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Lesson 23 of 24
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# Integrals Resulting in Inverse Trigonometric Functions

In this section we focus on integrals that result in inverse trigonometric functions. We have worked with these functions before. Recall from Functions and Graphs that trigonometric functions are not one-to-one unless the domains are restricted. When working with inverses of trigonometric functions, we always need to be careful to take these restrictions into account. Also in Derivatives, we developed formulas for derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions. The formulas developed there give rise directly to integration formulas involving inverse trigonometric functions.

# Integrals that Result in Inverse Sine Functions

Let us begin this last section of the chapter with the three formulas. Along with these formulas, we use substitution to evaluate the integrals. We prove the formula for the inverse sine integral.

### Rule: Integration Formulas Resulting in Inverse Trigonometric Functions

The following integration formulas yield inverse trigonometric functions:

## Proof

Let  Then  Now let’s use implicit differentiation. We obtain

For  Thus, applying the Pythagorean identity  we have  This gives

Then for  we have

### Evaluating a Definite Integral Using Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Evaluate the definite integral

We can go directly to the formula for the antiderivative in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions, and then evaluate the definite integral. We have

Find the antiderivative of

Substitute

### Finding an Antiderivative Involving an Inverse Trigonometric Function

Evaluate the integral

Substitute  Then  and we have

Applying the formula with  we obtain

Find the indefinite integral using an inverse trigonometric function and substitution for

#### Hint

Use the formula in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions.

### Evaluating a Definite Integral

Evaluate the definite integral

#### Solution

The format of the problem matches the inverse sine formula. Thus,

# Integrals Resulting in Other Inverse Trigonometric Functions

There are six inverse trigonometric functions. However, only three integration formulas are noted in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions because the remaining three are negative versions of the ones we use. The only difference is whether the integrand is positive or negative. Rather than memorizing three more formulas, if the integrand is negative, simply factor out −1 and evaluate the integral using one of the formulas already provided. To close this section, we examine one more formula: the integral resulting in the inverse tangent function.

### Finding an Antiderivative Involving the Inverse Tangent Function

Find an antiderivative of

#### Solution

Comparing this problem with the formulas stated in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions, the integrand looks similar to the formula for  So we use substitution, letting  then  and  Then, we have

Use substitution to find the antiderivative of

#### Hint

Use the solving strategy from (Figure) and the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions.

### Applying the Integration Formulas

Find the antiderivative of

Apply the formula with  Then,

Find the antiderivative of

### Evaluating a Definite Integral

Evaluate the definite integral

#### Solution

Use the formula for the inverse tangent. We have

Evaluate the definite integral

#### Hint

Follow the procedures from (Figure) to solve the problem.

### Key Concepts

• Formulas for derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions developed in Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions lead directly to integration formulas involving inverse trigonometric functions.
• Use the formulas listed in the rule on integration formulas resulting in inverse trigonometric functions to match up the correct format and make alterations as necessary to solve the problem.
• Substitution is often required to put the integrand in the correct form.

# Key Equations

• Integrals That Produce Inverse Trigonometric Functions