The answer
Integration by parts is the reverse of the product rule for differentiation. It helps you integrate products of two functions. The formula is:
Here, is the part you differentiate, and is the part you integrate. You must choose and wisely. The rule to remember is ILATE (Inverse trig, Logarithmic, Algebraic, Trigonometric, Exponential) – choose in that order of priority.
Steps: 1. Choose and from your integral. 2. Differentiate to get . 3. Integrate to get . 4. Plug into the formula and simplify.
Micro-example: Find . Let (Algebraic, higher priority than Exponential), so . Let , so . Then:
Key tips: If you get a simpler integral after applying, you chose correctly. If it gets harder, swap and . For definite integrals, apply limits to the final expression. Sometimes you need to use parts twice (e.g., ). Practice makes perfect – solve at least 10 problems to get the hang of it.
Remember: integration by parts is your best friend for products like , , , and (by taking ). Always add the constant for indefinite integrals. This technique is a must for board exams and JEE – so master it well.






