How do you integrate sec^3x (tanx) dx?

1 Answer
Oct 4, 2016

sec^3x/3+C

Explanation:

When working with integrals of secant and tangent, it's important to remember the following:

  • d/dxtanx=sec^2x
  • d/dxsecx=secxtanx

Here, we see that we can write sec^3x(tanx) as sec^2x(secxtanx), which is perfect, since it composed of sec^2x and the derivative of secant, secxtanx. This indicates to us that we want to use a substitution of u=secx.

intsec^3x(tanx)dx=intsec^2x(secxtanx)dx

With u=secx and du=(secxtanx)dx:

=intu^2du=u^3/3+C=sec^3x/3+C