Skip to main content
Ch. 4 - Applications of Derivatives
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 4, Problem 4.7.31

Finding Indefinite Integrals


In Exercises 17–56, find the most general antiderivative or indefinite integral. You may need to try a solution and then adjust your guess. Check your answers by differentiation.


∫2x(1 − x⁻³) dx

Verified step by step guidance
1
First, rewrite the integrand to simplify the expression. Distribute \$2x$ across the terms inside the parentheses: \(2x(1 - x^{-3}) = 2x - 2x \cdot x^{-3}\).
Simplify the second term by combining the powers of \(x\): \(2x - 2x^{1 + (-3)} = 2x - 2x^{-2}\).
Express the integral as the sum of two separate integrals: \(\int 2x \, dx - \int 2x^{-2} \, dx\).
Integrate each term using the power rule for integration, which states \(\int x^{n} \, dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C\) for \(n \neq -1\).
After integrating, combine the results and add the constant of integration \(C\). Remember to verify your answer by differentiating it to ensure it matches the original integrand.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Indefinite Integral (Antiderivative)

An indefinite integral represents the most general form of the antiderivative of a function, including a constant of integration. It reverses differentiation and is expressed without limits, showing all possible functions whose derivative matches the integrand.
Recommended video:
05:04
Introduction to Indefinite Integrals

Integration by Simplification

This technique involves algebraically manipulating the integrand to a simpler form before integrating. For example, expanding or rewriting expressions like 2x(1 − x⁻³) into separate terms makes it easier to apply basic integration rules.
Recommended video:
06:18
Integration by Parts for Definite Integrals

Verification by Differentiation

After finding an antiderivative, differentiating it should return the original integrand. This step confirms the correctness of the integral and helps identify any errors in the integration process.
Recommended video:
05:53
Finding Differentials