Integrate 1/x = ln(x) vs ln(kx)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the integration of the function 1/x, highlighting that both ∫(1/x)dx = ln(x) and ∫(1/x)dx = ln(kx) are valid due to the properties of logarithms. It is clarified that ln(kx) can be expressed as ln(x) + ln(k), where ln(k) is a constant that can be absorbed into the integration constant. This leads to the conclusion that there are indeed infinitely many indefinite integrals of 1/x, as any constant can be added to the result. The final expression confirms that ∫(1/x)dx = ln(kx) + c is equivalent to ln(x) + c2, where c2 is a new constant. The discussion emphasizes the flexibility in representing the integral of 1/x while maintaining mathematical correctness.
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If k is a constant, I know
\frac{d}{dx} \ln(x) = \frac{1}{x}
\frac{d}{dx} \ln(kx) = \frac{k}{kx} = \frac{1}{x}

However, what about \int\frac{1}{x}.
I've been taught to use \int\frac{1}{x} = \ln(x),
but wouldn't \int\frac{1}{x} = \ln(kx) work as well.
And if this is true, there are an infinite number of integrals??
 
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Oh god, I just figured it out, right after posting this. I swear I was confounded for hours before this.
ln(kx) works as well.
ln(kx) = ln(x) + ln(k) and the ln(k) would cancel out in any definite integrals.
But that would still mean there are an infinite number of indefinite integrals, which is a bit strange but perhaps possible.
 
Well, yes!

ln(kx) = ln(k)+ln(x)

and since k is just some constant, then ln(k) is also a constant. Remember that when you take the integral, you have to add +c at the end to denote that you can add any constant to the result and still have a correct solution.

So

\int\frac{1}{x}dx=\ln(kx)+c = \ln(x)+\ln(k)+c

for any constant c, but since c is any constant, then we can merge \ln(k)+c into a new constant, say, c2 which is the exact same result as if we left it as ln(x)+c to begin with.
 
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