How do I integrate arctan(x) using integration by parts?

This is an example where we use integration by parts, but it is not immediately obvious where to start.Recall the integration by parts formula ∫u(dv/dx) dx = uv - ∫(du/dx)v dx
KEY STEP:We write arctan(x) = 1 . arctan(x) so that we can set u = arctan(x) and (dv/dx) = 1. Then (du/dx) = 1/(1+x^2) and v = x.
We can now substitute this back into the formula above ∫arctan(x) dx = ∫1 . arctan(x) dx = xarctan(x) - ∫x/(1+x^2) dx
Now the final integral we can recognise to be a natural log integral as d/dx(1+x^2) = 2x. ∫x/(1+x^2) dx = (1/2) ∫2x/(1+x^2) dx = (1/2)ln(1+x^2) + C
Putting all of this together we have finished the integral: ∫arctan(x) dx = xarctan(x) - (1/2)ln(1+x^2) + C.

OC
Answered by Oliver C. Further Mathematics tutor

17762 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The roots of the equation z^3 + 2z^2 +3z - 4 = 0, are a, b and c . Show that a^2 + b^2 +c^2 = -2


Prove by induction that 6^n + 4 is divisible by 5 for all integers n >= 1


Solve the second order differential equation d^2y/dx^2 - 4dy/dx + 5y = 15cos(x), given that when x = 0, y = 1 and when x = 0, dy/dx = 0


How would you show the equation f(x) = 2x – 10 sin x – 2 has a root between 2 and 3 (where x is measured in radians)


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