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

69635 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you calculate the area of a triangle when the question tells you the length of all three sides but no angles?


The point P has coordinates (3, 4) The point Q has coordinates (a, b) A line perpendicular to PQ is given by the equation 3x + 2y = 7 Find an expression for b in terms of a


I find the percentage questions really hard, how do I answer the questions that will come up in exams?


A cylinder has a radius of 4 cm and volume of 800 cm3. A similar cylinder with the same height has a volume of 200 cm3. Find the radius of the smaller cylinder.


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