NDA Maths · Teaching notes

Indefinite Integration — NDA Maths

Indefinite Integration is a pure-technique chapter: there is no theory to memorise, only a toolbox of methods and the judgement to pick the right one. 40 PYQs span 2017–2026, and only 6 of them are EASY — the NDA reliably makes you simplify, substitute, or decompose before a standard formula appears. The notes teach in four movements, easiest tool first: (1) Foundations & Standard Forms — what an antiderivative is, the +C, the standard-formula table, the exponential/logarithm laws that collapse a scary integrand to a one-liner, and the recurring eˣ-pattern and paired-integral shapes; (2) Integration by Substitution — the single highest-yield method (17 PYQs), built on the reverse chain rule and the f′(x)/f(x) → ln pattern; (3) Integration by Parts — LIATE, the ∫ln x family, and the (ln x)⁻ⁿ cancellation; (4) Integration by Partial Fractions — the recurring 1/(x(xⁿ+1)) shape, substitute-then-decompose, and the express-the-numerator trick. Every PYQ is tagged — learn the pattern, drill the bank, recover the marks.

Subtopic notes

PYQ weightage by concept

22 concepts · 40 PYQs — where the marks actually sit, so you know what to drill first

Foundations & Standard Forms13 PYQs · 33%
ConceptPYQsShare
Cyclic and Paired Integrals of e-to-the-x Times Trig410%
Simplify the Integrand First38%
Exponential Bases — a to the x25%
The e-to-the-x Times f-plus-f-prime Pattern25%
Completing the Square for Quadratic Denominators13%
Properties of an Antiderivative13%
Antiderivative and the Constant of Integrationfoundation
The Standard-Formula Tablefoundation
Linearity — Integrate Term by Termfoundation
Integration by Substitution17 PYQs · 43%
ConceptPYQsShare
Trigonometric Substitutions and Identity Reductions820%
Spotting a Hidden Derivative38%
Algebraic and Composite Substitutions25%
The f-prime-over-f to Log Pattern25%
Rationalising a Surd Denominator25%
Why Substitution Works — the Reverse Chain Rulefoundation
Integration by Parts3 PYQs · 8%
ConceptPYQsShare
Products and Telescoping Cancellations25%
Integrating a Lone Logarithm13%
The By-Parts Formula and LIATEfoundation
Integration by Partial Fractions7 PYQs · 18%
ConceptPYQsShare
The Recurring 1 over x times x-to-the-n-plus-1 Family38%
Substitute First, Then Decompose25%
Express the Numerator via the Denominator and Its Derivative25%
Decomposition and the Cover-Up Methodfoundation

Formula & revision sheet

21 formulas · 22 gotchas across all subtopics — the exam-eve cheat-sheet

Foundations & Standard Forms

Formulas (8)

Watch out for (9)

Integration by Substitution

Formulas (6)

Watch out for (6)

Integration by Parts

Formulas (3)

Watch out for (3)

Integration by Partial Fractions

Formulas (4)

Watch out for (4)