Standard Integrals with Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Some integrals look like they'd need a substitution, but the result is already a known function in disguise. The inverse trig family $\sin^{-1}, \tan^{-1}, \sec^{-1}$ are the antiderivatives of three quadratic-denominator patterns you must recognise on sight. This lesson nails the three standard forms, the linear substitution $u = x/a$ that produces them, and how to spot completing-the-square cases.
Today's hook, Differentiate $\tan^{-1}(x/3)$ using the chain rule. Then look at $\displaystyle \int \frac{1}{9 + x^2}\,dx$, what should the answer be? Now try $\displaystyle \int \frac{1}{4 + x^2}\,dx$ from the same logic. What's the pattern?
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Recall, your gut answer first
+5 XP warm-up From Y12 Advanced you know $\dfrac{d}{dx}\bigl[\tan^{-1} x\bigr] = \dfrac{1}{1 + x^2}$ and $\dfrac{d}{dx}\bigl[\sin^{-1} x\bigr] = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}$.
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Recall, your gut answer first
+5 XP warm-up
From Y12 Advanced you know $\dfrac{d}{dx}\bigl[\tan^{-1} x\bigr] = \dfrac{1}{1 + x^2}$ and $\dfrac{d}{dx}\bigl[\sin^{-1} x\bigr] = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}$. Before checking what do you predict the derivative of $\tan^{-1}(x/a)$ is, and therefore $\int \dfrac{1}{a^2 + x^2}\,dx$?
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The two moves for inverse-trig integrals
+5 XP to read Two habits handle every inverse-trig integral on the HSC: match the shape of the denominator to one of three...
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The two moves for inverse-trig integrals
+5 XP to read
Two habits handle every inverse-trig integral on the HSC: match the shape of the denominator to one of three templates ($a^2 + x^2$, $\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}$, $x\sqrt{x^2 - a^2}$), then identify $a$ by reading the constant. Anything that doesn't fit instantly usually needs completing the square first.
The shape-and-constant reading: (1) is the denominator a sum, a square-root of a difference, or an $x\sqrt{}$ form? (2) read off $a$ as $\sqrt{\text{constant}}$, (3) apply the matching standard integral verbatim.
$a^2 + x^2$ in the denominator (no square root, no $x$ factor) is always arctan. Watch the leading $\tfrac{1}{a}$, students lose marks by writing $\tan^{-1}(x/a) + C$ without it.
Square-root of a difference → arcsin
$\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}$ in the denominator (square root, difference) is arcsin. No leading $\tfrac{1}{a}$ here, the answer is $\sin^{-1}(x/a) + C$ outright.
$x\sqrt{x^2-a^2}$ → arcsec
An $x$ factor outside the root, with $x^2 - a^2$ inside, gives $\tfrac{1}{a}\sec^{-1}(x/a) + C$. Less common in HSC but worth recognising.
Underlying substitution $u = x/a$ derives each form from the unit-$a$ case
Understand
Concepts
Why a "sum of squares vs difference under a root" diagnostic distinguishes arctan from arcsin
Why the $\tfrac{1}{a}$ factor appears for arctan and arcsec but not arcsin
How completing the square reduces $ax^2 + bx + c$ denominators to one of the three forms
Can do
Skills
Recognise and integrate the three standard inverse-trig forms by inspection
Identify $a$ correctly when the constant is not a perfect square
Set up the substitution $u = x/a$ when asked to derive (not just quote)
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Key terms
Standard integralAn integral whose antiderivative is listed in the NESA reference sheet, to be quoted, not re-derived, in exams (unless the question says "show").
Inverse tangent ($\tan^{-1}$)The function with $\dfrac{d}{dx}\tan^{-1} x = \dfrac{1}{1 + x^2}$. Antiderivative pattern for $\dfrac{1}{a^2 + x^2}$.
Inverse sine ($\sin^{-1}$)The function with $\dfrac{d}{dx}\sin^{-1} x = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}$. Antiderivative pattern for $\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}}$.
Inverse secant ($\sec^{-1}$)The function with $\dfrac{d}{dx}\sec^{-1} x = \dfrac{1}{|x|\sqrt{x^2 - 1}}$. Antiderivative pattern for $\dfrac{1}{x\sqrt{x^2 - a^2}}$.
Completing the squareRewriting $ax^2 + bx + c$ as $a\bigl((x + \tfrac{b}{2a})^2 + k\bigr)$ to expose a standard inverse-trig form.
Linear substitution $u = x/a$The substitution that reduces $a^2 \pm x^2$ to $a^2(1 \pm u^2)$, exposing the unit-$a$ standard form. Source of the $\tfrac{1}{a}$ factor.
MEX-C1NESA outcome (Further Integration): integrates functions using the standard integrals listed in the reference sheet, including inverse trigonometric forms.
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The three standard inverse-trig integrals
Three quadratic-denominator shapes have inverse-trig antiderivatives.
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The three standard inverse-trig integrals
core concept
Three quadratic-denominator shapes have inverse-trig antiderivatives. Memorise them by feature, not by formula alone:
The same substitution gives the arcsin form (with one less $\tfrac{1}{a}$ because $\sqrt{a^2} = a$ cancels the $a\,du$).
Where the $\tfrac{1}{a}$ comes from. Arctan: $\tfrac{a\,du}{a^2(1+u^2)} = \tfrac{1}{a} \cdot \tfrac{du}{1+u^2}$. Arcsin: $\tfrac{a\,du}{\sqrt{a^2(1-u^2)}} = \tfrac{a\,du}{a\sqrt{1-u^2}} = \tfrac{du}{\sqrt{1-u^2}}$, the $a$'s cancel, no leading factor.
$\int \tfrac{dx}{a^2+x^2} = \tfrac{1}{a}\tan^{-1}(x/a) + C$ · $\int \tfrac{dx}{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}} = \sin^{-1}(x/a) + C$ · $\int \tfrac{dx}{x\sqrt{x^2-a^2}} = \tfrac{1}{a}\sec^{-1}(x/a) + C$ · Substitution $u = x/a$ derives all three; $a$-factors give the leading $\tfrac{1}{a}$ for arctan and arcsec
Pause, copy the three standard inverse-trig integrals (arctan, arcsin, arcsec forms) with the $1/a$ factor and the derivation sketch ($u = x/a$) into your book.
Quick check: Which standard integral does $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{25 - x^2}}$ match?
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Spotting the form, completing the square
We just saw the three standard inverse-trig integrals: $\int dx/(a^2+x^2) = \tfrac{1}{a}\tan^{-1}(x/a)+C$, $\int dx/\sqrt{a^2-x^2} = \sin^{-1}(x/a)+C$, and the arcsec form, all derived by $u = x/a$.
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Spotting the form, completing the square
core concept
We just saw the three standard inverse-trig integrals: $\int dx/(a^2+x^2) = \tfrac{1}{a}\tan^{-1}(x/a)+C$, $\int dx/\sqrt{a^2-x^2} = \sin^{-1}(x/a)+C$, and the arcsec form, all derived by $u = x/a$. That raises a question: what if the quadratic in the denominator has a linear term? This card answers it → complete the square first: $x^2+bx+c = (x+b/2)^2 + (c-b^2/4)$, then substitute $w = x+b/2$ to match the standard arctan form.
Sometimes the denominator hides a standard form behind a general quadratic. The fix: complete the square, then identify $a$.
Example. $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{x^2 + 4x + 13}$. The denominator is $x^2 + 4x + 13 = (x+2)^2 + 9$. With the substitution $w = x + 2$ (so $dw = dx$),
Watch the sign. If $c - \tfrac{b^2}{4} > 0$ the expression is a sum of squares, arctan territory. If $c - \tfrac{b^2}{4} < 0$ the quadratic factors over the reals, that's partial fractions (next lesson), not arctan.
Complete the square: $x^2 + bx + c = (x + b/2)^2 + (c - b^2/4)$ · Sum of squares + no real roots → arctan form after $w = x + b/2$ · Real roots ($b^2 - 4c > 0$) → not inverse-trig; use partial fractions · Example: $\int dx/(x^2+4x+13) = \tfrac{1}{3}\tan^{-1}((x+2)/3) + C$
Pause, copy the completing-the-square formula $(x+b/2)^2 + (c-b^2/4)$, the sum-of-squares → arctan rule, the real-roots → partial-fractions rule, and the worked example $\int dx/(x^2+4x+13) = \tfrac{1}{3}\tan^{-1}((x+2)/3)+C$ into your book.
Did you get this? True or false: $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{x^2 + 2x + 5}$ requires partial fractions because the denominator is a general quadratic.
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Worked examples · 3 in a row, reveal as you go
Worked examples · 3 in a row, reveal as you go
Worked examples · 3 in a row, reveal as you go
PROBLEM 1 · ARCTAN FORM
Evaluate $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{9 + x^2}$.
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Identify the shape: $9 + x^2 = 3^2 + x^2$. Sum of squares → arctan form with $a = 3$.
No square root, no $x$ factor, this is the cleanest arctan case. Reading $a^2 = 9 \Rightarrow a = 3$ takes one second.
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Apply the standard integral: $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{a^2 + x^2} = \tfrac{1}{a}\tan^{-1}(x/a) + C$ with $a = 3$.
Direct quote from the reference sheet. The $\tfrac{1}{a} = \tfrac{1}{3}$ factor is non-negotiable, losing it costs a mark.
Fill the gap: $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{49 + x^2} = $ $\tan^{-1}\!\left(\dfrac{x}{\,}\right.$$\!\!\left.\right) + C$.
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Misconceptions to fix · the 3 traps that cost marks
Misconceptions to fix · the 3 traps that cost marks
Misconceptions to fix · the 3 traps that cost marks
Trap 01
Confusing arctan and arcsin shapes
$a^2 + x^2$ (no root, no $x$ factor) is arctan. $\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}$ (root, difference) is arcsin. Mixing them up writes the wrong function and gets zero. Always check: is there a square root over the denominator?
Trap 02
Forgetting the $\tfrac{1}{a}$ factor
Arctan and arcsec both carry a leading $\tfrac{1}{a}$ outside. Writing $\tan^{-1}(x/3) + C$ instead of $\tfrac{1}{3}\tan^{-1}(x/3) + C$ loses a mark. Differentiate your answer to check it gives back the integrand.
Trap 03
Misreading $a$ from the constant
In $\int \tfrac{dx}{\sqrt{25 - x^2}}$, $a = 5$ (not 25). The constant is $a^2$, so take its square root. Students who write $\sin^{-1}(x/25)$ have skipped this step.
Did you get this? True or false: $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{4 + x^2} = \tan^{-1}(x/2) + C$ (without a leading $\tfrac{1}{2}$).
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Revisit your thinking
Activities · practice with the ideas
Activities · practice with the ideas
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Evaluate $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{4 + x^2}$.
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Evaluate $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{9 - x^2}}$ for $|x| < 3$.
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Evaluate $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{x\sqrt{x^2 - 9}}$ for $x > 3$.
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Evaluate $\displaystyle \int_0^1 \frac{dx}{1 + x^2}$ using the standard integral.
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Complete the square to evaluate $\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{x^2 + 2x + 5}$.
Odd one out: Three of these integrals reduce to a single inverse-trig standard form. Which one does NOT?
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Revisit your thinking
Earlier you differentiated $\tan^{-1}(x/3)$ and predicted $\int \tfrac{dx}{9+x^2}$ and $\int \tfrac{dx}{4+x^2}$.
The first is $\tfrac{1}{3}\tan^{-1}(x/3) + C$; the second is $\tfrac{1}{2}\tan^{-1}(x/2) + C$. The pattern: for $\int \tfrac{dx}{a^2 + x^2}$ the constant under the antiderivative is $\tfrac{1}{a}$, coming from the chain rule's $\tfrac{1}{a}$ multiplier when you differentiate $\tan^{-1}(x/a)$. Two checks every time: (1) the constant inside is $a$, not $a^2$, and (2) the leading $\tfrac{1}{a}$ outside is mandatory for arctan and arcsec, absent for arcsin.
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Show what you have learned
Multiple choice, then short answer under exam conditions.
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Multiple choice
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