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. 

AL
Answered by Angus L. Maths tutor

67284 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

f(x) = 4x - m, g(x) = mx + 11, fg(x) = 8x + n. m and n are constants. Find the value of n.


what is differentiation for?


Solve simultaneously 2x-y=2, 3x+2y=17 to calculate values of x and y.


Tom bought a full bag of coal. After one week the bag was 2/3 full. During the next week he used 1/4 of the remaining coal. How much is left?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning