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Ch. 4 - Applications of Derivatives
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 4, Problem 4.7.25

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.


∫x⁻¹ᐟ³ dx

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1
Recognize that the integral is of the form \(\int x^{m} \, dx\) where the exponent \(m\) is \(-\frac{1}{3}\).
Recall the power rule for integration: for any \(m \neq -1\), \(\int x^{m} \, dx = \frac{x^{m+1}}{m+1} + C\) where \(C\) is the constant of integration.
Calculate the new exponent by adding 1 to \(m\): \(m + 1 = -\frac{1}{3} + 1 = \frac{2}{3}\).
Apply the power rule formula: \(\int x^{-\frac{1}{3}} \, dx = \frac{x^{\frac{2}{3}}}{\frac{2}{3}} + C\).
Simplify the fraction in the denominator by multiplying numerator and denominator appropriately, and remember to add the constant of integration \(C\).

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Key Concepts

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

Indefinite Integral and Antiderivative

An indefinite integral represents the most general form of the antiderivative of a function, including a constant of integration. It reverses differentiation, finding a function whose derivative matches the integrand. For example, ∫f(x) dx = F(x) + C, where F'(x) = f(x).
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Power Rule for Integration

The power rule for integration states that ∫x^n dx = (x^(n+1))/(n+1) + C, provided n ≠ -1. This rule is essential for integrating functions with variable exponents, such as x raised to fractional powers, by increasing the exponent by one and dividing by the new exponent.
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Handling Fractional and Negative Exponents

When integrating expressions like x raised to a fractional or negative exponent, treat the exponent as a rational number. Apply the power rule carefully, ensuring the exponent is not -1, and simplify the result. For example, x^(-1/3) integrates to (x^(2/3))/(2/3) + C.
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