Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 273

3.2 | Trigonometric Integrals

Learning Objectives
3.2.1 Solve integration problems involving products and powers of sinx and cosx.
3.2.2 Solve integration problems involving products and powers of tanx and secx.
3.2.3 Use reduction formulas to solve trigonometric integrals.

In this section we look at how to integrate a variety of products of trigonometric functions. These integrals are called
trigonometric integrals. They are an important part of the integration technique called trigonometric substitution, which is
featured in Trigonometric Substitution. This technique allows us to convert algebraic expressions that we may not be
able to integrate into expressions involving trigonometric functions, which we may be able to integrate using the techniques
described in this section. In addition, these types of integrals appear frequently when we study polar, cylindrical, and
spherical coordinate systems later. Let’s begin our study with products of sin x and cos x.

Integrating Products and Powers of sinx and cosx

A key idea behind the strategy used to integrate combinations of products and powers of sin x and cos x involves rewriting
these expressions as sums and differences of integrals of the form ∫ sin j x cos x dx or ∫ cos j x sin x dx. After rewriting
these integrals, we evaluate them using u-substitution. Before describing the general process in detail, let’s take a look at
the following examples.

Example 3.8

Integrating ∫ cos j xsinx dx

Evaluate ∫ cos 3 x sin x dx.

Solution
Use u -substitution and let u = cos x. In this case, du = −sin x dx. Thus,

∫ cos 3 x sin x dx = −∫ u 3 du
= − 1u4 + C
4
1
= − cos 4 x + C.
4

3.5 Evaluate ∫ sin 4 x cos x dx.

Example 3.9

A Preliminary Example: Integrating ∫ cos j xsink x dx Where k is Odd

274 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

Evaluate ∫ cos 2 x sin 3 x dx.

Solution
To convert this integral to integrals of the form ∫ cos j x sin x dx, rewrite sin 3 x = sin 2 x sin x and make the

substitution sin 2 x = 1 − cos 2 x. Thus,

∫ cos 2 x sin 3 x dx = ∫ cos 2 x(1 − cos 2 x)sin x dx Let u = cos x; then du = −sin x dx.

= −∫ u 2 ⎛⎝1 − u 2⎞⎠du

= ∫ ⎛⎝u 4 − u 2⎞⎠du
= 1u5 − 1u3 + C
5 3
= cos x − 1 cos 3 x + C.
1 5
5 3

3.6 Evaluate ∫ cos 3 x sin 2 x dx.

In the next example, we see the strategy that must be applied when there are only even powers of sin x and cos x. For
integrals of this type, the identities
1 − cos(2x)
sin 2 x = 1 − 1 cos(2x) =
2 2 2
and
1 + cos(2x)
cos 2 x = 1 + 1 cos(2x) =
2 2 2
are invaluable. These identities are sometimes known as power-reducing identities and they may be derived from the
double-angle identity cos(2x) = cos 2 x − sin 2 x and the Pythagorean identity cos 2 x + sin 2 x = 1.

Example 3.10

Integrating an Even Power of sinx

Evaluate ∫ sin 2 x dx.

Solution
To evaluate this integral, let’s use the trigonometric identity sin 2 x = 1 − 1 cos(2x). Thus,
2 2
⎛ ⎞
∫ sin 2 x dx = ∫ ⎝1 − 1 cos(2x)⎠dx
2 2
= x − 1 sin(2x) + C.
1
2 4

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 275

3.7 Evaluate ∫ cos 2 x dx.

The general process for integrating products of powers of sin x and cos x is summarized in the following set of guidelines.

Problem-Solving Strategy: Integrating Products and Powers of sin x and cos x

To integrate ∫ cos j x sin k x dx use the following strategies:

1. If k is odd, rewrite sin k x = sin k − 1 x sin x and use the identity sin 2 x = 1 − cos 2 x to rewrite sin k − 1 x in
terms of cos x. Integrate using the substitution u = cos x. This substitution makes du = −sin x dx.
j−1 j−1
2. If j is odd, rewrite cos j x = cos x cos x and use the identity cos 2 x = 1 − sin 2 x to rewrite cos x
in terms of sin x. Integrate using the substitution u = sin x. This substitution makes du = cos x dx. (Note: If
both j and k are odd, either strategy 1 or strategy 2 may be used.)

3. If both j and k are even, use sin 2 x = (1/2) − (1/2)cos(2x) and cos 2 x = (1/2) + (1/2)cos(2x). After
applying these formulas, simplify and reapply strategies 1 through 3 as appropriate.

Example 3.11

Integrating ∫ cos j xsink x dx where k is Odd

Evaluate ∫ cos 8 x sin 5 x dx.

Solution
Since the power on sin x is odd, use strategy 1. Thus,

∫ cos 8 x sin 5 x dx = ∫ cos 8 x sin 4 x sin x dx Break off sin x.

= ∫ cos 8 x(sin 2 x) 2 sin x dx Rewrite sin 4 x = (sin 2 x) 2.

= ∫ cos 8 x(1 − cos 2 x) 2 sin x dx Substitute sin 2 x = 1 − cos 2 x.

= ∫ u 8 (1 − u 2) 2(−du) Let u = cos x and du = −sin x dx.

= ∫ ⎛⎝−u 8 + 2u 10 − u 12⎞⎠du Expand.

= − 1 u 9 + 2 u 11 − 1 u 13 + C Evaluate the integral.
9 11 13
= − 1 cos 9 x + 2 cos 11 x − 1 cos 13 x + C. Substitute u = cos x.
9 11 13

Example 3.12
276 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

Integrating ∫ cos j xsink x dx where k and j are Even

Evaluate ∫ sin 4 x dx.

Solution
Since the power on sin x is even (k = 4) and the power on cos x is even ⎛⎝ j = 0⎞⎠, we must use strategy 3.
Thus,
2 2
∫ sin 4 x dx = ∫ ⎛⎝sin 2 x⎞⎠ dx Rewrite sin 4 x = ⎛⎝sin 2 x⎞⎠ .
⎛ ⎞
2
= ∫ ⎝1 − 1 cos(2x)⎠ dx Substitute sin 2 x = 1 − 1 cos(2x).
2 2 2 2
⎛ ⎞ ⎛ ⎞
2
= ∫ ⎝1 − 1 cos(2x) + 1 cos 2(2x)⎠dx Expand ⎝1 − 1 cos(2x)⎠ .
4 2 4 2 2
⎛ ⎞
= ∫ ⎝1 − 1 cos(2x) + 1 ( 1 + 1 cos(4x)⎠dx.
4 2 4 2 2

Since cos 2(2x) has an even power, substitute cos 2(2x) = 1 + 1 cos(4x):
2 2
⎛ ⎞
= ∫ ⎝3 − 1 cos(2x) + 1 cos(4x)⎠dx Simplify.
8 2 8
= 3 x − 1 sin(2x) + 1 sin(4x) + C Evaluate the integral.
8 4 32

3.8 Evaluate ∫ cos 3 x dx.

3.9 Evaluate ∫ cos 2(3x)dx.

In some areas of physics, such as quantum mechanics, signal processing, and the computation of Fourier series, it is often
necessary to integrate products that include sin(ax), sin(bx), cos(ax), and cos(bx). These integrals are evaluated by
applying trigonometric identities, as outlined in the following rule.

Rule: Integrating Products of Sines and Cosines of Different Angles

To integrate products involving sin(ax), sin(bx), cos(ax), and cos(bx), use the substitutions

sin(ax)sin(bx) = 1 cos((a − b)x) − 1 cos((a + b)x) (3.3)

2 2
1 ⎛ ⎞ 1
sin(ax)cos(bx) = sin⎝(a − b)x⎠ + sin((a + b)x) (3.4)
2 2
cos(ax)cos(bx) = cos((a − b)x) + 1 cos((a + b)x)
1 (3.5)
2 2

These formulas may be derived from the sum-of-angle formulas for sine and cosine.

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 277

Example 3.13

Evaluating ∫ sin(ax)cos(bx)dx

Evaluate ∫ sin(5x)cos(3x)dx.

Solution
Apply the identity sin(5x)cos(3x) = 1 sin(2x) − 1 cos(8x). Thus,
2 2

∫ sin(5x)cos(3x)dx = ∫ 1 sin(2x) − 1 cos(8x)dx

2 2
1
= − cos(2x) − 1 sin(8x) + C.
4 16

3.10 Evaluate ∫ cos(6x)cos(5x)dx.

Integrating Products and Powers of tanx and secx

Before discussing the integration of products and powers of tan x and sec x, it is useful to recall the integrals involving
tan x and sec x we have already learned:

1. ∫ sec 2 x dx = tan x + C
2. ∫ sec x tan x dx = sec x + C
3. ∫ tan x dx = ln|sec x| + C
4. ∫ sec x dx = ln|sec x + tan x| + C.
For most integrals of products and powers of tan x and sec x, we rewrite the expression we wish to integrate as the sum

or difference of integrals of the form ∫ tan j x sec 2 x dx or ∫ sec j x tan x dx. As we see in the following example, we can
evaluate these new integrals by using u-substitution.

Example 3.14

Evaluating ∫ sec j xtanx dx

Evaluate ∫ sec 5 x tan x dx.

Solution
Start by rewriting sec 5 x tan x as sec 4 x sec x tan x.
278 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

∫ sec 5 x tan x dx = ∫ sec 4 x sec x tan x dx Let u = sec x; then, du = sec x tan x dx.

= ∫ u 4 du Evaluate the integral.

= 1u + C
5
Substitute sec x = u.
5
1
= sec 5 x + C
5

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20_intseccube) to learn about a common integral involving the secant.

3.11 Evaluate ∫ tan 5 x sec 2 x dx.

We now take a look at the various strategies for integrating products and powers of sec x and tan x.

Problem-Solving Strategy: Integrating ∫ tank xsec j x dx

To integrate ∫ tan k x sec j x dx, use the following strategies:

j−2 j−2
1. If j is even and j ≥ 2, rewrite sec j x = sec x sec 2 x and use sec 2 x = tan 2 x + 1 to rewrite sec x
2
in terms of tan x. Let u = tan x and du = sec x.
j−1
2. If k is odd and j ≥ 1, rewrite tan k x sec j x = tan k − 1 x sec x sec x tan x and use tan 2 x = sec 2 x − 1 to
rewrite tan k − 1 x in terms of sec x. Let u = sec x and du = sec x tan x dx. (Note: If j is even and k is odd,
then either strategy 1 or strategy 2 may be used.)
3. If k is odd where k≥3 and j = 0, rewrite
k k−2 2 k−2 2 k−2 2 k−2
tan x = tan x tan x = tan x(sec x − 1) = tan x sec x − tan x. It may be necessary to
repeat this process on the tan k − 2 x term.

4. If k is even and j is odd, then use tan 2 x = sec 2 x − 1 to express tan k x in terms of sec x. Use integration
by parts to integrate odd powers of sec x.

Example 3.15

Integrating ∫ tank xsec j x dx when j is Even

Evaluate ∫ tan 6 x sec 4 x dx.

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 279

Solution
Since the power on sec x is even, rewrite sec 4 x = sec 2 x sec 2 x and use sec 2 x = tan 2 x + 1 to rewrite the first
sec 2 x in terms of tan x. Thus,

∫ tan 6 x sec 4 x dx = ∫ tan 6 x⎛⎝tan 2 x + 1⎞⎠sec 2 x dx Let u = tan x and du = sec 2 x.

= ∫ u 6 ⎛⎝u 2 + 1⎞⎠du Expand.

= ∫ (u 8 + u 6)du Evaluate the integral.

= 1u9 + 1u7 + C Substitute tan x = u.
9 7
1
= tan x + 1 tan 7 x + C.
9
9 7

Example 3.16

Integrating ∫ tank xsec j x dx when k is Odd

Evaluate ∫ tan 5 x sec 3 x dx.

Solution
Since the power on tan x is odd, begin by rewriting tan 5 x sec 3 x = tan 4 x sec 2 x sec x tan x. Thus,

tan 5 x sec 3 x = tan 4 x sec 2 x sec x tan x. Write tan 4 x = (tan 2 x) 2.

∫ tan 5 x sec 3 x dx = ∫ (tan 2 x) 2 sec 2 x sec x tan x dx Use tan 2 x = sec 2 x − 1.

= ∫ (sec 2 x − 1) 2 sec 2 x sec x tan x dx Let u = sec x and du = sec x tan x dx.

= ∫ (u 2 − 1) 2 u 2 du Expand.

= ∫ ⎛⎝u 6 − 2u 4 + u 2⎞⎠du Integrate.

= 1u − 2u + 1u + C
7 5 3
Substitute sec x = u.
7 5 3
= sec x − sec 5 x + 1 sec 3 x + C.
1 7 2
7 5 3

Example 3.17

Integrating ∫ tank x dx where k is Odd and k ≥ 3

Evaluate ∫ tan 3 x dx.

280 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

Solution
Begin by rewriting tan 3 x = tan x tan 2 x = tan x⎛⎝sec 2 x − 1⎞⎠ = tan x sec 2 x − tan x. Thus,

∫ tan 3 x dx = ∫ ⎛⎝tan x sec 2 x − tan x⎞⎠dx

= ∫ tan x sec 2 x dx − ∫ tan x dx

= 1 tan 2 x − ln|sec x| + C.
2
For the first integral, use the substitution u = tan x. For the second integral, use the formula.

Example 3.18

Integrating ∫ sec 3 x dx

Integrate ∫ sec 3 x dx.

Solution
This integral requires integration by parts. To begin, let u = sec x and dv = sec 2 x. These choices make
du = sec x tan x and v = tan x. Thus,

∫ sec 3 x dx = sec x tan x − ∫ tan x sec x tan x dx

= sec x tan x − ∫ tan 2 x sec x dx Simplify.

= sec x tan x − ∫ ⎛⎝sec 2 x − 1⎞⎠sec x dx Substitute tan 2 x = sec 2 x − 1.

= sec x tan x + ∫ sec x dx − ∫ sec 3 x dx Rewrite.

= sec x tan x + ln|sec x + tan x| − ∫ sec 3 x dx. Evaluate∫ sec x dx.

We now have

∫ sec 3 x dx = sec x tan x + ln|sec x + tan x| − ∫ sec 3 x dx.

Since the integral ∫ sec 3 x dx has reappeared on the right-hand side, we can solve for ∫ sec 3 x dx by adding it
to both sides. In doing so, we obtain

2∫ sec 3 x dx = sec x tan x + ln|sec x + tan x|.

Dividing by 2, we arrive at

∫ sec 3 x dx = 12 sec x tan x + 12 ln|sec x + tan x| + C.

3.12 Evaluate ∫ tan 3 x sec 7 x dx.

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 281

Reduction Formulas
Evaluating ∫ sec n x dx for values of n where n is odd requires integration by parts. In addition, we must also know

the value of ∫ sec n − 2 x dx to evaluate ∫ sec n x dx. The evaluation of ∫ tan n x dx also requires being able to integrate

∫ tan n − 2 x dx. To make the process easier, we can derive and apply the following power reduction formulas. These
rules allow us to replace the integral of a power of sec x or tan x with the integral of a lower power of sec x or tan x.

Rule: Reduction Formulas for ∫ sec n x dx and ∫ tann x dx

∫ sec n x dx = n −1 1 sec n − 2 x tan x + nn −− 12 ∫ sec n − 2 x dx (3.6)

∫ tan n x dx = n −1 1 tan n − 1 x − ∫ tan n − 2 x dx (3.7)

The first power reduction rule may be verified by applying integration by parts. The second may be verified by
following the strategy outlined for integrating odd powers of tan x.

Example 3.19

Revisiting ∫ sec 3 x dx

Apply a reduction formula to evaluate ∫ sec 3 x dx.

Solution
By applying the first reduction formula, we obtain

∫ sec 3 x dx = 1 sec x tan x + 1 ∫ sec x dx

2 2
1
= sec x tan x + 1 ln|sec x + tan x| + C.
2 2

Example 3.20

Using a Reduction Formula

Evaluate ∫ tan 4 x dx.

Solution
Applying the reduction formula for ∫ tan 4 x dx we have
282 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

∫ tan 4 x dx = 1 tan 3 x − ∫ tan 2 x dx

3
= tan 3 x − (tan x − ∫ tan 0 x dx) Apply the reduction formula to∫ tan 2 x dx.
1
3
= 1 tan 3 x − tan x + ∫ 1 dx Simplify.
3
= 1 tan 3 x − tan x + x + C. Evaluate∫ 1dx.
3

3.13 Apply the reduction formula to ∫ sec 5 x dx.

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Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration 283

3.2 EXERCISES
Fill in the blank to make a true statement. 85. ∫ sin x cos x dx
2
69. sin x + _______ = 1
86. ∫ sin x cos 3 x dx
70. sec 2 x − 1 = _______

Use an identity to reduce the power of the trigonometric

87. ∫ sec x tan x dx
function to a trigonometric function raised to the first
power. 88. ∫ tan(5x)dx
71. sin 2 x = _______
89. ∫ tan 2 x sec x dx
2
72. cos x = _______

Evaluate each of the following integrals by u-substitution.

90. ∫ tan x sec 3 x dx

73. ∫ sin 3 x cos x dx 91. ∫ sec 4 x dx

74. ∫ cos x sin x dx 92. ∫ cot x dx

75. ∫ tan 5(2x)sec 2(2x)dx 93. ∫ csc x dx

76. ∫ sin 7(2x)cos(2x)dx 94. ∫ tan

3
x dx
sec x

77. ∫ tan⎛⎝2x ⎞⎠sec 2 ⎛⎝2x ⎞⎠dx For the following exercises, find a general formula for the
integrals.

78. ∫ tan 2 x sec 2 x dx 95. ∫ sin 2 ax cosax dx

Compute the following integrals using the guidelines for
integrating powers of trigonometric functions. Use a CAS
96. ∫ sinax cosax dx.
to check the solutions. (Note: Some of the problems may be
done using techniques of integration learned previously.) Use the double-angle formulas to evaluate the following
integrals.
79. ∫ sin 3 x dx π
97. ∫ sin 2 x dx
0
80. ∫ cos 3 x dx
π
98. ∫ sin 4 x dx
81. ∫ sin x cos x dx 0

99. ∫ cos 2 3x dx
82. ∫ cos 5 x dx
100. ∫ sin 2 x cos 2 x dx
83. ∫ sin 5 x cos 2 x dx
101. ∫ sin 2 x dx + ∫ cos 2 x dx
84. ∫ sin 3 x cos 3 x dx
102. ∫ sin 2 x cos 2(2x)dx
284 Chapter 3 | Techniques of Integration

For the following exercises, evaluate the definite integrals. dy

117. = sin 4 (πθ)
Express answers in exact form whenever possible. dθ
2π 118. Find the length of the curve
103. ∫ cos x sin2x dx
y = ln(csc x), π ≤ x ≤ π .
0 4 2
π
104. ∫ sin3x sin5x dx 119. Find the length of the curve
0 y = ln(sin x), π ≤ x ≤ π .
3 2
π
105. ∫ cos(99x)sin(101x)dx 120. Find the volume generated by revolving the curve
y = cos(3x) about the x-axis, 0 ≤ x ≤ π .
0
36
π
106. ∫ −πcos 2
(3x)dx For the following exercises, use this information: The inner
product of two functions f and g over [a, b] is defined
2π b
107. ∫ sin x sin(2x)sin(3x)dx by f (x) · g(x) = 〈 f , g 〉 = ∫ f · gdx. Two distinct
0 a
functions f and g are said to be orthogonal if
4π 〈 f , g 〉 = 0.
108. ∫ cos(x/2)sin(x/2)dx
0
121. Show that {sin(2x), cos(3x)} are orthogonal over
π/3 3 the interval [−π, π].
109. ∫ cos x dx (Round this answer to three decimal
π/6 sin x
π
places.) 122. Evaluate ∫ −πsin(mx)cos(nx)dx.
π/3
110. ∫ sec 2 x − 1 dx
123. Integrate y′ = tan xsec 4 x.
−π/3

π/2 For each pair of integrals, determine which one is more

111. ∫ 1 − cos(2x)dx difficult to evaluate. Explain your reasoning.
0

112. Find the area of the region bounded by the graphs of 124. ∫ sin 456 x cos x dx or ∫ sin 2 x cos 2 x dx
the equations y = sin x, y = sin 3 x, x = 0, and x = π .
2
125. ∫ tan 350 x sec 2 x dx or ∫ tan 350 x sec x dx
113. Find the area of the region bounded by the graphs
of the equations
y = cos 2 x, y = sin 2 x, x = − π , and x = π .
4 4

114. A particle moves in a straight line with the velocity

function v(t) = sin(ωt)cos 2 (ωt). Find its position
function x = f (t) if f (0) = 0.

115. Find the

average value of the function
2 3
f (x) = sin x cos x over the interval [−π, π].

For the following exercises, solve the differential

equations.

dy
116. = sin 2 x. The curve passes through point
dx
(0, 0).

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