Why does 1/x integrate to lnx?

If we let y = lnx, we then know that x = ey. By differentiating both sides of this equation with respect to y we get:dx/dy = ey, as the exponential function differentiates to itself when differentiated with respect to its power.But, as we noted earlier, x = ey, so we can substitute this in to get dx/dy = x.We can then take reciprocals of both sides to get dy/dx = 1/x.In other words the derivative of lnx is 1/x.But we know that integration is the opposite of differentiation (Fundamental Theorem of Calculus), giving us:The integral of 1/x is lnx.

CL
Answered by Chris L. Maths tutor

27566 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

dy/dx= 2x/2 - 1/4x, what is d2y/dx2?


How do I find dy/dx for a given equation, once this is found how do I find the value of x such that dy/dx = 0.


When Integrating by parts, how do you know which part to make "u" and "dv/dx"?


Integrate 2sin^3(x)+3.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning