Step 1: Recognize that the integral involves a product of functions, x^2 and ln(x). This suggests using integration by parts, which is based on the formula: ∫u dv = uv - ∫v du.
Step 2: Assign u = ln(x) and dv = x^2 dx. This choice is made because the derivative of ln(x) (du) simplifies to 1/x, and x^2 dx is easily integrable.
Step 3: Compute du and v. Differentiate u to get du = (1/x) dx. Integrate dv to get v = (x^3)/3.
Step 4: Substitute into the integration by parts formula: ∫x^2 ln(x) dx = uv - ∫v du. Substituting the values, this becomes: ((x^3)/3) ln(x) - ∫((x^3)/3)(1/x) dx.
Step 5: Simplify the remaining integral. The term ∫((x^3)/3)(1/x) dx simplifies to (1/3) ∫x^2 dx. Integrate x^2 to get (x^3)/3. Combine all terms and add the constant of integration, C, to complete the solution.