Question

$\int \cot^2 x \, dx =$

• A. $-\cot x + x + c$
• B. $\cot x - x + c$
• C. $\cot^2 x - x + c$
• D. $-\cot x - x + c$

Hint:

A common mistake is choosing Option (A) by forgetting that the integral of $-1$ is $-x$. Similarly, for $\tan^2 x$, the integral is $\tan x - x + c$. Notice the symmetry in how these squared trig functions integrate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Use Trigonometric Identity: Recall the Pythagorean identity for cotangent: $$1 + \cot^2 x = \text{cosec}^2 x$$ Rearranging to solve for $\cot^2 x$: $$\cot^2 x = \text{cosec}^2 x - 1$$

Step 2: Rewrite the Integral: Substitute the identity into the original integral: $$\int \cot^2 x \, dx = \int (\text{cosec}^2 x - 1) \, dx$$

Step 3: Integrate term by term: The integral can be split: $$\int \text{cosec}^2 x \, dx - \int 1 \, dx$$ From standard integral formulas: $\int \text{cosec}^2 x \, dx = -\cot x$ $\int 1 \, dx = x$