Antiderivative Formulas

Why This Matters

Antiderivatives are the foundation of integral calculus—every definite integral you'll evaluate, every area problem you'll solve, and every differential equation you'll tackle depends on your ability to reverse the differentiation process. You're being tested not just on memorizing formulas, but on recognizing which formula applies when you see a function and understanding why each formula works based on derivative rules you already know.

These formulas fall into distinct families: power functions, exponential functions, trigonometric functions, and inverse trigonometric functions. Each family follows predictable patterns rooted in differentiation. The key insight? Every antiderivative formula is just a derivative rule read backwards. Don't just memorize these formulas in isolation—know what differentiation rule each one reverses, and you'll be able to reconstruct any formula you forget on exam day.

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Power Functions: The Foundation

The power rule for derivatives reverses cleanly into the power rule for antiderivatives. Since $\frac{d}{dx}[x^n] = nx^{n-1}$, we "undo" this by increasing the exponent and dividing.

Power Rule for Integration

• $\int x^n \, dx = \frac{1}{n+1} x^{n+1} + C$ where $n \neq -1$—this handles polynomials, roots (write as fractional exponents), and negative powers
• The restriction $n \neq -1$ exists because plugging in $n = -1$ creates division by zero; this case requires its own formula
• Always add $+ C$ to represent the constant of integration—the family of all functions whose derivative equals $x^n$

Natural Logarithm Rule

• $\int \frac{1}{x} \, dx = \ln|x| + C$—this fills the gap left by the power rule when $n = -1$
• The absolute value bars are essential because $\ln(x)$ is only defined for positive $x$, but $\frac{1}{x}$ exists for all $x \neq 0$
• Recognize disguised forms like $\int x^{-1} \, dx$—this is the same integral rewritten

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Exponential Functions: Self-Replicating Integrals

Exponential functions have the remarkable property that differentiation and integration preserve their form. The base determines the scaling factor.

Base $e$ Exponential

• $\int e^x \, dx = e^x + C$—the exponential function $e^x$ is its own antiderivative, making it unique among all functions
• This self-replicating property is why $e$ appears throughout differential equations modeling growth and decay
• Watch for chain rule variants—$\int e^{kx} \, dx = \frac{1}{k}e^{kx} + C$ requires compensating for the inner derivative

General Exponential Base

• $\int a^x \, dx = \frac{a^x}{\ln(a)} + C$ where $a > 0$ and $a \neq 1$—the natural log of the base appears as a scaling factor
• This formula reverses the derivative rule $\frac{d}{dx}[a^x] = a^x \ln(a)$, so we divide by $\ln(a)$ to compensate
• When $a = e$, note that $\ln(e) = 1$, so this formula reduces to the simpler $e^x$ case

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Basic Trigonometric Functions: Sine and Cosine Cycle

Trigonometric antiderivatives follow from the cyclic nature of trig derivatives. Since sine and cosine are derivatives of each other (with sign changes), their antiderivatives swap roles.

Sine Function

• $\int \sin(x) \, dx = -\cos(x) + C$—the negative sign appears because $\frac{d}{dx}[\cos(x)] = -\sin(x)$
• Memory trick: integration of sine "brings down" cosine with a sign flip
• Applications include oscillatory motion, wave equations, and any periodic phenomenon

Cosine Function

• $\int \cos(x) \, dx = \sin(x) + C$—no sign change here since $\frac{d}{dx}[\sin(x)] = \cos(x)$
• The sine-cosine pair demonstrates the symmetry in trigonometric integration
• Verify by differentiating: $\frac{d}{dx}[\sin(x)] = \cos(x)$ ✓

Secant Squared Function

• $\int \sec^2(x) \, dx = \tan(x) + C$—this reverses the derivative $\frac{d}{dx}[\tan(x)] = \sec^2(x)$
• Frequently appears in problems involving trigonometric substitution and identities
• Recognize equivalent forms like $\int \frac{1}{\cos^2(x)} \, dx$—same integral, different notation

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Advanced Trigonometric Functions: Logarithmic Results

Some trigonometric integrals produce logarithmic results rather than other trig functions. These arise from rewriting the integrand and applying substitution.

Tangent Function

• $\int \tan(x) \, dx = -\ln|\cos(x)| + C$—equivalently written as $\ln|\sec(x)| + C$
• Derived by rewriting $\tan(x) = \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}$ and using $u$-substitution with $u = \cos(x)$
• The negative sign reflects that $\frac{d}{dx}[\cos(x)] = -\sin(x)$

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Inverse Trigonometric Functions: Recognizing the Patterns

These formulas produce inverse trig functions and arise from specific algebraic forms. The key is pattern recognition—spot the characteristic denominators.

Arctangent Pattern

• $\int \frac{1}{1+x^2} \, dx = \arctan(x) + C$—this reverses $\frac{d}{dx}[\arctan(x)] = \frac{1}{1+x^2}$
• The $1 + x^2$ denominator is your signal to use this formula
• Generalizes to $\int \frac{1}{a^2+x^2} \, dx = \frac{1}{a}\arctan\left(\frac{x}{a}\right) + C$

Arcsine Pattern

• $\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} \, dx = \arcsin(x) + C$—this reverses $\frac{d}{dx}[\arcsin(x)] = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}$
• The $\sqrt{1-x^2}$ denominator signals this formula; note the domain restriction $|x| < 1$
• Generalizes to $\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}} \, dx = \arcsin\left(\frac{x}{a}\right) + C$

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Quick Reference Table

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Self-Check Questions

1. Why does the power rule $\int x^n \, dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C$ fail when $n = -1$, and which formula handles that case instead?

2. Compare $\int e^x \, dx$ and $\int 2^x \, dx$: what's the key difference in their antiderivatives, and why does one have a simpler form?

3. If you see $\int \frac{1}{4 + x^2} \, dx$ on an exam, which antiderivative formula applies, and how would you adjust for the "4" instead of "1"?

4. Both $\int \sin(x) \, dx$ and $\int \cos(x) \, dx$ produce the other function—which one picks up a negative sign, and how can you verify your answer?

5. An FRQ asks you to evaluate $\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{9-x^2}} \, dx$. Identify the pattern, state the formula, and explain what adjustment the "9" requires.