{\sqrt{3}}\frac{dx}{1+{x}^{2}}[/latex]

[latex]{\int }_{1}^{\sqrt{2}}\frac{dx}{|x|\sqrt{{x}^{2}-1}}[/latex]

[latex]{\int }_{1}^{2\text{/}\sqrt{3}}\frac{dx}{|x|\sqrt{{x}^{2}-1}}[/latex]

In the following exercises, find each indefinite integral, using appropriate substitutions.

[latex]\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{9-{x}^{2}}}[/latex]

[latex]{ \sin }^{-1}(\frac{x}{3})+C[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{1-16{x}^{2}}}[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{dx}{9+{x}^{2}}[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{dx}{25+16{x}^{2}}[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{dx}{|x|\sqrt{{x}^{2}-9}}[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{dx}{|x|\sqrt{4{x}^{2}-16}}[/latex]

Explain the relationship [latex]\text{−}{ \cos }^{-1}t+C=\int \frac{dt}{\sqrt{1-{t}^{2}}}={ \sin }^{-1}t+C.[/latex] Is it true, in general, that [latex]{ \cos }^{-1}t=\text{−}{ \sin }^{-1}t?[/latex]

Explain the relationship [latex]{ \sec }^{-1}t+C=\int \frac{dt}{|t|\sqrt{{t}^{2}-1}}=\text{−}{ \csc }^{-1}t+C.[/latex] Is it true, in general, that [latex]{ \sec }^{-1}t=\text{−}{ \csc }^{-1}t?[/latex]

Explain what is wrong with the following integral: [latex]{\int }_{1}^{2}\frac{dt}{\sqrt{1-{t}^{2}}}.[/latex]

Explain what is wrong with the following integral: [latex]{\int }_{-1}^{1}\frac{dt}{|t|\sqrt{{t}^{2}-1}}.[/latex]

In the following exercises, solve for the antiderivative [latex]\int f[/latex] of [latex]f[/latex] with [latex]C=0,[/latex] then use a calculator to graph [latex]f[/latex] and the antiderivative over the given interval [latex]\left[a,b\right].[/latex] Identify a value of C such that adding C to the antiderivative recovers the definite integral [latex]F(x)={\int }_{a}^{x}f(t)dt.[/latex]

[T][latex]\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{9-{x}^{2}}}dx[/latex] over [latex]\left[-3,3\right][/latex]

[T][latex]\int \frac{9}{9+{x}^{2}}dx[/latex] over [latex]\left[-6,6\right][/latex]

[T][latex]\int \frac{ \cos x}{4+{ \sin }^{2}x}dx[/latex] over [latex]\left[-6,6\right][/latex]

[T][latex]\int \frac{{e}^{x}}{1+{e}^{2x}}dx[/latex] over [latex]\left[-6,6\right][/latex]

In the following exercises, compute the antiderivative using appropriate substitutions.

[latex]\int \frac{{ \sin }^{-1}tdt}{\sqrt{1-{t}^{2}}}[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{dt}{{ \sin }^{-1}t\sqrt{1-{t}^{2}}}[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{{ \tan }^{-1}(2t)}{1+4{t}^{2}}dt[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{t{ \tan }^{-1}({t}^{2})}{1+{t}^{4}}dt[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{{ \sec }^{-1}(\frac{t}{2})}{|t|\sqrt{{t}^{2}-4}}dt[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{t{ \sec }^{-1}({t}^{2})}{{t}^{2}\sqrt{{t}^{4}-1}}dt[/latex]

In the following exercises, use a calculator to graph the antiderivative [latex]\int f[/latex] with [latex]C=0[/latex] over the given interval [latex]\left[a,b\right].[/latex] Approximate a value of C, if possible, such that adding C to the antiderivative gives the same value as the definite integral [latex]F(x)={\int }_{a}^{x}f(t)dt.[/latex]

[T][latex]\int \frac{1}{x\sqrt{{x}^{2}-4}}dx[/latex] over [latex]\left[2,6\right][/latex]

[T][latex]\int \frac{1}{(2x+2)\sqrt{x}}dx[/latex] over [latex]\left[0,6\right][/latex]

[T][latex]\int \frac{( \sin x+x \cos x)}{1+{x}^{2}{ \sin }^{2}x}dx[/latex] over [latex]\left[-6,6\right][/latex]

 

The graph of f(x) = arctan(x sin(x)) over [-6,6]. It has five turning points at roughly (-5, -1.5), (-2,1), (0,0), (2,1), and (5,-1.5).
The general antiderivative is [latex]{ \tan }^{-1}(x \sin x)+C.[/latex] Taking [latex]C=\text{−}{ \tan }^{-1}(6 \sin (6))[/latex] recovers the definite integral.

[T][latex]\int \frac{2{e}^{-2x}}{\sqrt{1-{e}^{-4x}}}dx[/latex] over [latex]\left[0,2\right][/latex]

[T][latex]\int \frac{1}{x+x{\text{ln}}^{2}x}[/latex] over [latex]\left[0,2\right][/latex]

A graph of the function f(x) = arctan(ln(x)) over (0, 2]. It is an increasing curve with x-intercept at (1,0).
The general antiderivative is [latex]{ \tan }^{-1}(\text{ln}x)+C.[/latex] Taking [latex]C=\frac{\pi }{2}={ \tan }^{-1}\infty[/latex] recovers the definite integral.

[T][latex]\int \frac{{ \sin }^{-1}x}{\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}}[/latex] over [latex]\left[-1,1\right][/latex]

In the following exercises, compute each integral using appropriate substitutions.

[latex]\int \frac{{e}^{x}}{\sqrt{1-{e}^{2t}}}dt[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{{e}^{t}}{1+{e}^{2t}}dt[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{dt}{t\sqrt{1-{\text{ln}}^{2}t}}[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{dt}{t(1+{\text{ln}}^{2}t)}[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{{ \cos }^{-1}(2t)}{\sqrt{1-4{t}^{2}}}dt[/latex]

[latex]\int \frac{{e}^{t}{ \cos }^{-1}({e}^{t})}{\sqrt{1-{e}^{2t}}}dt[/latex]

In the following exercises, compute each definite integral.

[latex]{\int }_{0}^{1\text{/}2}\frac{ \tan ({ \sin }^{-1}t)}{\sqrt{1-{t}^{2}}}dt[/latex]

[latex]\frac{1}{2}\text{ln}(\frac{4}{3})[/latex]

[latex]{\int }_{1\text{/}4}^{1\text{/}2}\frac{ \tan ({ \cos }^{-1}t)}{\sqrt{1-{t}^{2}}}dt[/latex]

[latex]{\int }_{0}^{1\text{/}2}\frac{ \sin ({ \tan }^{-1}t)}{1+{t}^{2}}dt[/latex]

[latex]{\int }_{0}^{1\text{/}2}\frac{ \cos ({ \tan }^{-1}t)}{1+{t}^{2}}dt[/latex]

For [latex]A>0,[/latex] compute [latex]I(A)={\int }_{\text{−}A}^{A}\frac{dt}{1+{t}^{2}}[/latex] and evaluate [latex]\underset{a\to \infty }{\text{lim}}I(A),[/latex] the area under the graph of [latex]\frac{1}{1+{t}^{2}}[/latex] on [latex]\left[\text{−}\infty ,\infty \right].[/latex]

For [latex]1

Use the substitution [latex]u=\sqrt{2} \cot x[/latex] and the identity [latex]1+{ \cot }^{2}x={ \csc }^{2}x[/latex] to evaluate [latex]\int \frac{dx}{1+{ \cos }^{2}x}.[/latex] (Hint: Multiply the top and bottom of the integrand by [latex]{ \csc }^{2}x.[/latex])

[T] Approximate the points at which the graphs of [latex]f(x)=2{x}^{2}-1[/latex] and [latex]g(x)={(1+4{x}^{2})}^{-3\text{/}2}[/latex] intersect, and approximate the area between their graphs accurate to three decimal places.

47. [T] Approximate the points at which the graphs of [latex]f(x)={x}^{2}-1[/latex] and [latex]f(x)={x}^{2}-1[/latex] intersect, and approximate the area between their graphs accurate to three decimal places.

Use the following graph to prove that [latex]{\int }_{0}^{x}\sqrt{1-{t}^{2}}dt=\frac{1}{2}x\sqrt{1-{x}^{2}}+\frac{1}{2}\phantom{\rule{0.05em}{0ex}}{ \sin }^{-1}x.[/latex]

A diagram containing two shapes, a wedge from a circle shaded in blue on top of a triangle shaded in brown. The triangle’s hypotenuse is one of the radii edges of the wedge of the circle and is 1 unit long. There is a dotted red line forming a rectangle out of part of the wedge and the triangle, with the hypotenuse of the triangle as the diagonal of the rectangle. The curve of the circle is described by the equation sqrt(1-x^2).