Physics Wallah

U Substitution Formula, Definition, Solved Examples

U Substitution Formula: Replace function with 'u', integrate 'u' via a related differential, and restore the original function after integration, simplifying complex integrals.
authorImageManoj Kumar3 Nov, 2023
Share

Share

U Substitution Formula

U Substitution Formula: The technique known as U-substitution, or integration by substitution in calculus, provides a method for solving integrals. It stands as a crucial method in mathematics due to its relation to the fundamental theorem of calculus, which is typically used for finding antiderivatives. The U-substitution formula aligns with the chain rule of differentiation, presenting an alternative method akin to the process of differentiation. This formula involves replacing the given function with 'u', integrating 'u' according to the fundamental integration formula, and ultimately substituting the original function back in place of 'u'.

U Substitution Formula

The U-substitution formula involves the replacement of the primary function with 'u'. Hence, the variable 'u' is integrated using the fundamental integration formula. Following integration, the original function is reintroduced in place of 'u'. The formula for U substitution can be expressed as:

∫ f ( g ( x ) ) g ′ ( x ) d x = ∫ f ( u ) d u

where, u = g(x) du = g ′ ( x ) d x

U Substitution Formula

U Substitution Formula Solved Examples

Example 1: Integrate  ∫3x(x 2 +4) 4 dx

Solution: Let u=x 2 +4. Then, du=2xdx. Substitute the value of  u and du into the integral ∫3x(x 2 +4) 4 dx Using the U-substitution formula: ∫3x(x 2 +4) 4 dx= 3/2  ​ ∫u 4 du This integrates to 3​/10 u 5 +c= 3/10(x 2 +4) 5 ​ +c Answer: 3/10(x 2 +4) 5 ​ +c 3​/10 u 5 +c= 3/10(x 2 +4) 5 ​ +c Answer: 3/10(x 2 +4) 5 ​ +c

Example 2: Integrate ∫ ( 2 − x ) 8 d x

Solution: Let u = (2 - x) So that, du = (-1)dx. Substitute the value of u and du in ∫ ( 2 − x ) 8 d x , replacing all forms of x, getting Using U substitution formula, ∫ ( 2 − x ) 8 d x = ∫ u 8 ( − 1 ) d u = - ∫ u 8 d u = - u 9 / 9 + c = - ( 2 − x ) 9 / 9 + c Answer:  - ( 2 − x ) 9 / 9 + c

Example 3: Integrate ∫ ( 2 − x ) 10 d x

Solution: Let u = (2 - x) So that, du = (-1)dx. Substitute the value of u and du in ∫ ( 2 − x ) 10 d x , replacing all forms of x, getting Using U substitution formula, ∫ ( 2 − x ) 10 d x = ∫ u 10 ( − 1 ) d u = - ∫ u 10 d u = - u 10 / 10 + c = - ( 2 − x ) 10 / 10 + c Answer:  - ( 2 − x ) 10 / 10 + c

Example 4: Integrate  ∫3x(x 2 +4) 3 dx

Solution: Let u=x 2 +2. Then, du=2xdx. Substitute the value of  u and du into the integral ∫3x(x 2 +2) 3 dx Using the U-substitution formula: ∫3x(x 2 +2) 3 dx= 3/2  ​ ∫u 3 du This integrates to 3​/8 u 4 +c= 3/8(x 2 +2) 4 ​ +c Answer: 3/8(x 2 +2) 4 ​ +c 3​/8 u 4  +c= 3/8(x 2 +2) 4 ​ +c Answer: 3/8(x 2 +2) 4 ​ +c

Example 5: Integrate ∫ ( 1 − x ) 5 d x

Solution: Let u = (1 - x) So that, du = (-1)dx. Substitute the value of u and du in ∫ ( 1 − x ) 5 d x , replacing all forms of x, getting Using U substitution formula, ∫ ( 1 − x ) 5 d x = ∫ u 5 ( − 1 ) d u = - ∫ u 5 d u = - u 6 / 6 + c = - ( 1 − x ) 6 / 6 + c Answer:  - ( 1 − x ) 6 / 6 + c

These examples demonstrate the application of the U-substitution method to solve integrals, showing how choosing appropriate  u and performing necessary manipulations allows for the simplification and solution of the given integrals.

The U-substitution method in calculus is a powerful technique used to solve integrals. Its significance lies in its connection to the fundamental theorem of calculus and its similarity to the chain rule of differentiation. By replacing a given function with 'u', integrating 'u' according to the fundamental integration formula, and then substituting the original function back in place of 'u', this method provides an effective way to simplify and solve integrals.

Explore Now Online Course of Class 9 Neev Fastrack 2024 and Class 10 Udaan Fastrack 2024 to enhance your Maths knowledge. and build a strong foundation.
Related Links
Function Notation Formula Hexagonal Pyramid Formula
Hypothesis Testing Formula Interquartile Range Formula

U Substitution Formula FAQs

What is the U Substitution method in calculus?

U Substitution is a technique used for simplifying integrals by substituting a part of the function with a new variable 'u' to make integration more manageable.

How does U Substitution work?

It involves replacing a complex part of a function with 'u', differentiating to find 'du', integrating with respect to 'u', and then converting back to the original variable.

What is the fundamental principle of U Substitution?

The fundamental principle involves making a substitution with 'u' to simplify the integral, followed by adjusting the integral in terms of 'u' and 'du' to solve it effectively.

How do you choose 'u' in U Substitution?

The fundamental principle involves making a substitution with 'u' to simplify the integral, followed by adjusting the integral in terms of 'u' and 'du' to solve it effectively.

What is the formula for U Substitution?

The formula for U Substitution is ∫ f ( g ( x ) ) g ′ ( x ) d x = ∫ f ( u ) d u, where u = g(x) and du = g ′ ( x ) d x.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.