Calculus formula reference

Integration by Parts

Transforms an integral of a product using the product rule in reverse.

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LaTeX\int u\,dv=uv-\int v\,du

Variables

  • u: selected function to differentiate
  • dv: selected differential to integrate
  • du: derivative of u
  • v: antiderivative of dv

How to use this formula

Transforms an integral of a product using the product rule in reverse.

Important notes

  • Choose u so that differentiating it simplifies the expression.
  • Remember the minus sign before the remaining integral.

Quick example

∫x eˣ dx = xeˣ − eˣ + C.

Applicability, worked calculation, and verification

Domain and applicability

Applies to integrals where the integrand can be expressed as a product u·dv and both required derivatives and antiderivatives exist.

Units

  • the antiderivative has integrand units multiplied by the input unit

Assumptions and domain checks

  • Choose u so that differentiating it simplifies the expression.
  • Integration limits, the differential, and any constant of integration must be included where required.
  • The function must satisfy the differentiability, continuity, or integrability conditions required by the operation being used.

Do not use this formula when

  • Do not use Integration by Parts without checking differentiability, integrability, convergence, interval, and transform-convention requirements.

Boundary and special cases

  • For Integration by Parts, check zero, negative, and extreme input values before relying on the result.
  • When using Integration by Parts, confirm that denominators, radicals, logarithms, and domain restrictions remain valid for the chosen values.

Equivalent and alternative forms

  • Keep the canonical LaTeX form \int u\,dv=uv-\int v\,du for copying; rearrange only after preserving equivalence and domain restrictions.

Worked example

Input

∫x e^x dx

Output

e^x(x-1)+C

Evaluate ∫x eˣ dx. Choose u = x and dv = eˣdx, giving du = dx and v = eˣ. The result is xeˣ − eˣ + C = eˣ(x − 1) + C.

  1. Choose u = x because it simplifies when differentiated, and choose dv = eˣ dx.
  2. Compute du = dx and integrate dv to obtain v = eˣ.
  3. Apply ∫u dv = uv − ∫v du to get xeˣ − ∫eˣ dx.
  4. Integrate the remaining term and include the constant: eˣ(x − 1) + C.

Independent verification

Differentiating eˣ(x − 1) gives eˣ(x − 1) + eˣ = xeˣ, which recovers the original integrand.

Common mistakes

  • Keep the integration bounds and differential attached to Integration by Parts, and include a constant of integration for an indefinite integral.
  • Do not apply a differentiation or integration rule outside its domain or omit endpoint, continuity, or constant-of-integration checks.

Continue the workflow

Use Integration by Parts in your own work

  1. Check the domainMatch the variables and assumptions to the problem before substituting values.
  2. Copy the exact notationPreserve grouping, signs, and exponents in \int u\,dv=uv-\int v\,du.
  3. Edit or convertOpen the expression in the LaTeX editor, then export it for your document or web page.

Review and verification

Last reviewed: 2026-07-26

Review method: Reviewed the notation, variable definitions, applicability conditions, worked workflow, and verification method for Integration by Parts.

Verified against: OpenStax Calculus Volume 1

Automated quality check: Passed the core formula indexing gate.

Formula references

  • Calculus Volume 1OpenStax, Rice University — Reviewed limits, derivatives, integrals, and foundational calculus formulas.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Integration by Parts used for?

Transforms an integral of a product using the product rule in reverse.

Can I copy this formula as LaTeX?

Yes. Copy \int u\,dv=uv-\int v\,du or open it in the LaTeX editor.

What should I check before using it?

Confirm that each variable, unit, domain restriction, and assumption matches the problem.

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