Study Material — 1 PYQs (2019–2019) · Concept Notes · Shortcuts
CDS Integration is a frequently tested subtopic — 1 previous year questions from 2019–2019 papers are included below with concept notes, key rules and shortcut tricks.
1 questions from actual CDS papers · all shown free · click option to reveal solution
Exam Q 12019Previous Year Pattern
Evaluate the definite integral: ∫₀^(π/4) x·sec²(x) dx
Concept Notes
Integration— Rules & Concept
Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
Integration is the reverse process of differentiation. Think of it as finding the original function when you know its derivative. If differentiation tells you the rate of change, integration tells you the total accumulation. Core Concept: Integration finds the area under a curve or the antiderivative of a function. The symbol ∫ represents integration. When we write ∫f(x)dx, we mean 'find the function whose derivative is f(x)'.
Key RulesCore rules you must know cold
Power Rule
∫x^n dx = x^(n+1)/(n+1) + C (where n ≠ -1)
2
Constant Rule
∫k dx = kx + C
3
Sum Rule
∫[f(x) + g(x)]dx = ∫f(x)dx + ∫g(x)dx
4
Constant Multiple Rule
∫k·f(x)dx = k∫f(x)dx
Formula BlockMemorise — at least one formula appears in every paper
Block:
∫1 dx = x + C
∫x dx = x²/2 + C
∫x² dx = x³/3 + C
∫1/x dx = ln|x| + C
∫e^x dx = e^x + C
∫sin x dx = -cos x + C
∫cos x dx = sin x + C
∫sec²x dx = tan x + C
Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
NDA typically asks 2-3 integration questions worth 7-10 marks. Common question types include basic integration using standard formulas, integration by substitution, and definite integration for area calculation. Questions often combine algebraic manipulation with integration rules.
ShortcutsUse these to save 30–60 seconds per question
#1 - LIATE Rule for Integration by Parts: When using ∫u dv = uv - ∫v du, choose 'u' in this priority order: Logarithmic, Inverse trigonometric, Algebraic, Trigonometric, Exponential functions.
Shortcut Trick #2 - Quick Power Rule: For ∫x^n dx, add 1 to power, divide by new power. So ∫x⁵ dx becomes x⁶/6 + C instantly.
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Apply sum rule to separate terms
= ∫3x²dx + ∫2x dx + ∫(-5)dx
2
Step 2
Take out constants
= 3∫x²dx + 2∫x dx - 5∫1 dx
3
Step 3
Apply power rule to each term
= 3(x³/3) + 2(x²/2) - 5x + C
4
Step 4
Simplify
= x³ + x² - 5x + C
Worked Example 2: Evaluate definite integral ∫₀² (x² + 1)dx
1
Step 1
Find indefinite integral first
∫(x² + 1)dx = x³/3 + x + C
2
Step 2
Apply limits using fundamental theorem
= [x³/3 + x]₀²
3
Step 3
Substitute upper limit minus lower limit
= (2³/3 + 2) - (0³/3 + 0)
= 8/3 + 2 - 0
= 8/3 + 6/3 = 14/3
Shortcut Trick #3 - Pattern Recognition: If you see (ax + b)^n in the integrand, use substitution u = ax + b. The answer pattern becomes (ax + b)^(n+1)/[a(n+1)] + C.
Most Common Trap: Students forget the constant of integration '+C' in indefinite integrals. This costs valuable marks. In definite integrals, the constant cancels out, but in indefinite integrals, it's mandatory. Another major mistake is incorrect application of limits in definite integration - always substitute upper limit first, then subtract the lower limit value.
Another frequent error occurs with the power rule when n = -1. Remember: ∫x^(-1) dx = ∫(1/x) dx = ln|x| + C, NOT x⁰/0. The power rule breaks down here, requiring the logarithmic form instead.
Key Points to Remember
Integration is the reverse of differentiation - finding original function from its derivative
Power rule formula: ∫x^n dx = x^(n+1)/(n+1) + C where n ≠ -1
Always add constant '+C' in indefinite integration
Sum rule: integral of sum equals sum of integrals
For definite integrals: substitute upper limit minus lower limit
Quick power rule: add 1 to power, divide by new power
∫1/x dx = ln|x| + C (special case when power = -1)
LIATE rule for integration by parts: Logarithmic, Inverse trig, Algebraic, Trig, Exponential
Substitution pattern: ∫(ax+b)^n dx = (ax+b)^(n+1)/[a(n+1)] + C
Standard integrals: ∫sin x dx = -cos x + C, ∫cos x dx = sin x + C
Exam-Specific Tips
∫e^x dx = e^x + C (exponential function integrates to itself)
∫sec²x dx = tan x + C (standard trigonometric integral)
∫cosec²x dx = -cot x + C (negative cotangent result)
∫1/√(1-x²) dx = sin⁻¹x + C (inverse sine integration)
∫1/(1+x²) dx = tan⁻¹x + C (inverse tangent integration)
∫sec x tan x dx = sec x + C (product rule reverse)
∫cosec x cot x dx = -cosec x + C (negative cosecant result)
Fundamental theorem: d/dx[∫f(x)dx] = f(x) (differentiation and integration are inverse operations)
Practice MCQs
Integration — Practice Questions
35graded MCQs · easy to hard · full solution & trap analysis · showing 20 of 35