How do you integrate tan^2(x)?

This is a question which tests your knowledge of how to use trigonometric identities as well as integration. As there is no way to immediately integrate tan^2(x) using well known trigonometric integrals and derivatives, it seems like a good idea would be writing tan^2(x) as sec^2(x) - 1.

Now, we can recognise sec^2(x) as the derivative of tan(x) (you can prove this using the quotient rule and the identity sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1), while we get x when we integrate 1, so our final answer is tan(x) - x + c.

WL
Answered by Warren L. Maths tutor

106263 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate sin(x)cos(x) using the product rule.


Find the integral of (2(3x+2))/(3x^2+4x+9).


How do I write the function 3cosθ+4sinθ in the form Rsin(θ + α), where R and α are positive constants?


solve the differential equation dy/dx = 6xy^2 given that y = 1 when x = 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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning