Integral of derivative inconsistent

1. Jan 15, 2006

dc20

Hi,
I ran into a situation I haven't experienced before where the integral of the derivative doesn't get me the original equation.
Is there a fundamental principle I am missing with this specific example ?
Derivative of this......
(x^2) / ( (x^2)-4 )
...gives.......
(-8*x) / ( (x^2-4)^2 )
But integral of (that)......
(-8*x) / ( (x^2-4)^2 )
...gives....
(4) / ( (x^2-4) )
...instead of (x^2) / ( (x^2)-4 ) (original equation).

2. Jan 15, 2006

Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
That's because you have your integral wrong! Remember that little extra bit that you're supposed to include, but never bother? ...

3. Jan 15, 2006

dc20

If you're referring to the constant that accompanies an integral answer, I don't see how that gets me an "x" in the numerator. That would just give me

(4) / ( (x^2-4) ) + C

(I'm doing the derivative first)

Last edited: Jan 15, 2006
4. Jan 15, 2006

Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
(1) Have you tried doing anything at all with the expression (4) / ( (x^2-4) ) + C ?

(2) Try stating mathematically what you would like to happen.

Either of these by itself should lead you to something that would make you happy. Have you tried either yet? These are the sorts of things that you should have already thought of -- get into that habit if you aren't there yet!

5. Jan 16, 2006

dc20

ok, I see: C = ( (x^2-4) ) / ( (x^2-4) ) = 1

giving in the numerator 4 + (x^2-4) = x^2 , resulting in the original equation (x^2) / ( (x^2)-4 ).

thanks, but I think your attitude or at least the way you come across in text could use an adjustment. The condescending comments aren't needed. Your comment was edited here, but came thru in the email and I can tell you I am far from lazy.

6. Jan 16, 2006

Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
I tend to have a rather silly attitude -- I edited it once I realized that it would be interpreted as condascending (which I had not intended) instead of general silliness. Sorry if it bothered you.

7. Jan 16, 2006

dc20

no problem. thanks again for your help.