Curious Jr By PW

Integration By Parts - Formula, Derivation, Examples

Integration by parts is an important calculus technique used to evaluate integrals involving the product of two functions. It is derived from the product rule of differentiation and helps simplify complex expressions by splitting them into easier parts. By choosing one function to differentiate and the other to integrate, this method turns difficult integrals into manageable ones. Integration by parts is widely used in mathematics, physics, and engineering to solve advanced problems efficiently.
authorImageNivedita Dar22 Jan, 2026
Integration By Parts - Formula, Derivation, Examples

Integration by parts is a special math method used to solve the integral of a product of two different functions. It is basically the reverse of the product rule used in differentiation. By breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts, this technique helps you find the area under a curve when two variables are multiplied together.

How Integration by Parts Works

The method of integration by parts is like a puzzle where you take a hard problem and break it into easier pieces. In your math books, you might see problems where two different types of math parts are multiplied together, like a simple number part times a wavy sine part. You cannot solve these with easy rules.

Instead, we use a plan to change the order of the problem. We pick one part to make smaller and another part to grow. This helps because it makes a hard multiplication problem much easier to look at. It is a vital part of math because it let's us fix long problems without getting mixed up in the numbers.

When you use an integration by parts calculator, it follows a set of steps to decide which part of the math should be done first. This keeps your work clean and helps you stay away from tiny mistakes. Without this rule, many big science problems would be too hard to do on paper.

Integration by Parts Formula

To solve these problems, we use a set integration by parts formula. This formula comes from a rule we learn in basic math called the Product Rule. If we have two parts, let's call them u and v, this rule helps us flip them around to make the math simple.

The basic formula looks like this:

Integral of u dv = uv - Integral of v du

  • u is the part you choose to make simpler.

  • dv is the part you choose to grow.

  • du is what you get when you shrink u.

  • v is what you get when you grow dv.

To pick which part should be "u," many students use the ILATE rule found in their study books. Some books call it the LIATE rule, but they both do the same thing. ILATE stands for:

  1. I: Inverses (special trig parts)

  2. L: Logs (math with powers)

  3. A: Algebra (like x or x squared)

  4. T: Trig (like sin or cos)

  5. E: Exponentials (like e to the x)

By following this list from top to bottom, you can easily pick which part should be "u." For example, if you have a log part and an algebra part, the log part becomes your "u."

Read More - Range Formula - How to Apply with Examples

Integration by Parts Examples

Looking at integration by parts examples is the best way to learn. Let's look at a common problem where we multiply an algebra part by an e-power part. Imagine we want to find the integral of x times e to the power of x.

Step-by-Step Example:

  1. Pick your u and dv: Using ILATE, x is Algebra (A) and e to the x is Exponential (E). So, u = x and dv = e to the x dx.

  2. Find du and v: Shrink u to get du = dx. Grow dv to get v = e to the x.

  3. Use the formula: Write it as (x)(e to the x) minus the integral of (e to the x)(dx).

  4. Finish the last part: The integral of e to the x is just e to the x.

  5. Final Answer: x e to the x minus e to the x plus C.

Sometimes you have to do the steps again. If your new math problem still has two parts multiplied together, just use the rule a second time! This is called "repeated integration." Using an integration by parts calculator can help you check these steps. Practicing with different integration by parts examples helps your brain see the patterns.

Read More - SinA CosA Formula - Derivation, Examples, FAQs

Integration by Parts Definite Integral

Sometimes, you need to find a final number between two points. This is called an integration by parts definite integral. The process is very much like the normal way, but you add numbers (called limits) at the very end.

When working with a integration by parts definite integral:

  • Solve the whole problem using the formula first.

  • Once you have the answer, do not add "+ C."
  • Instead, put in the top number and take away the result of the bottom number.

Type

Has Numbers?

Use + C?

Final Result

Indefinite

No

Yes

A Math Sentence

Definite

Yes

No

A Single Number

This is very helpful for finding the exact size of real-world shapes. In your science books, you might use this to find out how much power a machine uses over a few minutes.

Tips for Success in Calculus

To do well with integration by parts, always stay tidy. Write down your u, dv, du, and v on the side of your page before you start. Many students make errors because they try to do too much in their heads. If the math on the right side of the formula looks harder than the one you started with, you likely picked the wrong u! Don't be afraid to start over and flip your choices. Also, watch out for minus signs, especially with trig parts like cos. Small signs can change the whole answer, so look over your work every few steps. One great trick to check your work is to find the derivative of your answer; if it looks like the start of the problem, you did it right!

Practical Tips for Success

To succeed with this method, always follow the ILATE list in order. This keeps you from choosing a part that makes the math harder. We suggest writing out each piece of the formula separately so you don't forget the minus sign in the middle. If you get stuck on a "looping" problem, keep going until the original integral shows up again. This is a common pattern in math books. Always double-check your simple addition and subtraction at the end of the problem. Practicing just ten minutes a day will help you spot the right steps much faster!

Improve Maths Speed and Confidence with CuriousJr’s Mental Maths Course

CuriousJr’s Mental Maths Course helps students build strong number skills, increase calculation speed, and gain confidence in maths. These online classes use a simple, step-by-step approach that makes learning easy and fun. Important maths concepts are explained clearly, helping students solve problems mentally without stress.

The course covers basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, with a focus on speed and accuracy. Through regular practice and interactive activities, children understand concepts better and solve questions faster.

With its friendly and structured teaching style, CuriousJr makes maths enjoyable and pressure-free. It is perfect for school students who want to improve daily maths skills and feel confident working with numbers.

Integration By Parts FAQs

What is the ILATE rule?

It is a memory trick to help you choose the "u" part. It stands for Inverses, Logs, Algebra, Trig, and Exponentials.

When should I use integration by parts?

Use it when you see two different types of math parts multiplied together that cannot be fixed with a simple rule.

What if I pick the wrong u?

The math will usually get much harder or more messy. If the new part looks worse than the old one, try flipping your u and dv.

Do I always need to add + C?

Only add "+ C" for indefinite integrals. If you are solving a definite integral with numbers at the top and bottom, you do not need it.

Can I use integration by parts twice?

Yes! Sometimes you have to use the formula a second time to finish the problem. This happens a lot with parts like e to the x times sin x.
Curious Jr By PW
Curious Jr By PW

We understand that every student has different needs and capabilities, which is why we create such a wonderful and unique curriculum that is the best fit for every student.