

What is Integration?
In Mathematics, when we cannot perform general addition operations, we use integration to add values on a large scale.
There are various methods in mathematics to integrate functions.
Integration and differentiation are also a pair of inverse functions similar to addition- subtraction, and multiplication-division.
The process of finding functions whose derivative is given is named anti-differentiation or integration.
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Here’s What Integration is!
Points to Remember:
Types of Integration Maths or the Integration Techniques-
Here’s a list of Integration Methods –
1. Integration by Substitution
2. Integration by Parts
3. Integration by Partial Fraction
4. Integration of Some particular fraction
5. Integration Using Trigonometric Identities
For better understanding here’s what each method is!
1. Integration by Substitution -
We can find the integration by introducing a new independent variable when it is difficult to find the integration of a function.
By changing the independent variable x to t, in a given form of integral function say
(∫f(x))
(∫f(x)), we can transform the integral.
Let’s substitute the value of independent x = g(t) in the integral function ∫f(x),
We get, dx / dt = g’(t)
Or, dx = g’(t) • dt
Thus, from the above substitution ,we get,
I=∫f(x).dx=f(g(t).
g′(t)).dt
I=∫f(x).dx=f(g(t).g′(t)).dt
2. Integration by Parts –
If the integrand function can be represented as a multiple of two or more functions, the integration of any given function can be done by using the Integration by Parts method.
Let us take an integrand function that is equal to f(x)g(x).
In mathematics, Integration by part uses the ILATE rule for selecting the first and second functions in this method.
In mathematics, here’s how integration by parts is represented.
∫f(x).g(x).dx = f(x).∫g(x).dx – ∫(f′(x).∫g(x).dx).dx
Which can be further written as integral of the product of any two functions = (First function × Integral of the second function) – Integral of
(differentiation of the first function)×Integral Of The Second Function
(differentiation of the first function)×Integral Of The Second Function
3. Integration Using Trigonometric Identities –
Trigonometric identities are used to simplify any integral function which consists of trigonometric functions.
It simplifies the integral function so that it can be easily integrated.
There are many trigonometric identities, a few are listed below!
Sin2x = \[\frac {(1-Cos 2x)}{2}\]
Cos2x = \[\frac {(1+ Cos 2x)}{2}\]
4. Integration of Some Particular Function -
Many other standard integrals can be integrated using some important integration formulas.
Here are the six important formulas listed below -
∫ dx/ (x2 – a2) = ½ a log | (x – a) / (x + a) | + c
∫ dx/ (a2 – x2) = ½ a log | (a + x) / (a – x) | + c
∫ dx / (x2 + a2) = 1/a tan–1 (x/a) + c
∫ dx /√ (x2 – a2) = log| x+√(x2 – a2) | + c
∫ dx /√ (a2 – x2) = sin–1 (xa) + c
∫ dx /√ (x2 + a2) = log | x + √(x2 + a2) | + c
Where, c = constant
5. Integration by Partial Fraction -
The partial fraction method is the last method of integration class 12.
In mathematics, rational numbers can be expressed in the form of
p
q
pq
where p and q are integers and where the value of the denominator q is not equal to zero.The ratio of two polynomials is known as a rational fraction and it can be expressed in the form of
p(x)
q(x)
p(x)q(x)
, where the value of p(x) should not be equal to zero.The two forms of partial fraction have been described below-
Proper Partial function
Improper Partial function
What is the proper partial function?
When the degree of the denominator is more than the degree of the numerator, the function is known as a proper partial function.
What is an improper partial function?
When the degree of the denominator is less than the degree of the numerator then the fraction is known as improper partial function. Thus, the fraction can be simplified into parts and can be integrated easily.
Topics Covered in Methods of Integration: Definitions, Types, Examples
Integration is used to add large values in mathematics when the calculations cannot be performed on general operations. There are many methods of integration that are used specifically to solve complex mathematical operations.
The different kinds of methods of integration are: -
Integration by Parts.
Method of Integration Using Partial Fractions.
Integration by Substitution Method.
Integration by Decomposition.
Reverse Chain Rule.
Integration Using Trigonometric Identities.
All methods of integration are important. Integration by parts is one of the best because it is used when a function that has to be integrated is written as a product of two or more. Integration by parts is also known as the product rule of integration and the UV method of integration. When you have to integrate rational functions, a method of integration using partial fractions is used. The reverse chain rule is also one of the easiest and most commonly used methods of integration.
FAQs on Methods of Integration
1. What is integration and why is it also called anti-differentiation?
Integration is a mathematical process used to find the 'integral' or the area under a curve. It is also called anti-differentiation because it is the reverse operation of differentiation. If you have the derivative of a function, integration helps you find the original function.
2. What are the main methods of integration in the CBSE Class 12 Maths syllabus for the 2025-26 session?
As per the CBSE 2025-26 syllabus, the primary methods for solving integrals that students must learn are:
- Integration by Substitution
- Integration using Partial Fractions
- Integration by Parts
- Integration using Trigonometric Identities
3. How does the LIATE rule help in choosing functions for integration by parts?
The Integration by Parts method involves two functions. The LIATE rule provides a guideline for selecting which function to differentiate (the first function) and which to integrate (the second function). The priority order is:
- L - Logarithmic functions
- I - Inverse trigonometric functions
- A - Algebraic functions
- T - Trigonometric functions
- E - Exponential functions
The function that appears first in this list should be chosen as the first function to differentiate.
4. Why is integration by substitution often called the 'reverse chain rule' of differentiation?
The chain rule in differentiation is used to find the derivative of a composite function, like f(g(x)). Integration by substitution essentially reverses this process. It is used when the integrand contains a function and its derivative. By substituting a part of the function with a new variable (e.g., u = g(x)), the integral simplifies into a standard form, effectively undoing the result of a chain rule differentiation.
5. When is it appropriate to use the method of integration by partial fractions?
The method of integration by partial fractions is specifically used to integrate rational functions, which are expressions in the form of a ratio of two polynomials P(x)/Q(x). This method works by decomposing the complex rational function into a sum of simpler fractions that can be easily integrated individually.
6. How are trigonometric identities used to simplify complex integrals?
Trigonometric identities are used to transform integrands involving powers or products of trigonometric functions into simpler forms. For instance, an expression like cos²(x), which is difficult to integrate directly, can be rewritten using an identity as (1 + cos(2x))/2. This new form is a simple sum that can be integrated easily.
7. What is the fundamental difference in approach when integrating a proper rational function versus an improper one?
The key difference lies in the first step. A proper rational function, where the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, can be directly decomposed into partial fractions. However, an improper rational function must first be simplified using polynomial long division. This results in a polynomial plus a proper rational function, which can then be integrated.
8. What is the significance of the constant of integration, 'C', in indefinite integrals?
The derivative of any constant is zero. This means that for any given derivative, there exists an infinite number of original functions that differ only by a constant. For example, the functions x² + 2, x² - 10, and x² all have the same derivative (2x). The constant of integration 'C' is added to an indefinite integral to represent this entire family of possible solutions.
9. Can a single integration problem require more than one method to solve?
Yes, complex integration problems often require a combination of methods. For example, you might first use integration by substitution to simplify an integral into a new form, which might then require integration by parts or decomposition by partial fractions to solve completely. Recognising the correct sequence of methods is a key skill in calculus.
10. Besides finding the area under a curve, what are some other real-world applications of integration?
While finding the area is a primary application, integration is crucial in many other fields. Some examples include:
- Physics: Calculating work done by a variable force, finding the center of mass, and determining fluid pressure.
- Engineering: Designing structures and calculating the volume of solids of revolution.
- Economics: Determining the total revenue or cost from marginal revenue or cost functions.
- Statistics: Finding probability distributions for continuous random variables.

















