Advanced Higher Maths Integration
Page sections
Topic content
Higher integration work is assumed
Integrating using standard integrals
Recognising and integrating expressions of the form \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize g\large\left(\normalsize f(x)\large\right)\normalsize f'(x)\,dx\) and \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize \small\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)}\small\,dx\)
Using partial fractions to integrate proper or improper rational functions
Integration by substitution, where the substitution is given
Integration by parts with one or more applications
Volumes of revolution involving the rotation of the area under a single curve about the \(\raise 0.2pt{x}\)-axis or
\(y\)-axis
Applying integration to the evaluation of areas, including with respect to \(y.\)
Textbook page numbers
Zeta AH Maths Textbook pp.48-74,108-115
Leckie AH Maths Textbook pp.76-112
Leckie Practice Book pp.17-27
Buy our favourite textbook
Zeta: Advanced Higher Clear and comprehensive. Progressive exercises. Includes answers.
Buy from Zeta Press
Standard integrals
\(f(x)\)
\(\displaystyle\int\normalsize f(x)\,dx\)
\(\text{sec}^{2}(ax)\)
\(\displaystyle\small\frac{1}{a}\normalsize\,\text{tan}\,(ax)+c\)
\(\displaystyle\small\frac{1}{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}\normalsize\)
\(\text{sin}^{-1}\left(\large\frac{x}{a}\normalsize\right)+c\)
\(\displaystyle\small\frac{1}{a^2+x^2}\normalsize\)
\(\large\frac{1}{a}\normalsize\,\text{tan}^{-1}\left(\large\frac{x}{a}\normalsize\right)+c\)
\(\displaystyle\small\frac{1}{x}\)
\(\text{ln}\,\vert x\vert+c\)
\(e^{\large{ax}}\)
\(\large\frac{1}{a}\small\,\normalsize e^{\large{ax}}+c\)
Need a tutor for AH Maths?
Try our free, no-obligation tutor search tool.Click here to find a tutor in your area.
Example 1 (non-calculator)
Subtopic: Integrating rational functions
Find \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize \small\frac{3x^2\,-\,1}{2x^3\,-\,2x\,+\,1}\normalsize\,dx \)
Show solution
The key here is to notice that the numerator is very closely related to the derivative of the denominator:
$$ \small\frac{d}{dx}\normalsize\left(2x^3-2x+1\right)=6x^2-2 $$
So the numerator is exactly half of the derivative of the denominator. Therefore:
$$ \displaystyle\int\!\small\frac{3x^2-1}{2x^3-2x+1}\normalsize\,dx= \small\frac{1}{2}\normalsize\,\text{ln}\,\vert 2x^3\!-\!2x+1\vert +c $$
Note: Check for yourself that this answer differentiates back to the question, using the chain rule.
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 2 (non-calculator)
Subtopic: Standard integrals
Find \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize \small\frac{6\,dx}{\sqrt{4\,-\,9x^2}} \)
Show solution
This solution requires the following standard integral from the formulae list :
$$ \displaystyle\int\normalsize\!\!\small\frac{dx}{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}\normalsize=\text{sin}^{-1}\left(\small\frac{x}{a}\normalsize\right)+c $$
Here, \(a\!=\!2\small,\) we have \(\raise 0.2pt{(3x)^2}\) instead of \(\raise 0.2pt{x^2}\) and the entire standard integral is multiplied by \(6\small.\)
So, making use of the chain rule for integration:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\displaystyle\int\normalsize\!\small\frac{6\,dx}{\sqrt{4-9x^2}} &=& \small\frac{6}{3}\normalsize\,\text{sin}^{-1}\small\left(\frac{3x}{2}\right)\normalsize+c \\[6pt]
&=& 2\,\text{sin}^{-1}\left(\small\frac{3x}{2}\normalsize\right)+c \\[6pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 3 (non-calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2018 Q2 Subtopic: Integrating rational functions
Use partial fractions to find \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize \small\frac{3x\,-\,7}{x^2\,-\,2x\,-\,15}\normalsize\,dx \)
Show solution
\(x^2-2x-15\) factorises as \((x-5)(x+3)\) so:
$$ \frac{3x-7}{(x-5)(x+3)} = \frac{A}{x-5} + \frac{B}{x+3} $$
$$ 3x-7 = A(x+3) + B(x-5) $$
Substituting well-chosen values of \(\raise 0.2pt{x}\) lets us find the values of \(\raise 0.2pt{A}\) and \(\raise 0.2pt{B\small.}\)
\(x=-3\implies -16=B(-8)\implies B=2\)
\(x=5\implies 8=A(8)\implies A=1\)
So now we are ready to integrate:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
&& \displaystyle\int\normalsize\frac{3x-7}{x^2-2x-15}\normalsize\,dx \\[6pt]
&=& \displaystyle\int\normalsize\left(\frac{1}{x-5}+\frac{2}{x+3}\right)\,dx \\[12pt]
&=& \text{ln}\,\vert x-5\vert + 2\,\text{ln}\,\vert x+3\vert+c \\[6pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Note: If you wanted to present your final answer in the form \(\text{ln}\,\vert (x-5)(x+3)^2\vert+c\small,\) that would also be correct, but we prefer the more 'linear' style of the answer, as shown above.
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 4 (non-calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher 2016 Specimen Q11 Subtopic: Integrating rational functions
Find the exact value of \(\displaystyle\small\int^{2}_{1} \normalsize \small\frac{x\,+\,4}{(x\,+\,1)^2\,(2x\,-\,1)}\normalsize\,dx\)
Show solution
This example also requires partial fractions, but this time the denominator contains a repeated factor, so the form of the partial fractions is:
$$ \frac{A}{x+1}+\frac{B}{(x+1)^2}+\frac{C}{2x-1} $$
Multiplying through by the denominator gives:
$$ x\!\small+\normalsize\!4=A(x\!\small+\normalsize\!1)(2x\!\small-\normalsize\!1)+B(2x\!\small-\normalsize\!1)+C(x\!\small+\normalsize\!1)^2 $$
Now we can substitute well-chosen values of \(\raise 0.2pt{x}\) to find two of our three unknowns:
\(x=-1\implies 3=B(-3)\implies B=-1\)
\(x=\large\frac{1}{2}\normalsize\implies\large\frac{9}{2}\normalsize=C\left(\large\frac{9}{4}\normalsize\right)\implies C=2\)
No substitution will let us find \(A\small.\) Instead, we can equate the constant terms:
$$
\begin{gather}
4=A(-1)+B(-1)+C(1)\\[6pt]
4=A(-1)+(-1)(-1)+2(1)\\[6pt]
4=-A+1+2\\[6pt]
A=-1\\[6pt]
\end{gather}
$$
So now we can integrate and evaluate:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
&& \displaystyle\int^{2}_{1}\left(-\frac{1}{x+1}-\frac{1}{(x+1)^2}+\frac{2}{2x-1}\right)\,dx\\[9pt]
&& \displaystyle\int^{2}_{1}\left(-\frac{1}{x+1}-(x+1)^{-2}+\frac{2}{2x-1}\right)\,dx\\[9pt]
&=& \bigg[\normalsize\!-\text{ln}\,\vert x+1\vert+(x+1)^{-1}+\text{ln}\,\vert 2x-1\vert\,\bigg]^{2}_{1}\\[9pt]
&=& \left(-\text{ln}\,3+\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize+\text{ln}\,3\right)-\left(-\text{ln}\,2+\small\frac{1}{2}\normalsize+\cancelto{0}{\text{ln}\,1}\right)\\[9pt]
&=& \cancel{-\text{ln}\,3}+\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize+\cancel{\text{ln}\,3}+\text{ln}\,2-\small\frac{1}{2}\normalsize\\[9pt]
&=& \:\text{ln}\,2-\small\frac{1}{6}\\[6pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 5 (non-calculator)
Subtopic: Integration by substitution
Use the substitution \(u=\text{tan}\,x\) to find \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize\!\small\frac{dx}{\text{sin}\,x\,\text{cos}\,x}\)
Show solution
We start by differentiating \(u\) to obtain an expression for \(dx\small.\)
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
u &=& \text{tan}\,x \\[6pt]
\small\frac{du}{dx}\normalsize &=& \text{sec}^{2}\,x \\[6pt]
du &=& \text{sec}^{2}\,x\,dx \\[6pt]
dx &=& \small\frac{du}{\text{sec}^{2}\,x}
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Now we subtitute this into the original integration to express it in terms of \(\raise 0.2pt{u\small.}\)
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\displaystyle\int\normalsize\small\frac{dx}{\text{sin}\,x\,\text{cos}\,x} &=& \small\displaystyle\int\frac{1}{\text{sin}\,x\,\text{cos}\,x}\normalsize\,.\,\small\frac{du}{\text{sec}^{2}\,x} \\[12pt]
&=& \displaystyle\int\small\frac{\text{cos}^{2}\,x}{\text{sin}\,x\,\text{cos}\,x}\,du \\[12pt]
&=& \displaystyle\small\int\frac{\text{cos}\,x}{\text{sin}\,x}\,du \\[12pt]
&=& \displaystyle\small\int\frac{1}{\text{tan}\,x}\,du \\[12pt]
&=& \displaystyle\small\int\frac{1}{u}\,du \\[10pt]
&=& \ \text{ln}\,\vert u\vert+c \\[10pt]
&=& \ \text{ln}\,\vert \text{tan}\,x\vert+c \\[6pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 6 (non-calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2018 Q8 Subtopic: Integration by substitution
Using the substitution \(\raise 0.2pt{u=sin\,\theta\small,}\) or otherwise, evaluate
$$ \begin{flalign*} & \int^{\large{\frac{\pi}{2}}}_{\large{\frac{\pi}{6}}}2\,sin^4\,\theta\,cos\,\theta\,d\theta & \end{flalign*} $$
Show solution
Integration by parts could be used for this question, rather than substitution. Try it if you wish!
In general, though, you would be well advised to ignore the words 'or otherwise'.
We start by differentiating \(\raise 0.2pt{u}\small.\)
$$
\begin{gather}
u=sin\,\theta \\[6pt]
\small\frac{du}{d\theta}\normalsize=cos\,\theta \\[6pt]
\end{gather}
$$
Because this is a definite integration, we need to express the upper and lower limits in terms of the new variable.
\(\theta=\large\frac{\pi}{2}\normalsize\implies u=sin\,\large\frac{\pi}{2}\normalsize=1\)
\(\theta=\large\frac{\pi}{6}\normalsize\implies u=sin\,\large\frac{\pi}{6}\normalsize=\large\frac{1}{2}\)
Now we express the original integration in terms of \(\raise 0.2pt{u\small.}\)
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\int^{\large{\frac{\pi}{2}}}_{\large{\frac{\pi}{6}}}2\,sin^4\,\theta\,cos\,\theta\,d\theta &=& \int^{1}_{\large\frac12}2\,u^4\,\small\frac{du}{d\theta}\normalsize\,d\theta \\[12pt]
&=& 2\,\int^{1}_{\large\frac12}u^4\,du \\[12pt]
&=& 2\,\biggl[\small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize u^5 \biggr]^1_{\large\frac12} \\[12pt]
&=& \small\frac{2}{5}\normalsize \,\biggl[ u^5 \biggr]^{1}_{\large\frac12} \\[12pt]
&=& \small\frac{2}{5}\normalsize\,\left(1^5-\small\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\!5}\normalsize\right) \\[12pt]
&=& \small\frac{2}{5}\normalsize\,\left(1-\small\frac{1}{32}\normalsize\right) \\[10pt]
&=& \small\frac{2}{5}\normalsize\,\left(\small\frac{31}{32}\normalsize\right) \\[10pt]
&=& \small\frac{31}{80}\normalsize
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Note: You may have noticed that we took a slightly different approach in the top part of this solution than we did in example 5 above. In example 5, we obtained an expression for \(dx\) before switching variables, whereas here, we could see that \(cos\,\theta\) is a factor in the integrand, so we just wrote it as \(\large\frac{du}{d\theta}\) and then used the fact that \(\large\frac{du}{d\theta}\normalsize.\,d\theta=du\) to eliminate \(\theta\small.\) If that seems a bit convoluted to you, just stick to the method shown in example 5.
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Recommended textbook
Zeta Maths: Advanced Higher Maths
Best price, direct from Zeta Press
Example 7 (non-calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2023 Paper 1 Q4 Subtopic: Integration by parts
Use integration by parts to find \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize\!x^4\,\text{ln}\,x\,dx\small,\:\normalsize x\gt 0\small.\)
Show solution
This question is a simple 3-mark single use of integration by parts:
$$ \int uv'\,dx=uv-\int u'v\,dx $$
First we examine the factors to decide which we should differentiate \((u)\) and which we should integrate \((v')\small.\)
As \(\text{ln}\,x\) differentiates to \(\large\frac{1}{x}\small,\) choosing \(\text{ln}\,x\) as \(u\) is the only way to go.
$$
\begin{matrix}
u=\text{ln}\,x \:&\: v'=x^4 \\[5pt]
u'=\large\frac{1}{x} \:&\: v=\large\frac{1}{5}\normalsize x^5 \\
\end{matrix}
$$
Now we use integration by parts:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\int \left(\text{ln}\,x\right)x^4\,dx &=& uv-\int u'v\,dx \\[9pt]
&=& \left(\text{ln}\,x\right)\small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize x^5-\int \small\frac{1}{x}\normalsize\,.\,\small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize x^5\,dx \\[9pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize x^5\,\text{ln}\,x-\small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize\int x^4\,dx \\[9pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize x^5\,\text{ln}\,x-\small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize\,.\,\small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize x^5+c \\[9pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{5}\normalsize x^5\,\text{ln}\,x-\small\frac{1}{25}\normalsize x^5+c
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 8 (non-calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2016 Specimen Q5 Subtopic: Integration by parts
Find \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize\!x^2\,e^{3x}\,dx\small.\)
Show solution
This 5-mark question will require us to use integration by parts twice, as you are about to see.
First we examine the factors to decide which we should differentiate \((u)\) and which we should integrate \((v')\small.\)
The exponential factor would work either way, so we consider the \(x^2\) factor. Differentiating it will reduce its exponent, so we will differentiate \(x^2\) and integrate \(e^{3x}\small.\)
$$
\begin{matrix}
u=x^2 \:&\: v'=e^{3x} \\[5pt]
u'=2x \:&\: v=\large\frac{1}{3}\normalsize e^{3x}\\
\end{matrix}
$$
For brevity, let \(\text{I}=\displaystyle\int\normalsize\!x^2\,e^{3x}\,dx\small.\)
Now we apply integration by parts:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\text{I} &=& uv-\int u'v\,dx \\[6pt]
&=& x^2\,.\,\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize e^{3x}-\int 2x\,.\,\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize e^{3x}\,dx \\[6pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize x^2\,e^{3x}-\small\frac{2}{3}\normalsize\int x\,e^{3x}\,dx
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Now we need to integrate by parts again. It is important to choose our new \(u\) and new \(v'\) consistently with the first part, so that the exponent reduces again. So:
$$
\begin{matrix}
u=x \:&\: v'=e^{3x} \\[5pt]
u'=1 \:&\: v=\large\frac{1}{3}\normalsize e^{3x} \\
\end{matrix}
$$
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\text{I} &=& \small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize x^2\,e^{3x}-\small\frac{2}{3}\normalsize\left(x\,.\,\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize e^{3x}-\!\!\int\!1\,.\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize e^{3x}\,dx\right) \\[6pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize x^2\,e^{3x}-\small\frac{2}{9}\normalsize\,x\,e^{3x}+\small\frac{2}{9}\normalsize\int\!e^{3x}\,dx \\[6pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize x^2\,e^{3x}-\small\frac{2}{9}\normalsize\,x\,e^{3x}+\small\frac{2}{27}\normalsize e^{3x}+c
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 9 (non-calculator)
Subtopic: Integration by parts
Use integration by parts to obtain \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize\!e^x\,\text{cos}\,x\,dx\)
Show solution
First we examine the factors to decide which we should differentiate \((u)\) and which we should integrate \((v')\small.\) In this example, it doesn't matter.
We will differentiate the trigonometric factor and integrate the exponential factor in the solution below. You might want to try it the other way around, as an exercise. The answer should, of course, be the same either way.
$$
\begin{matrix}
u=\text{cos}\,x \:&\: v'=e^x \\[5pt]
u'=-\text{sin}\,x \:&\: v=e^x\\
\end{matrix}
$$
For brevity, let \(\text{I}=\displaystyle\int\normalsize\!e^x\,\text{cos}\,x\,dx\small.\)
So now we apply integration by parts:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\text{I} &=& uv-\int u'v\,dx \\[6pt]
&=& (\text{cos}\,x)\,e^x-\!\int (-\text{sin}\,x)\,e^x\,dx \\[6pt]
&=& e^x\,\text{cos}\,x+\!\int e^x\,\text{sin}\,x\,dx \\[6pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
So we have to integrate by parts again, this time using the following repurposed definitions of \(u\) and \(v'\):
$$
\begin{matrix}
u=\text{sin}\,x \:&\: v'=e^x \\[5pt]
u'=\text{cos}\,x \:&\: v=e^x \\
\end{matrix}
$$
What is going to happen here is that the original integral will appear again on the right, enabling solution:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\text{I} &=& e^x\,cos\,x+\left((\text{sin}\,x)\,e^x-\!\small\int\normalsize(\text{cos}\,x)\,e^x\,dx\right) \\[9pt]
&=& e^x\,\text{cos}\,x+e^x\,\text{sin}\,x-\!\small\int\normalsize e^x\,\text{cos}\,x\,dx \\[9pt]
&=& e^x\,\text{cos}\,x+e^x\,\text{sin}\,x-\text{I} \\[9pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
So all that remains is to add \(\text{I}\) to both sides, halve and not forget the arbitary constant of integration:
$$
\begin{gather}
2\text{I}=e^x\,\text{cos}\,x+e^x\,\text{sin}\,x+c\\[9pt]
\text{I}=\small\frac{1}{2}\,\normalsize e^x\bigl(\text{cos}\,x+\text{sin}\,x\bigr)+c\\[9pt]
\end{gather}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 10 (non-calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2016 Q9 Subtopic: Integration by parts
Obtain \(\displaystyle\small\int\normalsize\!x^{7}\,(\text{ln}\,x)^{2}\,dx\)
Show solution
We are being asked to integrate a product, so this example requires integration by parts:
$$ \int\,uv'\,dx = uv-\!\int u'v\,dx $$
We start by examining the factors to decide which we should differentiate \((u)\) and which we should integrate \((v')\small.\)
Differentiating \(x^7\) would only reduce its exponent by one each time, so that's far from ideal. Moreover, you probably haven't yet seen a standard integral for \(\text{ln}\,x\small,\) let alone \((\text{ln}\,x)^{2}\small.\)
So we will differentiate \((\text{ln}\,x)^2\small\) and hope that it simplifies reasonably quickly.
$$
\begin{matrix}
u=(\text{ln}\,x)^2 \:&\: v'=x^7 \\[5pt]
u'=2(\text{ln}\,x)\left(\large\frac{1}{x}\right) \:&\: v=\large\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8 \\
\end{matrix}
$$
For brevity, let \(\text{I}=\displaystyle\int\normalsize\!x^{7}\,(\text{ln}\,x)^{2}\,dx\small.\)
So now we apply integration by parts:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\text{I} &=& (\text{ln}\,x)^2\,.\,\small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8-2\int(\text{ln}\,x)\left(\small\frac{1}{x}\normalsize\right)\,.\,\small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^{8}\,dx \\[6pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8(\text{ln}\,x)^2-\small\frac{1}{4}\normalsize \int x^{7}\,\text{ln}\,x\,dx \\[6pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8(\text{ln}\,x)^2-\small\frac{1}{4}\,\normalsize\text{J}\,\textsf{, say.} \\[6pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Integrating what we have called \(\text{J}\) needs a second application of integration by parts.
So, recycling the \(u,\,v\) notation:
$$
\begin{matrix}
u=\text{ln}\,x \:&\: v'=x^7\\[5pt]
u'=\large\frac{1}{x}\normalsize \:&\: v=\large\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8 \\
\end{matrix}
$$
You will notice that \(u'\) is much simpler this time. That's a positive sign!
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\text{J} &=& (\text{ln}\,x)\,.\,\small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8\,-\int\small\frac{1}{x}\normalsize\,.\,\small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^{8}\,dx \\[8pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^{8}\,\text{ln}\,x-\small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize \int x^7\,dx \\[8pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^{8}\,\text{ln}\,x-\small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize \left(\small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8\right)+c \\[8pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^{8}\,\text{ln}\,x-\small\frac{1}{64}\normalsize x^8+c \\[8pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Subsituting \(\text{J}\) back into \(\text{I}\small,\) we obtain:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
\text{I} &=& \small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8(\text{ln}\,x)^2-\small\frac{1}{4}\normalsize \left(\small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^{8}\,\text{ln}\,x-\small\frac{1}{64}\normalsize x^{8}\right)+c \\[8pt]
&=& \small\frac{1}{8}\normalsize x^8(\text{ln}\,x)^2-\small\frac{1}{32}\normalsize x^{8}\,\text{ln}\,x+\small\frac{1}{256}\normalsize x^{8}+c \\[6pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 11 (non-calculator)
Subtopic: Volume of revolution
Use integration to prove that the volume of a sphere of radius \(r\) is \(\frac{4}{3}\pi r^{3}\) cubic units.
Show solution
From Higher , the equation of a circle radius \(r\) centred on the origin is \(x^2+y^2=r^2\small.\)
Rearranging, we obtain \(y^2=r^2-x^2\small.\)
\(y=\sqrt{r^2-x^2}\) is the upper semicircle and \(y=-\sqrt{r^2-x^2}\) is the lower semicircle. We could rotate either of these through \(2\pi\) radians to form a sphere. In practice, we don't need to choose, as the volume requires \(y^2\small,\) not \(y\small.\)
Note that the lower limit of \(x\) is \(-r\) and the upper limit of \(x\) is \(r\small.\)
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
V &=& \int^{r}_{-r}\pi y^{2}\,dx \\[9pt]
&=& \pi\!\int^{r}_{-r}(r^2-x^2)\,dx \\[9pt]
&=& \pi\,\biggl[r^{2}x-\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize x^3\biggr]^{\phantom{.}r}_{-r} \\[9pt]
&=& \pi\,\biggl[\left(r^{3}-\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize r^3\right)-\left(-r^3+\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize r^3\right)\biggr] \\[9pt]
&=& \pi\left(r^{3}-\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize r^3+r^3-\small\frac{1}{3}\normalsize r^3\right) \\[9pt]
&=& \pi\left(2r^{3}-\small\frac{2}{3}\normalsize r^3\right) \\[9pt]
&=& \pi\left(\small\frac{6}{3}\normalsize r^{3}-\small\frac{2}{3}\normalsize r^3\right) \\[9pt]
&=& \small\frac{4}{3}\normalsize \pi r^3\ \small\textsf{cubic units} \\[9pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Note: It is unlikely that a question like this would appear on an exam paper without prompting you to rotate a semicircle centred on the origin. See example 12 below for an actual exam question of this type.
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 12 (calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2017 Q16 Subtopic: Volume of revolution
On a suitable domain, a curve is defined by the equation \(4x^2+9y^2=36\small.\)
A section of the curve in the first quadrant, illustrated in the diagram below, is
rotated 360° about the \(y\)-axis.
Calculate the exact value of the volume generated.
Show solution
In this question, the curve is to be rotated around the \(y\)-axis, not the \(x\)-axis.
So the required volume is given by:
$$ V = \int^{U}_{L}\pi x^{2}\,dy$$
where \(L\) and \(U\) are the lower and upper limits. So we need to find these limits and an expression for \(x^{2}\small.\)
As the limits are \(y\)-values, we solve for \(x\!=\!0\small.\)
$$
\begin{gather}
4x^2+9y^2=36\\[6pt]
4(0)^2+9y^2=36 \\[6pt]
9y^2=36 \\[6pt]
y^2=4 \\[6pt]
y=\pm\,2
\end{gather}
$$
However, we are only rotating the upper-right quadrant of this curve, so the lower limit is \(0\small,\) not \(-2\small.\)
Now we rearrange to obtain an expression for \(x^{2}\small.\)
$$
\begin{gather}
4x^2+9y^2=36\\[6pt]
4x^2=36-9y^2 \\[6pt]
x^2=\small\frac{1}{4}\normalsize(36-9y^2)
\end{gather}
$$
We are now ready to integrate to find the volume of revolution.
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
V &=& \int^{2}_{0}\pi x^{2}\,dy \\[8pt]
&=& \small\frac{\pi}{4}\normalsize\int^{2}_{0}(36-9y^2)\,dy \\[8pt]
&=& \small\frac{\pi}{4}\normalsize\biggl[36y-\small\frac{9}{3}\normalsize y^3\biggr]^{2}_{0} \\[10pt]
&=& \small\frac{\pi}{4}\normalsize\bigl[36y-3y^3\bigr]^{2}_{0} \\[10pt]
&=& \small\frac{\pi}{4}\normalsize\bigl\{\left(36(2)\!-\!3(2^3)\right)-\left(36(0)\!-\!3(0^3)\right)\bigr\} \\[10pt]
&=& \small\frac{\pi}{4}\normalsize\bigl(72-3(8)\bigr) \\[10pt]
&=& \small\frac{\pi}{4}\normalsize\left(48\right) \\[10pt]
&=& 12\pi\ \small\textsf{cubic units}
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Example 13 (calculator)
SQA Advanced Higher Maths 2019 Q16 Subtopics: Integration by parts, Volume
(a) Use integration by parts to find the exact value of \(\displaystyle\small\int^{\small{1}}_{\small{0}}\normalsize(x^2\!-\!2x\!+\!1)\,e^{4x}\,dx\small.\)
(b) A solid is formed by rotating the curve with equation \(y=4(x\!-\!1)\,e^{2x}\) between \(x\!=\!0\) and \(x\!=\!1\) through \(2\pi\) radians about the \(x\)-axis. Find the exact value of the volume of this solid.
Show solution
(a) This 5-mark part is quite a fiddly double integration by parts.
We start by examining the two factors and asking ourselves which we should differentiate \((u)\) and which we should integrate \((v')\small.\) It doesn't matter for \(e^{4x}\) but the quadratic should be differentiated to reduce its degree.
So now we apply integration by parts, twice:
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
&& \!\!\!\!\!\! \int^{\small{1}}_{\small{0}}\underbrace{(x^2-2x+1)}_{\textsf{u}}\underbrace{e^{4x}}_{\textsf{v'}}\,dx\\[8pt]
&=& \Biggl[\small\frac{1}{4}\normalsize e^{4x}\left(x^2\!-\!2x\!+\!1\right)\Biggr]^{1}_{0}-\int^{1}_{0}\!\small\frac14\normalsize e^{4x}(2x\!-\!2)\,dx\\[8pt]
&=& \left(0-\small\frac14\right)\normalsize-\small\frac12\normalsize\int^{\small{1}}_{\small{0}}\underbrace{(x\!-\!1)}_{\textsf{u}}\underbrace{e^{4x}}_{\textsf{v'}}\,dx\\[8pt]
&=& -\!\small\frac14-\small\frac12\normalsize\Biggl[\small\frac{1}{4}\normalsize e^{4x}(x\!-\!1)- \int^{\small{1}}_{\small{0}}1.\small\frac{1}{4}\normalsize e^{4x}\,dx\Biggr]^{1}_{0}\\[10pt]
&=& -\!\small\frac14-\small\frac12\normalsize\Biggl[\small\frac{1}{4}\normalsize e^{4x}(x\!-\!1)-\small\frac{1}{16}\normalsize e^{4x}\Biggr]^{1}_{0} \\[10pt]
&=& -\!\small\frac14-\small\frac12\normalsize\left(\small\left(\normalsize0-\small\frac{1}{16}\normalsize e^4\small\right)\normalsize-\small\left(\normalsize-\small\frac14\normalsize-\small\frac{1}{16}\normalsize\small\right)\normalsize\right)\\[10pt]
&=& -\!\small\frac14-\small\frac12\normalsize\left(-\small\frac{1}{16}\normalsize e^4+\small\frac{5}{16}\normalsize\right)\\[10pt]
&=& -\!\small\frac14+\small\frac{1}{32}\normalsize e^4-\small\frac{5}{32}\normalsize\\[10pt]
&=& \ \small\frac{1}{32}\normalsize e^4-\small\frac{13}{32}\normalsize\\[10pt]
&=& \ \small\frac{1}{32}\normalsize\left(e^4-13\right)\\[10pt]
\end{eqnarray}
$$
(b) This 3-mark part makes use of the answer to part (a) to shortcut the integration process.
$$
\begin{eqnarray}
V &=& \int^{1}_{0}\pi y^{2}\,dx \\[8pt]
&=& \pi\!\int^{1}_{0}\bigl\{\,4(x\!-\!1)\,e^{2x}\,\bigr\}^2\,dx \\[8pt]
&=& 16\pi\!\int^{1}_{0}\bigl\{\,(x^2\!-\!2x\!+\!1)\,e^{4x}\,\bigr\}^2\,dx \\[10pt]
&=& \small\frac{16\pi}{32}\normalsize\left(e^4-13\right)\\[10pt]
&=& \small\frac{\pi}{2}\normalsize\left(e^4-13\right)\ \small\textsf{cubic units}
\end{eqnarray}
$$
Video solution by Clelland Maths
Buy AH Maths revision guides
How To Pass: Advanced Higher Maths
BrightRED: AH Maths Study Guide
Past paper questions
Buy our favourite textbook
Zeta: Advanced Higher Clear and comprehensive. Progressive exercises. Includes answers.
Buy from Zeta Press
Integration worksheets
Buy AH Maths revision guides
How To Pass: Advanced Higher Maths
BrightRED: AH Maths Study Guide
Notes and videos