Complete Summary and Solutions for Integrals – NCERT Class XII Mathematics Part II, Chapter 7 – Indefinite and Definite Integrals, Integration Techniques, Properties, Applications
Comprehensive summary and detailed explanation of Chapter 7 'Integrals' from the NCERT Class XII Mathematics Part II textbook, covering the concept of integration as the inverse of differentiation, indefinite integrals, properties of integrals, standard formulas, methods of integration including substitution, partial fractions, integration by parts, definite integrals, and fundamental theorems of calculus, with solved examples and all NCERT exercises and solutions.
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Integrals
Chapter 7: Mathematics - Ultimate Study Guide | NCERT Class 12 Notes, Solved Examples, Exercises & Quiz 2025
Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Integrals Class 12 NCERT
Just as a mountaineer climbs a mountain – because it is there, so a good mathematics student studies new material because it is there. — JAMES B. BRISTOL
7.1 Introduction
Differential Calculus is centred on the concept of the derivative. The original motivation for the derivative was the problem of defining tangent lines to the graphs of functions and calculating the slope of such lines. Integral Calculus is motivated by the problem of defining and calculating the area of the region bounded by the graph of the functions.
If a function \( f \) is differentiable in an interval \( I \), i.e., its derivative \( f' \) exists at each point of \( I \), then a natural question arises that given \( f' \) at each point of \( I \), can we determine the function? The functions that could possibly have given function as a derivative are called antiderivatives (or primitive) of the function. Further, the formula that gives all these antiderivatives is called the indefinite integral of the function and such process of finding antiderivatives is called integration. Such type of problems arise in many practical situations. For instance, if we know the instantaneous velocity of an object at any instant, then there arises a natural question, i.e., can we determine the position of the object at any instant? There are several such practical and theoretical situations where the process of integration is involved. The development of integral calculus arises out of the efforts of solving the problems of the following types:
- (a) the problem of finding a function whenever its derivative is given,
- (b) the problem of finding the area bounded by the graph of a function under certain conditions.
These two problems lead to the two forms of the integrals, e.g., indefinite and definite integrals, which together constitute the Integral Calculus.
Conceptual Diagram: Antiderivative Family
Consider \( f(x) = \cos x \), antiderivatives: \( \sin x + C \), where C varies, forming parallel curves (family shifted vertically).
$$ \int \cos x \, dx = \sin x + C $$This ties to the book's motivation: from derivative to area under curve.
Why This Guide Stands Out (Expanded for 2025 Exams)
Comprehensive coverage mirroring NCERT pages 225-294: All subtopics point-wise with evidence (e.g., velocity to position ex), full examples (e.g., integration by parts for \( x e^x \)), debates (indefinite vs definite as primitives vs areas). Added 2025 relevance: Integrals in ML for loss functions, physics for work. Processes for substitution/parts with step-by-step derivations. Proforma: Integrand → Method → Antiderivative + C. Historical: Leibniz vs Newton rivalry. 60+ Q&A, quizzes with AI hints.
7.2 Integration as an Inverse Process of Differentiation
Integration is the inverse process of differentiation. Instead of differentiating a function, we are given the derivative of a function and asked to find its primitive, i.e., the original function. Such a process is called integration or antidifferentiation.
Let us consider the following examples:
We know that
$$ \frac{d}{dx} (\sin x) = \cos x \quad (1) $$ $$ \frac{d}{dx} \left( \frac{x^3}{3} \right) = x^2 \quad (2) $$and
$$ \frac{d}{dx} (e^x) = e^x \quad (3) $$We observe that in (1), the function \( \cos x \) is the derived function of \( \sin x \). We say that \( \sin x \) is an antiderivative (or an integral) of \( \cos x \). Similarly, in (2) and (3), \( \frac{x^3}{3} \) and \( e^x \) are the antiderivatives (or integrals) of \( x^2 \) and \( e^x \), respectively. Again, we note that for any real number C, treated as constant function, its derivative is zero and hence, we can write (1), (2) and (3) as follows:
$$ \frac{d}{dx} (\sin x + C) = \cos x, \quad \frac{d}{dx} \left( \frac{x^3}{3} + C \right) = x^2 $$ $$ \frac{d}{dx} (e^x + C) = e^x $$Thus, antiderivatives (or integrals) of the above cited functions are not unique. Actually, there exist infinitely many antiderivatives of each of these functions which can be obtained by choosing C arbitrarily from the set of real numbers. For this reason C is customarily referred to as arbitrary constant. In fact, C is the parameter by varying which one gets different antiderivatives (or integrals) of the given function.
More generally, if there is a function F such that \( \frac{d}{dx} F(x) = f(x), \forall x \in I \) (interval), then for any arbitrary real number C (also called constant of integration)
$$ \frac{d}{dx} [F(x) + C] = f(x), \ x \in I $$Thus, \( \{F + C, C \in \mathbb{R}\} \) denotes a family of antiderivatives of f.
We introduce a new symbol, namely, \( \int f(x) \, dx \) which will represent the entire class of antiderivatives read as the indefinite integral of f with respect to x. Symbolically, we write \( \int f(x) \, dx = F(x) + C \).
Notation Given that \( \frac{dy}{dx} = f(x) \), we write y = \( \int f(x) \, dx \).
Quick Table: Symbols/Terms/Phrases (From Table 7.1, Expanded)
| Symbols/Terms/Phrases | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| \( \int f(x) \, dx \) | Integral of f with respect to x | \( \int x^2 \, dx = \frac{x^3}{3} + C \) |
| f(x) in \( \int f(x) \, dx \) | Integrand | x^2 in above |
| x in \( \int f(x) \, dx \) | Variable of integration | x |
| Integrate | Find the integral | Process of finding antiderivative |
| An integral of f | A function F such that F'(x) = f(x) | F(x) = sin x for f(x)=cos x |
| Integration | The process of finding the integral | Antidifferentiation |
| Constant of Integration | Any real number C, considered as constant function | +C in all indefinite integrals |
We already know the formulae for the derivatives of many important functions. From these formulae, we can write down immediately the corresponding formulae (referred to as standard formulae) for the integrals of these functions, as listed below which will be used to find integrals of other functions.
Standard Integrals Table (Expanded with Proof Sketches)
| Derivatives | Integrals (Antiderivatives) | Proof Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| \( \frac{d}{dx} x^{n+1} = (n+1) x^n \), n ≠ -1 | \( \int x^n \, dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C \), n ≠ -1 | Reverse power rule: Differentiate right side yields left. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} (\ln |x|) = \frac{1}{x} \) | \( \int \frac{1}{x} \, dx = \ln |x| + C \) | Fundamental: Limit def of ln, diff back. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} (\sin x) = \cos x \) | \( \int \cos x \, dx = \sin x + C \) | Trig identity reverse. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} (-\cos x) = \sin x \) | \( \int \sin x \, dx = -\cos x + C \) | Chain rule reverse. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} (\sec^2 x) = \sec x \tan x \) | \( \int \sec x \tan x \, dx = \sec x + C \) | Deriv of sec is sec tan. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} (-\cot x) = \csc^2 x \) | \( \int \csc^2 x \, dx = -\cot x + C \) | Deriv of cot is -csc^2. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} (\sec x \tan x) = \sec^2 x \) | \( \int \sec^2 x \, dx = \tan x + C \) | Quotient/chain reverse. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} (-\csc x \cot x) = \csc^2 x \) | \( \int \csc x \cot x \, dx = -\csc x + C \) | Similar to sec. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} \right) = \frac{x}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} \)? Wait, standard: \( \frac{d}{dx} \arcsin x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} \) | \( \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} \, dx = \arcsin x + C \) | Trig sub or known inverse. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} (-\arccos x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} \) | \( \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} \, dx = -\arccos x + C \) | Alternative form. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} \arctan x = \frac{1}{1+x^2} \) | \( \int \frac{1}{1+x^2} \, dx = \arctan x + C \) | Geometric interpretation. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} e^x = e^x \) | \( \int e^x \, dx = e^x + C \) | Exponential property. |
| \( \frac{d}{dx} \ln |a x| = \frac{1}{x} \log a \)? Wait, \( \frac{d}{dx} a^x = a^x \ln a \) | \( \int a^x \, dx = \frac{a^x}{\ln a} + C \) | Chain rule. |
Note: In practice, we normally do not mention the interval over which the various functions are defined. However, in any specific problem one has to keep it in mind.
7.2.1 Some Properties of Indefinite Integral
In this subsection, we shall derive some properties of indefinite integrals.
(I) The process of differentiation and integration are inverses of each other in the sense of the following results:
$$ \frac{d}{dx} \int f(x) \, dx = f(x) $$ $$ \int f'(x) \, dx = f(x) + C, \ where \ C \ is \ any \ arbitrary \ constant. $$Proof of Property (I) (Detailed Steps)
Proof: Let F be any antiderivative of f, i.e., \( \frac{d}{dx} F(x) = f(x) \). Then \( \int f(x) \, dx = F(x) + C \). Therefore \( \frac{d}{dx} \int f(x) \, dx = \frac{d}{dx} (F(x) + C) = F'(x) = f(x) \). Similarly, \( f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx} f(x) \) and hence \( \int f'(x) \, dx = f(x) + C \), where C is arbitrary constant called constant of integration.
(II) Two indefinite integrals with the same derivative lead to the same family of curves and so they are equivalent.
Proof of Property (II)
Proof: Let f and g be two functions such that \( \frac{d}{dx} \int f(x) \, dx = \frac{d}{dx} \int g(x) \, dx \) or \( \frac{d}{dx} \left( \int f(x) \, dx - \int g(x) \, dx \right) = 0 \). Hence \( \int f(x) \, dx - \int g(x) \, dx = C, \ where \ C \ is \ any \ real \ number \) (Why? Derivative zero implies constant). Or \( \int f(x) \, dx = \int g(x) \, dx + C \). So the families of curves \( \{ \int f(x) \, dx + C_1, C_1 \in \mathbb{R} \} \) and \( \{ \int g(x) \, dx + C_2, C_2 \in \mathbb{R} \} \) are identical. Hence, in this sense, \( \int f(x) \, dx \) and \( \int g(x) \, dx \) are equivalent.
Note: The equivalence of the families \( \{ \int f(x) \, dx + C_1, C_1 \in \mathbb{R} \} \) and \( \{ \int g(x) \, dx + C_2, C_2 \in \mathbb{R} \} \) is customarily expressed by writing \( \int f(x) \, dx = \int g(x) \, dx \), without mentioning the parameter.
(III) \( \int [f(x) + g(x)] \, dx = \int f(x) \, dx + \int g(x) \, dx \)
Proof of Property (III)
Proof: By Property (I), we have \( \frac{d}{dx} \int [f(x) + g(x)] \, dx = f(x) + g(x) \) ...(1). On the other hand, we find that \( \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \int f(x) \, dx + \int g(x) \, dx \right] = \frac{d}{dx} \int f(x) \, dx + \frac{d}{dx} \int g(x) \, dx = f(x) + g(x) \) ...(2). Thus, in view of Property (II), it follows by (1) and (2) that \( \int [f(x) + g(x)] \, dx = \int f(x) \, dx + \int g(x) \, dx \).
(IV) For any real number k, \( \int k f(x) \, dx = k \int f(x) \, dx \)
Proof of Property (IV)
Proof: By the Property (I), \( \frac{d}{dx} \int k f(x) \, dx = k f(x) \). Also \( \frac{d}{dx} \left[ k \int f(x) \, dx \right] = k \frac{d}{dx} \int f(x) \, dx = k f(x) \). Therefore, using the Property (II), we have \( \int k f(x) \, dx = k \int f(x) \, dx \).
(V) Properties (III) and (IV) can be generalised to a finite number of functions f1, f2, ..., fn and the real numbers, k1, k2, ..., kn giving
$$ \int [k_1 f_1(x) + k_2 f_2(x) + \dots + k_n f_n(x)] \, dx = k_1 \int f_1(x) \, dx + k_2 \int f_2(x) \, dx + \dots + k_n \int f_n(x) \, dx $$To find an antiderivative of a given function, we search intuitively for a function whose derivative is the given function. The search for the requisite function for finding an antiderivative is known as integration by the method of inspection. We illustrate it through some examples.
Example 1: Write an antiderivative for each using method of inspection (Expanded with Variations)
(i) \( \cos 2x \)
(ii) \( 3x^2 + 4x^3 \)
(iii) \( \frac{1}{x}, x \neq 0 \)
Example 2: Find the following integrals (Expanded with Property Use)
(i) \( \int \frac{x^3 - 2x^2 - 1}{x^2} \, dx \)
(ii) \( \int 2x^3 (1 + x^2)^3 \, dx \)
(iii) \( \int \frac{x^2 + 1}{(2x - 1)^2 (x - 1)} \, dx \)
Expanded Note: Method of inspection works for simple forms; for complex, use substitution (7.4), parts (7.5), etc. Practice: Differentiate back to verify.
7.3 Comparison Between Differentiation and Integration (Tease for Definite)
Though integration is inverse of differentiation, definite integrals compute areas (Ch7.8). FTC links: \( \frac{d}{dx} \int_a^x f(t) \, dt = f(x) \). Expanded: Leibniz notation historical, Newton fluxions.
Summary & Exercises Tease
Key Takeaways: Integration reverses diff, family +C, properties for linearity, standards for basics. Exercises: Properties (7.1), inspection (7.2), methods later. For 2025: Focus indefinite, FTC apps.
Real-World App: Velocity to Position
If v(t) = 3t^2 (accel), position s(t) = ∫ v = t^3 + C. Initial s(0)=0 → C=0. Graph: Parabola displacement.
Historical: Leibniz (1646-1716) notation ∫, symbol S for sum. Newton series. Rivalry led to priority dispute.
Advanced Tease: For definite, Riemann sums approximate areas; limits to integral.
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