Integration by Parts Overview

Aug 27, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces the integration by parts technique, derives its formula, and demonstrates its use through multiple examples, including definite and indefinite integrals.

Introduction to Integration by Parts

  • Some integrals cannot be solved by substitution alone and require other techniques.
  • Integration by parts is related to the product rule for derivatives.

Derivation and Formula

  • Start with the product rule for derivatives: (f·g)' = f'g + fg'.
  • Integrating both sides gives: ∫f' g dx = f g - ∫f g' dx.
  • Using substitutions u = f(x), dv = g'(x) dx, the standard formula is:
  • ∫u dv = u v - ∫v du.

Using Integration by Parts

  • Choose u and dv so that du and v are easy to compute and ∫v du is simpler than the original integral.
  • If the integral after applying the formula is still complex, try different choices for u and dv.

Examples and Applications

  • For ∫x e^(6x) dx, let u = x, dv = e^(6x) dx; compute accordingly.
  • For definite integrals, apply the formula: ∫ₐᵇ u dv = [u v]ₐᵇ - ∫ₐᵇ v du.
  • Some problems require more than one application of integration by parts.
  • Not all integration by parts problems follow a strict pattern (e.g., ∫ln(x) dx).

Special Cases and Tips

  • If both choices for u and dv seem difficult, look for substitutions or rearrangements.
  • Some integrals may loop back to the original integral; solve algebraically when this occurs.
  • The tabular (diagonal) method speeds up integration by parts when one factor repeatedly differentiates to zero.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Integration by Parts — An integration technique based on the product rule, used to integrate products of functions.
  • u — Part of the integrand chosen for easy differentiation.
  • dv — Remaining part of the integrand, chosen for easy integration.
  • Tabular Method — A shortcut for multiple applications of integration by parts using a table and alternating signs.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice integration by parts with provided problem sets.
  • Review standard substitutions and the product rule for derivatives.
  • Memorize the integration by parts formula and practice identifying good choices for u and dv.