NCERT Solutions Class 12 Maths Integrals Exercise 7.4

Welcome to the ultimate guide to integrals ex 7 4 class 12 ncert! This exercise is one of the most critical milestones in CBSE Class 12 Integral Calculus. Here, we move beyond basic substitution to study the integration of particular algebraic functions. You will learn to work with six powerful standard formulas that handle rational and irrational algebraic expressions of quadratic forms. Whether you are dealing with a simple quadratic expression like $ax^2 + bx + c$ in the denominator or a linear-over-quadratic form like $\frac{px+q}{ax^2+bx+c}$, this guide will break down the algebraic manipulation required. We will master the 'completing the square' technique and look at step-by-step methods to decompose complex rational integrands. By the end of this page, you will be equipped to tackle any question from Exercise 7.4 with absolute confidence. Let's fire up your YoLearn virtual sketchpad and master these integral formulas together!

The Six Standard Special Integral Formulas

  • $\int \frac{dx}{x^2 - a^2} = \frac{1}{2a} \log\left|\frac{x-a}{x+a}\right| + C$
  • $\int \frac{dx}{a^2 - x^2} = \frac{1}{2a} \log\left|\frac{a+x}{a-x}\right| + C$
  • $\int \frac{dx}{x^2 + a^2} = \frac{1}{a} \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{a} ight) + C$
  • $\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 - a^2}} = \log\left|x + \sqrt{x^2 - a^2}\right| + C$
  • $\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}} = \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{a} ight) + C$
  • $\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 + a^2}} = \log\left|x + \sqrt{x^2 + a^2}\right| + C$

Method of Completing the Square

To successfully solve problems in class 12 maths integrals ex 7 4, you must master the art of reducing quadratic expressions to standard forms. When faced with an integrand containing a quadratic expression $ax^2 + bx + c$, your primary goal is to convert it into the form $a[(x + p)^2 \pm q^2]$ by completing the square. First, make the coefficient of $x^2$ unity by factoring out $a$. Next, add and subtract the square of half the coefficient of $x$. This simple algebraic rearrangement shifts the quadratic term into a perfect square, allowing you to substitute $t = x + p$ and directly apply one of the six standard integration formulas. When the quadratic is inside a square root, such as $\sqrt{ax^2+bx+c}$, extra caution must be taken if $a < 0$. You must factor out the negative sign inside the square root but keep it under the root, rewriting the expression as $\sqrt{-a[x^2 + \frac{b}{a}x + \frac{c}{a}]}$ and manipulating the signs carefully to avoid imaginary terms.

Step-by-Step Integration of Linear/Quadratic Forms

  1. Express Numerator as Derivative of Denominator — Write the numerator $px+q$ as a linear combination of the derivative of the quadratic expression plus a constant: $px + q = A \frac{d}{dx}(ax^2+bx+c) + B = A(2ax + b) + B$.
  2. Determine Constants A and B — Equate the coefficients of $x$ and the constant terms on both sides of the equation to find the exact values of $A$ and $B$.
  3. Split the Integral — Rewrite the original integral as two separate terms: $I = A \int \frac{2ax+b}{ax^2+bx+c} dx + B \int \frac{1}{ax^2+bx+c} dx$.
  4. Integrate Independently — The first integral is solved easily by substitution ($t = ax^2+bx+c \implies dt = (2ax+b)dx$), resulting in a logarithmic term. The second integral is solved by completing the square and applying the standard special formulas.

Avoid These Common Board Exam Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes students make in integrals ex 7 4 ncert notes is forgetting to divide by the coefficient of $x^2$ when completing the square, or applying the wrong sign formula. For instance, when integrating $\frac{1}{a^2-x^2}$, students frequently write the formula for $\frac{1}{x^2-a^2}$ by mistake. Always double-check your formula signs! Another deadly trap: if you have a negative coefficient inside a square root, such as $\sqrt{5-4x-x^2}$, do NOT pull the negative sign outside the square root as that would create an imaginary unit ($i$). Instead, keep the negative sign inside the bracket: $\sqrt{-(x^2+4x-5)} = \sqrt{9 - (x+2)^2}$.

Practice Questions with Solutions

  • Q: Find the integral of $\frac{1}{x^2 - 16}$ with respect to $x$. A: Step 1: Write the integrand in standard form. Here, the denominator is $x^2 - 16 = x^2 - 4^2$. Thus, $a = 4$. Step 2: Identify the correct formula: $\int \frac{dx}{x^2 - a^2} = \frac{1}{2a} \log\left|\frac{x-a}{x+a}\right| + C$. Step 3: Substitute $a = 4$ into the formula: $\int \frac{dx}{x^2 - 4^2} = \frac{1}{2(4)} \log\left|\frac{x-4}{x+4}\right| + C$. Final answer: $\frac{1}{8} \log\left|\frac{x-4}{x+4}\right| + C$
  • Q: Evaluate $\int \frac{dx}{x^2 + 2x + 5}$. A: Step 1: Complete the square for the denominator: $x^2 + 2x + 5 = (x^2 + 2x + 1) + 4 = (x+1)^2 + 2^2$. Step 2: Let $t = x+1$, which gives $dt = dx$. The integral becomes $\int \frac{dt}{t^2 + 2^2}$. Step 3: Apply the standard formula $\int \frac{dt}{t^2 + a^2} = \frac{1}{a} \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{t}{a}\right) + C$ where $a = 2$. Step 4: Substitute back $t = x+1$ to get the final solution: $\frac{1}{2} \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x+1}{2}\right) + C$. Final answer: $\frac{1}{2} \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x+1}{2}\right) + C$
  • Q: Evaluate the integral $\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{9 - 25x^2}}$. A: Step 1: Standardise the quadratic term by factoring out $25$ from the terms inside the root: $\sqrt{9 - 25x^2} = \sqrt{25\left(\frac{9}{25} - x^2\right)} = 5\sqrt{\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^2 - x^2}$. Step 2: Rewrite the integral as $\frac{1}{5} \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^2 - x^2}}$. This fits the standard template $\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}}$ where $a = \frac{3}{5}$. Step 3: Apply the formula $\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}} = \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{a} ight) + C$. Step 4: Substitute $a = \frac{3}{5}$ into the formula: $\frac{1}{5} \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{3/5}\right) + C = \frac{1}{5} \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{5x}{3}\right) + C$. Final answer: $\frac{1}{5} \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{5x}{3} ight) + C$
  • Q: Find $\int \frac{x+2}{x^2 + 4x + 5} dx$. A: Step 1: Differentiate the denominator $x^2+4x+5$ to get $2x+4 = 2(x+2)$. Step 2: Express the numerator in terms of this derivative: $x+2 = \frac{1}{2}(2x+4)$. Step 3: Rewrite the integral as $\int \frac{\frac{1}{2}(2x+4)}{x^2+4x+5} dx = \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{2x+4}{x^2+4x+5} dx$. Step 4: Let $t = x^2+4x+5 \implies dt = (2x+4)dx$. The integral reduces to $\frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{t} dt = \frac{1}{2} \log|t| + C$. Step 5: Substitute $t = x^2+4x+5$ back into the expression. Final answer: $\frac{1}{2} \log|x^2+4x+5| + C$

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main objective of NCERT Class 12 Maths Exercise 7.4?

The primary objective of this exercise is to teach students how to integrate rational and irrational algebraic functions containing quadratic expressions in the denominator. This is achieved by converting quadratic expressions into standard squared forms and applying one of the six special integration formulas.

How do we complete the square for a quadratic term with a negative coefficient of x^2?

To complete the square when the $x^2$ coefficient is negative, factor out the negative sign inside the terms first. For example, express $-x^2 - 4x + 5$ as $-[x^2 + 4x - 5] = -[(x+2)^2 - 9] = 9 - (x+2)^2$. Never pull the negative sign out of a square root.

When should we use the linear substitution px + q = A(d/dx)(Denominator) + B?

You should use this technique when the integrand is of the form $\frac{px+q}{ax^2+bx+c}$ or $\frac{px+q}{\sqrt{ax^2+bx+c}}$. This method splits the integral into two manageable parts: one solvable by basic substitution, and the other solvable by completing the square.