Integrate dy/dx=0 and arbitrary constant?

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SUMMARY

The integration of the equation dy/dx = 0 results in y being a constant, specifically y = C, where C represents the constant of integration. The discussion clarifies that while the integral of 0 is indeed 0, it is essential to include the constant of integration when integrating both sides of the equation. Failure to do so may result in a loss of marks in academic settings. The participants emphasize that every antiderivative of a constant function includes an arbitrary constant.

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DryRun
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Homework Statement
Integrate:
\frac{dy}{dx}=0

The attempt at a solution
\int \frac{dy}{dx}=\int 0\,.dx
The answer is: y=0 or y=0+A?
This is the part which is confusing, as i know that integral of 0 is 0, but do i have to add a constant of integration??
 
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How about a dy/dx which is as positive as negative over the interval, that could be zero. fix it was e.g. sin(x)
But yeah, a constant.
 
Now that i think about it, here is a simple example:
Let y=5
\frac{dy}{dx}=0
Now, if i integrate 0, then i should normally get 5. So, the constant of integration has to be involved.
 
sharks said:
Homework Statement
Integrate:
\frac{dy}{dx}=0

The attempt at a solution
\int \frac{dy}{dx}=\int 0\,.dx
The above should be
\int \frac{dy}{dx}~dx=\int 0\,.dx
You are integrating both sides of the original equation, with respect to x.

sharks said:
The answer is: y=0 or y=0+A?
This is the part which is confusing, as i know that integral of 0 is 0, but do i have to add a constant of integration??
Zero is merely one antiderivative of 0.

A simpler approach is as follows.
Since dy/dx = 0, then y must be a constant. IOW y ##\equiv## C.

Also, when you integrate both sides of an equation, there is a constant of integration for each side. So the integration that you did would look like this:
y + C1 = 0 + C2

Of course, you can subtract C1 from both sides to end up with y = C, where C = C2 - C1.
 
Thank you for the clarification, Mark44. :smile:
 
Most teachers will mark off on homework or a test if you do not include the "constant of integration". If F(x) is an anti- derivative of f(x)- that is, if F'(x)= f(x), then \int f(x)dx= F(x)+ C where C can be any number.
 

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