Overview
Practice
Watch
Read
Quiz
Next Steps
Overview
Calculus 120
Calculus
13. Determine the antiderivative of a function
13.5 Integration using trigonometric identities
Integrating Trigonometric Functions Using Identities
Master the technique of rewriting trig expressions with identities so you can turn tricky powers of sine, cosine, and tangent into integrals you already know how to solve.
What You'll Learn
Recognize when a trig integral needs an identity rewrite before any basic rule applies
Apply the Pythagorean identity to split an odd power of sine or cosine for u-substitution
Use the power-reducing formulas to integrate even powers like sin squared x and cos squared x
Rewrite tangent squared or cotangent squared using the reciprocal identities before integrating
Combine double-angle identities with substitution to handle products of sine and cosine
Distinguish this identity-rewriting approach from trigonometric substitution used for algebraic integrands
What You'll Practice
1
Integrating products of sine and cosine with odd exponents using case 1 and 2
2
Applying half-angle identities to integrate even-powered trigonometric functions
3
Stripping factors and pairing with dx for effective u-substitution
4
Converting trigonometric expressions using Pythagorean identities before integrating
Why This Matters
Mastering trigonometric integration is essential for calculus and beyond, appearing frequently in physics, engineering, and advanced mathematics. These techniques form the foundation for solving complex problems involving periodic functions, wave equations, and Fourier analysis.
This Unit Includes
3 Video lessons
Practice exercises
Learning resources
Skills
U-Substitution
Trigonometric Identities
Half-Angle Identities
Pythagorean Identity
Integration
Antiderivatives
Double-Angle Formula

NB Curriculum Aligned