Finite Math and Applied Calculus (6th Edition)

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1133607705
ISBN 13: 978-1-13360-770-0

Chapter 13 - Section 13.1 - The Indefinite Integral - Exercises - Page 961: 96

Answer

The power rule was incorrectly applied. Correct answer:$\displaystyle \quad-\frac{1}{2x^{2}}+C$

Work Step by Step

$\displaystyle \int\frac{1}{x}dx=\ln|x|+C$ (special form of the power rule, applied only when $n=-1)$ Here it is incorrectly applied, because $n=-3.$ $\displaystyle \int\frac{1}{x^3}dx=\int x^{-3}dx=\qquad $ The power rule applies $\displaystyle \int x^{n}dx=\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}+C$ ,$\quad n\neq-1$ $=\displaystyle \frac{x^{-3+1}}{-3+1}+C$ $=\displaystyle \frac{x^{-2}}{-2}+C$ $=-\displaystyle \frac{1}{2x^{2}}+C$
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