How to Integrate Using the Tabular Method

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

Tabular method, also known as the "method of integration by parts," is an efficient way to integrate products of functions when repeated integration by parts is required. This method is particularly useful for functions that involve polynomial and exponential or trigonometric terms.

In this article, we will discuss the method in detail including various solved examples.


How to Integrate Using the Tabular Method

To integrate the product of two functions using tabular methods, we can use the following steps:

  • Step 1: Identify u and dv.

Choose u and dv from the integrand ∫u dv such that u is a function that simplifies upon differentiation, and dv is a function that remains manageable upon integration.

  • Step 2: Create the Table.

Set up a table with two columns. Label the left column as "Differentiation" and the right column as "Integration."

  • Step 3: Fill in the Columns.

In the "Differentiation" column, list u and its successive derivatives until you reach zero.

In the "Integration" column, list dv and its successive integrals.

  • Step 4: Assign Signs.

Alternate signs starting with a positive sign for the first row. The sequence of signs will be +, − , + , − , . . .

  • Step 5: Construct the Product Terms.

For each row, multiply the entry in the "Differentiation" column by the entry diagonally below it in the "Integration" column.

  • Step 6: Sum the Terms.

Combine the terms with the appropriate signs to form the integral.

Let's consider an example for better understanding.

Example of Integrate Using the Tabular Method

Let's integrate ∫xex dx using the tabular method.

  1. Identify u and dv:
    • Let u = x
    • Let dv = ex dx
  2. Create the Table:
DifferentiationIntegration
xex
1ex
0
  • Assign Signs:
DifferentiationIntegrationSign
xex+
1ex-
0
  • Construct the Product Terms:
    • (+)x⋅ex
    • (−)1 ⋅ ex
  • Sum the Terms
    • \int x e^x \, dx = x e^x - \int e^x \, dx = x e^x - e^x + C

Thus, the final result is: \int x e^x \, dx = e^x (x - 1) + C

Advantages of the Tabular Method

Some of the key advantages of using the Tabular Method of Integration:

  • Efficiency: The Tabular Method streamlines the process of integration by parts, especially when multiple iterations are required, making it faster and less prone to errors.
  • Simplifies Repeated Integrations: For integrals that require the repeated application of integration by parts, the Tabular Method organizes the steps in a clear, tabular format, reducing complexity.
  • Reduces Memorization: By arranging the derivatives and integrals in a table, the method minimizes the need to remember and apply the integration by parts formula multiple times, making it easier to follow.
  • Easy to Learn and Apply: The method is straightforward and easy to learn, making it accessible for students and professionals alike.

Read More,

Solved Examples of Tabular Integration

Example 1: ∫xcos⁡(x) dx

Solution:

  • Identify u and dv:
    • u = x
    • dv = cos⁡(x) dx
  • Create the Table:
DifferentiationIntegration
xsin⁡(x)
1−cos⁡(x)
0
  • Assign Signs:
DifferentiationIntegrationSign
xsin⁡(x)+
1−cos⁡(x)-
0
  • Construct the Product Terms:
    • (+)xsin⁡
    • (−)1⋅(−cos⁡(x))
  • Sum the Terms:
    • \int x \cos(x) \, dx = x \sin(x) + \cos(x) + C

Thus, the final result is: \int x \cos(x) \, dx = x \sin(x) + \cos(x) + C

Example 2: ∫x2ex dx

Solution:

  • Identify u and dv:
    • u = x2
    • dv =ex dx
  • Create the Table:
DifferentiationIntegration
x2ex
2xex
2ex
0
  • Assign Signs:
DifferentiationIntegrationSign
x2ex+
2xex-
2ex+
0
  • Construct the Product Terms:
    • (+)x2ex
    • (−)2xex
    • (+)2ex
  • Sum the Terms:
    • \int x^2 e^x \, dx = x^2 e^x - 2x e^x + 2 e^x + C = e^x (x^2 - 2x + 2) + C

Thus, the final result is: \int x^2 e^x \, dx = e^x (x^2 - 2x + 2) + C

Example 3: ∫x2sin⁡(x) dx

Solution:

  • Identify u and dv:
    • u = x2
    • dv = sin⁡(x) dx
  • Create the Table:
DifferentiationIntegration
x2−cos⁡(x)
2x−sin⁡(x)
2cos⁡(x)
0
  • Assign Signs:
DifferentiationIntegration

Sign

x2−cos⁡(x)

+

2x−sin⁡(x)

-

2cos⁡(x)

+

0


  • Construct the Product Terms:
    • (+)x2(−cos⁡(x))
    • (−)2x(−sin⁡(x))
    • (+)2cos⁡(x)
  • Sum the Terms:
    • \int x^2 \sin(x) \, dx = -x^2 \cos(x) + 2x \sin(x) + 2 \cos(x) + C

Thus, the final result is: \int x^2 \sin(x) \, dx = -x^2 \cos(x) + 2x \sin(x) + 2 \cos(x) + C

Example 4: ∫xe2x dx

Solution:

  • Identify u and dv:
    • u = x
    • dv = e2x dx
  • Create the Table:
DifferentiationIntegration
x(1/2)e2x
1(1/4)e2x
0
  • Assign Signs:
DifferentiationIntegration

Sign

x(1/2)e2x

+

1(1/4)e2x

-

0


  • Construct the Product Terms:
    • (+)x ⋅ (1/2)e2x
    • (−)1 ⋅ (1/4) e2x
  • Sum the Terms:
    • \int x e^{2x} \, dx = \frac{1}{2} x e^{2x} - \frac{1}{4} e^{2x} + C = \frac{e^{2x}}{4} (2x - 1) + C

Thus, the final result is: \int x e^{2x} \, dx = \frac{e^{2x}}{4} (2x - 1) + C

Practice Problems on Tabular Integration

  • ∫x2 sin(x)dx
  • ∫x3 ex dx
  • ∫x2 cos⁡(2x) dx
  • ∫x e3x dx
  • ∫x2 ln⁡(x) dx
  • ∫x2 e2x dx
  • ∫x sin⁡(3x) dx
  • ∫x3 cos⁡(x) dx
  • ∫x4 ex dx
  • ∫x2 cosh⁡(x) dx

Conclusion

The tabular method or tabular integration by parts simplifies the integration process for the functions involving the products of polynomials, exponentials and trigonometric functions. By systematically creating a table to the handle the derivatives and integrals, this technique streamlines the process and reduces the complexity of the repeated integration by parts. It's particularly useful for the integrals where traditional methods become cumbersome. The Mastering the tabular method enhances efficiency and accuracy in solving the complex integrals making it a valuable tool for both the students and professionals in calculus.

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