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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:
Proof
Let
Then
Now let’s use implicit differentiation. We obtain

For
Thus, applying the Pythagorean identity
we have
This gives

Then for
we have
□
Evaluating a Definite Integral Using Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Evaluate the definite integral ![]()
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

Find the antiderivative of ![]()
Solution
![]()
Finding an Antiderivative Involving an Inverse Trigonometric Function
Evaluate the integral ![]()
Substitute
Then
and we have
Applying the formula with
we obtain

Find the indefinite integral using an inverse trigonometric function and substitution for ![]()
Solution
![]()
Hint
Use the formula in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions.
Evaluating a Definite Integral
Evaluate the definite integral ![]()
Solution
The format of the problem matches the inverse sine formula. Thus,
![Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com \begin{array}{cc}\\ \\ {\int }_{0}^{\sqrt{3}\text{/}2}\frac{du}{\sqrt{1-{u}^{2}}}\hfill & ={ \sin }^{-1}u{|}_{0}^{\sqrt{3}\text{/}2}\hfill \\ & =\left[{ \sin }^{-1}(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2})\right]-\left[{ \sin }^{-1}(0)\right]\hfill \\ & =\frac{\pi }{3}.\hfill \end{array}](https://opentextbooks.clemson.edu/app/uploads/quicklatex/quicklatex.com-8ea60a375c2fa0de928df6b007820f1a_l3.png)
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 ![]()
Solution
Comparing this problem with the formulas stated in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions, the integrand looks similar to the formula for
So we use substitution, letting
then
and
Then, we have
Use substitution to find the antiderivative of ![]()
Solution
![]()
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 ![]()
Apply the formula with
Then,
Evaluating a Definite Integral
Evaluate the definite integral ![]()
Solution
Use the formula for the inverse tangent. We have
![Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com \begin{array}{cc}\\ \\ {\int }_{\sqrt{3}\text{/}3}^{\sqrt{3}}\frac{dx}{1+{x}^{2}}\hfill & ={ \tan }^{-1}x{|}_{\sqrt{3}\text{/}3}^{\sqrt{3}}\hfill \\ & =\left[{ \tan }^{-1}(\sqrt{3})\right]-\left[{ \tan }^{-1}(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3})\right]\hfill \\ & =\frac{\pi }{6}.\hfill \end{array}](https://opentextbooks.clemson.edu/app/uploads/quicklatex/quicklatex.com-c90feb4e99308f37c1110c929a48e820_l3.png)
Evaluate the definite integral ![]()
Solution
![]()
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



In the following exercises, evaluate each integral in terms of an inverse trigonometric function.
1. ![]()
Solution
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2. ![]()
3. ![]()
Solution
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4. ![]()
5. ![]()
Solution
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6. ![]()
In the following exercises, find each indefinite integral, using appropriate substitutions.
7. ![]()
8. ![]()
9. ![]()
Solution
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10. ![]()
11. ![]()
Solution
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12. ![]()
13. Explain the relationship
Is it true, in general, that ![]()
Solution
So,
They differ by a constant.
14. Explain the relationship
Is it true, in general, that ![]()
15. Explain what is wrong with the following integral: ![]()
Solution
is not defined as a real number when ![]()
16. Explain what is wrong with the following integral: ![]()
In the following exercises, solve for the antiderivative
of
with
then use a calculator to graph
and the antiderivative over the given interval
Identify a value of C such that adding C to the antiderivative recovers the definite integral ![]()
17. [T]
over ![]()
Solution
The antiderivative is
Taking
recovers the definite integral.
18. [T]
over ![]()
19. [T]
over ![]()
Solution
The antiderivative is
Taking
recovers the definite integral.
20. [T]
over ![]()
In the following exercises, compute the antiderivative using appropriate substitutions.
21. ![]()
Solution
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22. ![]()
23. ![]()
Solution
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24. ![]()
25. ![]()
Solution
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26. ![]()
In the following exercises, use a calculator to graph the antiderivative
with
over the given interval
Approximate a value of C , if possible, such that adding C to the antiderivative gives the same value as the definite integral ![]()
27. [T]
over ![]()
Solution
The antiderivative is
Taking
recovers the definite integral over ![]()
28. [T]
over ![]()
29. [T]
over ![]()
![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).](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/courses-images/wp-content/uploads/sites/2332/2018/01/11204310/CNX_Calc_Figure_05_07_207.jpg)
The general antiderivative is
Taking
recovers the definite integral.
30. [T]
over ![]()
31. [T]
over ![]()
The general antiderivative is
Taking
recovers the definite integral.
32. [T]
over ![]()
In the following exercises, compute each integral using appropriate substitutions.
33. ![]()
Solution
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34. ![]()
35. ![]()
Solution
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36. ![]()
37. ![]()
Solution
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38. ![]()
In the following exercises, compute each definite integral.
39. ![]()
40. ![]()
41. ![]()
Solution
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42. ![]()
43. For
compute
and evaluate
the area under the graph of
on ![]()
Solution
as ![]()
44. For
compute
and evaluate
the area under the graph of
over ![]()
45. Use the substitution
and the identity
to evaluate
( Hint: Multiply the top and bottom of the integrand by
)
Solution
Using the hint, one has
Set
Then,
and the integral is
If one uses the identity
then this can also be written ![]()
46. [T] Approximate the points at which the graphs of
and
intersect, and approximate the area between their graphs accurate to three decimal places.
47. [T] Approximate the points at which the graphs of
and
intersect, and approximate the area between their graphs accurate to three decimal places.
Solution
The left endpoint estimate with
is 2.796 and these decimals persist for ![]()
48. Use the following graph to prove that ![]()
Hint
Substitute