Calculus II For Dummies
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The Product Rule enables you to integrate the product of two functions. For example, through a series of mathematical somersaults, you can turn the following equation into a formula that’s useful for integrating.

The product of two functions.

This derivation doesn’t have any truly difficult steps, but the notation along the way is mind-deadening, so don’t worry if you have trouble following it. Knowing how to derive the formula for integration by parts is less important than knowing when and how to use it.

The first step is simple: Just rearrange the two products on the right side of the equation:

rearranging the two products on the right side of the equation

Next, rearrange the terms of the equation:

rearrange the terms of the equation

Now integrate both sides of this equation:

integrating both sides of an equation.

Use the Sum Rule to split the integral on the right in two:

Splitting an integral with the Sum Rule.

The first of the two integrals on the right undoes the differentiation:

the formula for integration by parts

This is the formula for integration by parts. But because it’s so hairy looking, the following substitution is used to simplify it:

Substitution used to simplify integration by parts

Here’s the friendlier version of the same formula, which you should memorize:

the friendlier version of the formula for integration by parts

About This Article

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About the book author:

Mark Zegarelli, a math tutor and writer with 25 years of professional experience, delights in making technical information crystal clear — and fun — for average readers. He is the author of Logic For Dummies and Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies.

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