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

Answered by Anja S. Maths tutor

199146 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate and factorise y = x^2(3x + 1)


How do i find dy/dx in terms of t for two parametric equations that are in terms of t.


How do I do definite integrals?


Find the values of x where the curve y = 8 -4x-2x^2 crosses the x-axis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences