Steply

Integrate ∫ 4x cos(2x) dx

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Integration by parts · Calculus 2

Step by step

The question

Question: find the integral of 4x cos(2x).

∫ 4x cos(2x) dx =

1 Choose u and dv

Choose u = 4x: its derivative is simpler, just a number.

dv is the rest: cos(2x) dx, which we can integrate.

u = 4x, dv = cos(2x) dx

2 Find du and v

du: the derivative of u, times dx.

v: the integral of dv.

cos gives sin, over 2.

du = 4 dx, v = 12 sin(2x)

3 Use the rule

The rule: the integral of u dv is u v, minus the integral of v du.

It comes from the product rule, backwards.

∫ u dv = uv − ∫ v du

u times v, minus the integral of v times du.

= 2x sin(2x) − ∫ 2 sin(2x) dx

4 The new integral

The new integral is easy: just a number times sin.

sin integrates to minus cos.

= 2x sin(2x) − (−cos(2x))

Careful!

It is u v minus the integral of v du.

Not plus!

Careful: not uv + ∫ v du ✗

Open the bracket: a minus in front of a bracket changes the sign of every part inside.

Add C.

So the answer is 2x sin(2x) + cos(2x) + C.

= 2x sin(2x) + cos(2x) + C

5 Check

Let's check: take the derivative of our answer.

The product rule on each term: the first's slope times the second, plus the first times the second's slope.

derivative: 2 sin(2x) + 4x cos(2x) − 2 sin(2x)

The other terms cancel, and we get 4x cos(2x): the question again.

Right!

= 4x cos(2x)

Let's look back.

First: choose u and dv.

Then: find du and v.

Then: use the rule.

Then: the new integral.

Last: check.

Answer
= 2x sin(2x) + cos(2x) + C

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

∫ 4x cos x dx
Show the answer
4x sin x + 4 cos x + C

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