How can you find the integral of x^-1

The traditional rule for integration of a variable raised to a power is to raise the power by 1 and divide the answer by that new exponent. However, this rule leads to an answer of x^0 = 1, which can't be right. It's not. The integral of x^-1 = 1/x is the natural logarithm of x, or lnx. Likewise, the derivative of lnx is x^-1, and this is an especially important rule to remember for things like differential equations in the future. 

Answered by Angus L. Maths tutor

41760 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Expand 2a (4 + a)


Work out the number of green pens in the box. (rest of Q below)


Differentiate y=3x^2+2x+4 and find the stationary points, decide if it is a local maximum or minimum.


How do I rationalise the denominator of √2+1]/√2-1?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences