MI
Answered byMolly I.Maths Tutor

Show that the integral of tan(x) is ln|sec(x)| + C where C is a constant.

First, recall that tan(x) can be rewritten in terms of sine and cosine.

tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x)

The rephrasing of our question suggests that we should try the substitution rule of integration.

We should substitute u=cos(x), since then du = -sin(x) dx and so sin(x) dx = -du

So the integral of tan(x) = the integral of sin(x)/cos(x) = the integral of -1/u = - ln|u| +C = - ln|cosx| +C

Now, - ln|cos(x)| = ln(|cos(x)|-1) = ln(1/|cos(x)|) = ln|sec(x)|

Therefore, the integral of tan(x) is ln|sec(x)| + C

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

FInd the equation of the line tangent to the graph g(x)=integral form 1 to x of cos(x*pi/3)/t at the point x=1


Solve the following equation: 5x - 1 = 3x + 7


Find the value of (cos(x) + sec(x))^2 with respect to x when evauated between pi/4 and 0


find f'(x) of (x^2) + 3x + 2.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning