Integration by Substitution

248 questions · 34 question types identified

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Multi-part questions combining substitution with curve/area analysis

A multi-part question where substitution is used to evaluate an area or integral as one part, alongside other parts involving curve sketching, stationary points, or arc length calculations.

22 Standard +0.5
8.9% of questions
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  1. Use the substitution \(u = 2 - x^2\) to find $$\int \frac{x}{2 - x^2} \, dx.$$ [4]
  2. Evaluate $$\int_0^{\frac{1}{4}} \sin 3x \cos x \, dx.$$ [6]
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Easiest question Moderate -0.3 »
10
  1. Show that \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 2 } \frac { x } { x ^ { 2 } + 5 } \mathrm {~d} x = \ln \left( \frac { 3 } { \sqrt { 5 } } \right)\).
  2. Find \(\int x \sqrt { x - 2 } \mathrm {~d} x\).
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
8
  1. The curve \(C _ { 1 }\) has equation \(y = - \ln ( \cos x )\). Show that the length of the arc of \(C _ { 1 }\) from the point where \(x = 0\) to the point where \(x = \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi\) is \(\ln ( 2 + \sqrt { 3 } )\).
  2. The curve \(C _ { 2 }\) has equation \(y = 2 \sqrt { } ( x + 3 )\). The arc of \(C _ { 2 }\) joining the point where \(x = 0\) to the point where \(x = 1\) is rotated through one complete revolution about the \(x\)-axis. Show that the area of the surface generated is $$\frac { 8 } { 3 } \pi ( 5 \sqrt { } 5 - 8 )$$
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Show definite integral equals specific value (algebraic/exponential substitution)

Show a definite integral equals a specific value using a substitution where the integrand involves algebraic or exponential functions (e.g. u = linear, polynomial, exponential, or square root function), without requiring trigonometric identities.

19 Standard +0.1
7.7% of questions
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Show that \(\int_1^4 \frac{x}{x^2 + 2} \, dx = \frac{1}{2} \ln 6\). [4]
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Easiest question Moderate -0.8 »
Use the substitution \(u = 2x - 5\) to show that \(\int_2^3 (4x - 8)(2x - 5)^7 \, dx = \frac{17}{72}\). [5]
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
10
  1. Use the substitution \(u = \tan x\) to show that, for \(n \neq - 1\), $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi } \left( \tan ^ { n + 2 } x + \tan ^ { n } x \right) \mathrm { d } x = \frac { 1 } { n + 1 }$$
  2. Hence find the exact value of
    1. \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi } \left( \sec ^ { 4 } x - \sec ^ { 2 } x \right) \mathrm { d } x\),
    2. \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi } \left( \tan ^ { 9 } x + 5 \tan ^ { 7 } x + 5 \tan ^ { 5 } x + \tan ^ { 3 } x \right) \mathrm { d } x\).
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Finding curve equation from derivative

A question is this type if and only if it provides dy/dx involving a function requiring substitution and asks to find the equation of the curve y=f(x) given a point on the curve.

15 Moderate -0.4
6.0% of questions
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1 A curve is such that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} x } = \sqrt { } ( 2 x + 5 )\) and \(( 2,5 )\) is a point on the curve. Find the equation of the curve.
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Easiest question Moderate -0.8 »
3 The equation of a curve is such that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} x } = 3 ( 4 x - 7 ) ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } } - 4 x ^ { - \frac { 1 } { 2 } }\). It is given that the curve passes through the point \(\left( 4 , \frac { 5 } { 2 } \right)\). Find the equation of the curve.
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
  1. (a) Use the substitution \(u = 4 - \sqrt { h }\) to show that
$$\int \frac { \mathrm { d } h } { 4 - \sqrt { h } } = - 8 \ln | 4 - \sqrt { h } | - 2 \sqrt { h } + k$$ where \(k\) is a constant A team of scientists is studying a species of slow growing tree.
The rate of change in height of a tree in this species is modelled by the differential equation $$\frac { \mathrm { d } h } { \mathrm {~d} t } = \frac { t ^ { 0.25 } ( 4 - \sqrt { h } ) } { 20 }$$ where \(h\) is the height in metres and \(t\) is the time, measured in years, after the tree is planted.
(b) Find, according to the model, the range in heights of trees in this species. One of these trees is one metre high when it is first planted.
According to the model,
(c) calculate the time this tree would take to reach a height of 12 metres, giving your answer to 3 significant figures.
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Definite integral with simple linear/polynomial substitution

Evaluate a definite integral where the substitution is of the form u = ax+b or u = polynomial in x (e.g. u = x²+3), resulting in a straightforward change of variable without requiring algebraic manipulation of the integrand beyond substitution.

14 Moderate -0.1
5.6% of questions
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Evaluate $$\int_2^6 \sqrt{3x-2} \, dx.$$ [4]
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Easiest question Moderate -0.8 »
4 Evaluate the following integrals, giving your answers in exact form.
  1. \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } \frac { 2 x } { x ^ { 2 } + 1 } \mathrm {~d} x\).
  2. \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } \frac { 2 x } { x + 1 } \mathrm {~d} x\).
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
  1. (i) Use the substitution \(t = \tan \frac { X } { 2 }\) to prove the identity
$$\frac { \sin x - \cos x + 1 } { \sin x + \cos x - 1 } \equiv \sec x + \tan x \quad x \neq \frac { n \pi } { 2 } \quad n \in \mathbb { Z }$$ (ii) Use the substitution \(t = \tan \frac { \theta } { 2 }\) to determine the exact value of $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { \pi } { 2 } } \frac { 5 } { 4 + 2 \cos \theta } d \theta$$ giving your answer in simplest form.
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Definite integral with complex substitution requiring algebraic rearrangement

Evaluate a definite integral where the substitution is given or required (e.g. u = 2x+1, u = x⁴+2, u = 3+√(2x-1)) and the integrand must be algebraically rearranged in terms of u after substitution, including cases where the numerator must be expressed in terms of u.

14 Standard +0.2
5.6% of questions
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Evaluate \(\int_0^3 x(x + 1)^{-\frac{1}{2}} dx\), giving your answer as an exact fraction. [5]
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Easiest question Moderate -0.3 »
6 Use the substitution \(u = 2 x + 1\) to evaluate \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } } \frac { 4 x - 1 } { ( 2 x + 1 ) ^ { 5 } } \mathrm {~d} x\).
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Hardest question Standard +0.8 »
3. Using the substitution \(u = 2 + \sqrt { } ( 2 x + 1 )\), or other suitable substitutions, find the exact value of $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { 4 } \frac { 1 } { 2 + \sqrt { } ( 2 x + 1 ) } d x$$ giving your answer in the form \(A + 2 \ln B\), where \(A\) is an integer and \(B\) is a positive constant.
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Trigonometric substitution: direct evaluation

Use a substitution of the form x = a sin θ, x = a cos θ, x = a tan θ, or x = a sec θ to directly find the exact value of a definite integral without a separate 'show the transformation' step.

14 Standard +0.6
5.6% of questions
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Use the substitution \(x = \sin \theta\) to find the exact value of $$\int_0^1 \frac{1}{(1-x^2)^{3/2}} dx.$$ [7]
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
4. Use the substitution \(x = \sin \theta\) to find the exact value of $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } } \frac { 1 } { \left( 1 - x ^ { 2 } \right) ^ { \frac { 3 } { 2 } } } \mathrm {~d} x$$
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Hardest question Challenging +1.8 »
  1. Using a suitable substitution, find $$\int \sqrt{1 - x^2} \, dx.$$ [4]
  2. Show that the differential equation $$\frac{dy}{dx} = 2\sqrt{1 - x^2 - y^2 + x^2y^2},$$ given that \(y = 0\) when \(x = 0\), \(|x| < 1\) and \(|y| < 1\), has the solution $$y = x \cos\left(x\sqrt{1 - x^2}\right) + \sqrt{1 - x^2} \sin\left(x\sqrt{1 - x^2}\right).$$ [5]
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Algebraic manipulation before substitution

A question is this type if and only if it requires algebraic simplification, completing the square, or rewriting the integrand in a specific form before applying substitution.

11 Standard +0.4
4.4% of questions
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2 Use the substitution \(u = 3 x + 1\) to find \(\int \frac { 3 x } { 3 x + 1 } \mathrm {~d} x\).
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Easiest question Moderate -0.8 »
5. (i) Find $$\int \left( ( 3 x + 5 ) ^ { 9 } + \mathrm { e } ^ { 5 x } \right) \mathrm { d } x$$ (ii) Given that \(b\) is a constant greater than 2 , and $$\int _ { 2 } ^ { b } \frac { x } { x ^ { 2 } + 5 } \mathrm {~d} x = \ln ( \sqrt { 6 } )$$ use integration to find the value of \(b\).
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
6
  1. Given that \(y = ( x - 2 ) \sqrt { 5 + 4 x - x ^ { 2 } } + 9 \sin ^ { - 1 } \left( \frac { x - 2 } { 3 } \right)\), show that $$\frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} x } = k \sqrt { 5 + 4 x - x ^ { 2 } }$$ where \(k\) is an integer.
  2. Hence show that $$\int _ { 2 } ^ { \frac { 7 } { 2 } } \sqrt { 5 + 4 x - x ^ { 2 } } \mathrm {~d} x = p \sqrt { 3 } + q \pi$$ where \(p\) and \(q\) are rational numbers.
    [0pt] [3 marks]
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Indefinite integral with linear substitution

Find an indefinite integral of the form ∫f(ax+b) dx using a simple linear substitution, with no boundary conditions.

10 Moderate -0.7
4.0% of questions
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1 Find \(\int \sqrt [ 3 ] { 2 x - 1 } \mathrm {~d} x\).
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Easiest question Moderate -0.8 »
  1. (i) Find
$$\int \frac { 12 } { ( 2 x - 1 ) ^ { 2 } } \mathrm {~d} x$$ giving your answer in simplest form.
(ii) (a) Write \(\frac { 4 x + 3 } { x + 2 }\) in the form $$A + \frac { B } { x + 2 } \text { where } A \text { and } B \text { are constants to be found }$$ (b) Hence find, using algebraic integration, the exact value of $$\int _ { - 8 } ^ { - 5 } \frac { 4 x + 3 } { x + 2 } d x$$ giving your answer in simplest form.
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Hardest question Moderate -0.3 »
8. (i) Find, using algebraic integration, the exact value of $$\int _ { 3 } ^ { 42 } \frac { 2 } { 3 x - 1 } \mathrm {~d} x$$ giving your answer in simplest form.
(ii) $$\mathrm { h } ( x ) = \frac { 2 x ^ { 3 } - 7 x ^ { 2 } + 8 x + 1 } { ( x - 1 ) ^ { 2 } } \quad x > 1$$ Given \(\mathrm { h } ( x ) = A x + B + \frac { C } { ( x - 1 ) ^ { 2 } }\) where \(A , B\) and \(C\) are constants to be found, find $$\int \mathrm { h } ( x ) \mathrm { d } x$$ \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{1c700103-ecab-4a08-b411-3f445ed88885-26_2258_47_312_1985}
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Square root substitution: definite integral

Use a substitution involving square roots (u = √x, u² = x, u = √(x+a), u² = ax+b) to evaluate a definite integral with given limits.

10 Standard +0.6
4.0% of questions
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Evaluate \(\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1 + \sqrt{x}} \, dx\), giving your answer in the form \(a + b \ln c\), where \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are integers. [6]
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
4 Use the substitution \(u = \sqrt { x + 2 }\) to find the exact value of $$\int _ { - 1 } ^ { 7 } \frac { x ^ { 2 } } { \sqrt { x + 2 } } \mathrm {~d} x$$
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
  1. Given that \(u = 2^x\), write down an expression for \(\frac{du}{dx}\) [1 mark]
  2. Find the exact value of \(\int_0^1 2^x \sqrt{3 + 2^x}\) dx Fully justify your answer. [6 marks]
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Area under curve using substitution

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find the area of a shaded region bounded by a curve and axes/lines, requiring integration by substitution.

9 Standard +0.4
3.6% of questions
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  1. Find the exact coordinates of \(M\).
  2. Using the substitution \(u = 3 - 2 x\), find by integration the area of the shaded region bounded by the curve and the \(x\)-axis. Give your answer in the form \(a \sqrt { 13 }\), where \(a\) is a rational number. [5]
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
9 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{1a4ddaa9-1ec2-4138-bfcb-a482fe6c942f-3_849_565_1466_790} The diagram shows part of the curve \(y = 8 - \sqrt { } ( 4 - x )\) and the tangent to the curve at \(P ( 3,7 )\).
  1. Find expressions for \(\frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} x }\) and \(\int y \mathrm {~d} x\).
  2. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at \(P\) in the form \(y = m x + c\).
  3. Find, showing all necessary working, the area of the shaded region.
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Hardest question Standard +0.8 »
10
  1. Show that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } } { \mathrm { d } x } ( \sin 3 x - 3 x \cos 3 x ) = 9 x \sin 3 x\). The curve shown in the figure below is part of the graph of the function \(y = x \sin 3 x\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3e4281d1-dbad-46a2-bbb7-97706bda2dfa-3_508_1136_1939_466}
  2. Show that \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 2 \pi } { 3 } } | x \sin 3 x | \mathrm { d } x = \frac { 4 \pi } { 9 }\).
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Finding maximum/minimum on curve

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find coordinates of maximum or minimum points on a curve defined by an equation (not obtained by integration), where substitution is needed for area calculations in the same question.

9 Standard +0.5
3.6% of questions
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9 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{208eab3e-a78c-43b4-918f-a9efc9b4f47a-4_429_748_264_699} The diagram shows part of the curve \(y = \frac { x } { x ^ { 2 } + 1 }\) and its maximum point \(M\). The shaded region \(R\) is bounded by the curve and by the lines \(y = 0\) and \(x = p\).
  1. Calculate the \(x\)-coordinate of \(M\).
  2. Find the area of \(R\) in terms of \(p\).
  3. Hence calculate the value of \(p\) for which the area of \(R\) is 1 , giving your answer correct to 3 significant figures.
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
11 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ed5b77ae-6eac-4e73-bc43-613433abd3e1-16_723_942_260_598} The diagram shows part of the curve \(y = \sqrt { } ( 4 x + 1 ) + \frac { 9 } { \sqrt { } ( 4 x + 1 ) }\) and the minimum point \(M\).
  1. Find expressions for \(\frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} x }\) and \(\int y \mathrm {~d} x\).
  2. Find the coordinates of \(M\).
    The shaded region is bounded by the curve, the \(y\)-axis and the line through \(M\) parallel to the \(x\)-axis.
  3. Find, showing all necessary working, the area of the shaded region.
    If you use the following lined page to complete the answer(s) to any question(s), the question number(s) must be clearly shown.
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Hardest question Standard +0.8 »
10 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{0f73e750-18a0-49ad-b4cb-fd6d14f0789e-4_424_713_262_715} The diagram shows the curve \(y = x ^ { 2 } \sqrt { } \left( 1 - x ^ { 2 } \right)\) for \(x \geqslant 0\) and its maximum point \(M\).
  1. Find the exact value of the \(x\)-coordinate of \(M\).
  2. Show, by means of the substitution \(x = \sin \theta\), that the area \(A\) of the shaded region between the curve and the \(x\)-axis is given by $$A = \frac { 1 } { 4 } \int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi } \sin ^ { 2 } 2 \theta \mathrm {~d} \theta$$
  3. Hence obtain the exact value of \(A\).
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Partial fractions after substitution

A question is this type if and only if it requires first applying a substitution to transform the integral, then using partial fractions to complete the integration.

8 Standard +0.3
3.2% of questions
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Using partial fractions, find \(\int \frac{x}{(x+1)(2x+1)} dx\). [7]
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Indefinite integral with non-linear substitution (algebraic/exponential/logarithmic)

Find an indefinite integral using a specified non-linear substitution such as u = ln x, u = x², u = √x, or u = polynomial, returning an answer in terms of x, where the integrand does not involve trigonometric functions requiring the Weierstrass substitution.

8 Standard +0.8
3.2% of questions
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Use the substitution \(u = 1 - x^2\) to find $$\int \frac{1}{1-x^2} \, dx.$$ [6]
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Normal or tangent line problems

A question is this type if and only if it asks to find the equation of a tangent or normal to a curve at a given point, where the curve equation must be found by integrating using substitution.

7 Standard +0.3
2.8% of questions
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5 The equation of a curve is such that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} x } = \frac { 6 } { \sqrt { } ( 3 x - 2 ) }\). Given that the curve passes through the point \(P ( 2,11 )\), find
  1. the equation of the normal to the curve at \(P\),
  2. the equation of the curve.
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Show definite integral equals specific value (requiring partial fractions or complex algebra)

Show a definite integral equals a specific value where, after substitution, the resulting integral requires partial fractions or significant algebraic manipulation (e.g. rational functions of u) to complete.

7 Standard +0.7
2.8% of questions
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10 By first using the substitution \(u = \mathrm { e } ^ { x }\), show that $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \ln 4 } \frac { \mathrm { e } ^ { 2 x } } { \mathrm { e } ^ { 2 x } + 3 \mathrm { e } ^ { x } + 2 } \mathrm {~d} x = \ln \left( \frac { 8 } { 5 } \right)$$
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Show integral transforms via substitution then evaluate (trigonometric/Weierstrass)

A two-part question where (i) a trigonometric substitution (e.g. x = sin²θ, x = a sinθ, t = tan(x/2)) transforms the integral to a trigonometric form, and (ii) the transformed integral is evaluated to a specific exact value.

7 Standard +0.9
2.8% of questions
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6
  1. Show that the substitution \(x = \sin ^ { 2 } \theta\) transforms \(\int \sqrt { \frac { x } { 1 - x } } \mathrm {~d} x\) to \(\int 2 \sin ^ { 2 } \theta \mathrm {~d} \theta\).
  2. Hence find \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } \sqrt { \frac { x } { 1 - x } } \mathrm {~d} x\).
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Volume of revolution with substitution

A question is this type if and only if it involves rotating a region about an axis to find volume, where the integration requires substitution.

6 Challenging +1.0
2.4% of questions
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\includegraphics{figure_6} Figure 1 shows the curve with equation \(y = x\sqrt{1-x}\), \(0 \leq x \leq 1\).
  1. Use the substitution \(u^2 = 1 - x\) to show that the area of the region bounded by the curve and the \(x\)-axis is \(\frac{8}{15}\). [8]
  2. Find, in terms of \(\pi\), the volume of the solid formed when the region bounded by the curve and the \(x\)-axis is rotated through \(360°\) about the \(x\)-axis. [5]
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Square root substitution: indefinite integral

Use a substitution involving square roots (u = √x, u = 1-√x, u = 1+√x, u² = ax+b) to find an indefinite integral, with no limits of integration.

6 Standard +0.2
2.4% of questions
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16 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
Find \(\int \frac { x } { 1 + \sqrt { x } } d x\). END OF QUESTION PAPER
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Show substitution transforms integral, then apply integration by parts or further substitution

A question that requires using a substitution to show an integral transforms to a new form, then applying a further technique such as integration by parts, a second substitution, or a reduction formula to complete the evaluation.

6 Challenging +1.0
2.4% of questions
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7
  1. Find \(\int 5 x ^ { 3 } \sqrt { x ^ { 2 } + 1 } \mathrm {~d} x\).
  2. Find \(\int \theta \tan ^ { 2 } \theta \mathrm {~d} \theta\). You may use the result \(\int \tan \theta \mathrm { d } \theta = \ln | \sec \theta | + c\).
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Show definite integral equals specific value (trigonometric substitution)

Show a definite integral equals a specific value using a trigonometric substitution of the form x = a sin θ, x = a cos θ, or x = a tan θ.

5 Standard +0.6
2.0% of questions
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Use the substitution \(x = 2\tan u\) to show that $$\int_0^2 \frac{x^2}{x^2 + 4} \, dx = \frac{1}{2}(4 - \pi).$$ [8]
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Show substitution transforms integral, then evaluate

A question that requires using a substitution to show an integral transforms to a specific algebraic or rational form, then evaluating the transformed integral (possibly using partial fractions, polynomial division, or direct integration).

5 Standard +1.0
2.0% of questions
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9. a. Use the substitution \(t ^ { 2 } = 2 x - 5\) to show that $$\int \frac { 1 } { x + 3 \sqrt { 2 x - 5 } } \mathrm {~d} x = \int \frac { 2 t } { t ^ { 2 } + 6 t + 5 } \mathrm {~d} t$$ b. Hence find the exact value of $$\int _ { 3 } ^ { 27 } \frac { 1 } { x + 3 \sqrt { 2 x - 5 } } \mathrm {~d} x$$
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Show definite integral equals specific value (trigonometric substitution or identity)

Show a definite integral equals a specific value where the integrand involves trigonometric functions and the method requires a trigonometric substitution or a preliminary trigonometric identity (e.g. tan2θ identity, sin2x identity) before integrating.

5 Challenging +1.2
2.0% of questions
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Show that $$\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sin 2\theta}{1 + \cos \theta} \, d\theta = 2 - 2\ln 2$$ [7]
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Iterative or numerical methods after integration

A question is this type if and only if it involves setting up an equation from an integral using substitution, then solving it numerically or iteratively.

4 Standard +0.7
1.6% of questions
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7 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
Use the substitution \(u = 6 x ^ { 2 } + x\) to solve the equation \(36 x ^ { 4 } + 12 x ^ { 3 } + 7 x ^ { 2 } + x - 2 = 0\).
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Trigonometric substitution: show transformation then evaluate

Use a substitution of the form x = a sin θ, x = a cos θ, x = a tan θ, or x = a sec θ to first show the integral transforms to a specific trigonometric form, then evaluate the resulting integral.

4 Standard +0.6
1.6% of questions
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  1. Show that the substitution \(x = \tan \theta\) transforms \(\int \frac{1}{(1 + x^2)^2} dx\) to \(\int \cos^2 \theta d\theta\). [3]
  2. Hence find the exact value of \(\int_0^1 \frac{1}{(1 + x^2)^2} dx\). [4]
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Substitution u = expression involving trig (non-pure sin/cos)

Evaluate a definite integral using a substitution where u is an expression involving trig functions other than pure sin x or cos x, such as u = 1 + 3tan x, u = 4 - 3cos x, u = 1 - sin x, or u = 2 + cos x.

4 Standard +0.4
1.6% of questions
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2 Use the substitution \(u = 1 + 3 \tan x\) to find the exact value of $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi } \frac { \sqrt { } ( 1 + 3 \tan x ) } { \cos ^ { 2 } x } d x$$
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Show integral transforms via substitution then evaluate (algebraic/exponential)

A two-part question where (i) a substitution transforms the integral to a new algebraic or exponential form, and (ii) the transformed integral is evaluated to a specific exact value, without requiring trigonometric substitutions or the Weierstrass t-substitution.

4 Standard +0.3
1.6% of questions
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6 Let \(I = \int _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } \frac { \sqrt { } x } { 2 - \sqrt { } x } \mathrm {~d} x\).
  1. Using the substitution \(u = 2 - \sqrt { } x\), show that \(I = \int _ { 1 } ^ { 2 } \frac { 2 ( 2 - u ) ^ { 2 } } { u } \mathrm {~d} u\).
  2. Hence show that \(I = 8 \ln 2 - 5\).
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Substitution with exponential functions

A question is this type if and only if it requires substitution involving exponential expressions like u = eˣ or u = e^(f(x)) to simplify the integral.

3 Standard +0.3
1.2% of questions
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5 By first using the substitution \(t = \sqrt { x + 1 }\), find \(\int \mathrm { e } ^ { 2 \sqrt { x + 1 } } \mathrm {~d} x\).
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Finding stationary points after integration

A question is this type if and only if it requires finding f(x) by integration using substitution, then finding and classifying stationary points or determining where f is increasing/decreasing.

3 Moderate -0.1
1.2% of questions
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  1. Using the substitution \(u = x^2\), or otherwise, find the numerical value of $$\int_0^{\sqrt{\ln 4}} xe^{-\frac{1}{2}x^2} \, dx.$$ [4]
  2. Determine the exact coordinates of the stationary points of the curve \(y = xe^{-\frac{1}{2}x^2}\). [4]
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Substitution u = sin x or u = cos x (area/integral)

Evaluate a definite integral or area using substitution u = sin x, u = cos x, or u = f(trig x) where the substitution is into a product/composition of trig functions, typically involving powers of sin and cos.

3 Standard +0.8
1.2% of questions
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5 Use the substitution \(u = \cos x\) to find the exact value of $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi } \sin ^ { 3 } x \cos ^ { 2 } x d x$$
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Indefinite integral with Weierstrass or trigonometric substitution

Find an indefinite integral using a trigonometric substitution such as t = tan(x/2) (Weierstrass) or similar, where the integrand involves trigonometric functions, returning an answer in terms of x.

2 Challenging +1.2
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1 Use the substitution \(t = \tan \frac { 1 } { 2 } x\) to find \(\int \frac { 1 } { 1 + \sin x + \cos x } \mathrm {~d} x\).
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Improper integrals with substitution

A question is this type if and only if it involves evaluating an integral with infinite limits (∫₁^∞ or similar) requiring substitution.

1 Challenging +1.2
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4 Using the substitution \(u = \sqrt { x }\), find the exact value of $$\int _ { 3 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 } { ( x + 1 ) \sqrt { x } } \mathrm {~d} x$$
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Related rates with substitution

A question is this type if and only if it involves finding rates of change (dx/dt, dy/dt) where the curve equation is found by integration using substitution.

1 Standard +0.3
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9 A curve is such that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} x } = \sqrt { } ( 4 x + 1 )\) and \(( 2,5 )\) is a point on the curve.
  1. Find the equation of the curve.
  2. A point \(P\) moves along the curve in such a way that the \(y\)-coordinate is increasing at a constant rate of 0.06 units per second. Find the rate of change of the \(x\)-coordinate when \(P\) passes through \(( 2,5 )\).
  3. Show that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } ^ { 2 } y } { \mathrm {~d} x ^ { 2 } } \times \frac { \mathrm { d } y } { \mathrm {~d} x }\) is constant.
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Substitution u = trig(x): straightforward evaluation

Use a substitution of the form u = sin x, u = cos x, u = tan x, or u = 1 ± trig(x) to directly evaluate a definite or indefinite integral involving products/compositions of trig functions, without a separate 'show the transformation' step.

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5 Use the substitution \(u = \cos x\) to find the exact value of $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi } \sin ^ { 3 } x \cos ^ { 2 } x d x$$
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Substitution u = trig(x): curve area with diagram

Given a diagram of a curve defined by a product/composition of trig functions, use a substitution u = sin x, u = cos x, or similar to find the exact area of a shaded region, typically as part of a multi-part question also asking for a maximum point.

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\includegraphics{figure_7} The diagram shows the curve \(y = 5\sin^2 x \cos^3 x\) for \(0 \leqslant x \leqslant \frac{1}{2}\pi\), and its maximum point \(M\). The shaded region \(R\) is bounded by the curve and the \(x\)-axis.
  1. Find the \(x\)-coordinate of \(M\), giving your answer correct to 3 decimal places. [5]
  2. Using the substitution \(u = \sin x\) and showing all necessary working, find the exact area of \(R\). [4]
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