Integrate this indefinite integral: 1/(x-6)^2 dx

In summary, the conversation discusses the integration of the indefinite integral 1/(x-6)^2 dx. The expert provides a summary of the process, using substitution to simplify the integral and arriving at the correct solution of 2 ln(x-6) + c. The conversation also briefly touches on the derivative of 1/x^n and its relationship to the integral.
  • #1
Natasha1
493
9
I need to integrate this indefinite integral: 1/(x-6)^2 dx

Here is my work...

Let u= x-6

du/dx=1

so: integral 1/u^2 du

= 3/u^3 + c (constant)
=3/(x-6)^3 + c

Have I gone wrong? And if so where? Thanks
 
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  • #2
Be careful. What is the derivative of 1/xn? So what is its integral?
 
  • #3
StatusX said:
Be careful. What is the derivative of 1/xn? So what is its integral?

not sure what the derivative is? what is it?

The integral is n lnx so is this correct then

Here is my work...

Let u= x-6

du/dx=1

so: integral 1/u^2 du

= 2 lnu + c (constant)
= 2 ln(x-6) + c

Have I gone wrong? And if so where? Thanks
 
  • #4
The derivative of 1/xn is -n/xn+1.
 
  • #5
Natasha1 said:
not sure what the derivative is? what is it?

The integral is n lnx so is this correct then

Here is my work...

Let u= x-6

du/dx=1

so: integral 1/u^2 du

= 2 lnu + c (constant)
= 2 ln(x-6) + c

Have I gone wrong? And if so where? Thanks
You are almost there. Your last step is wrong...
Look again at your integral table, there should be something like this:
[tex]\int x ^ \alpha \ dx = \frac{x ^ {\alpha + 1}}{\alpha + 1} + C, \ \alpha \neq -1[/tex]
[tex]\int \frac{1}{x} \ dx = \int x ^ {-1} \ dx = \ln (x) + C \quad \mbox{this is the case for } \alpha = -1[/tex].
And we also have:
[tex]\frac{1}{a ^ m} = a ^ {-m}[/tex]. Do you know this?
So you have:
[tex]\int \frac{du}{u ^ 2} = \int u ^ {-2} \ du = ?[/tex].
You can go from here, right? :smile:
 

What is an indefinite integral?

An indefinite integral is a mathematical concept that represents the antiderivative of a function. It is a function whose derivative is equal to the original function.

How do I solve an indefinite integral?

To solve an indefinite integral, you need to use integration techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or partial fractions.

What is the formula for solving the indefinite integral 1/(x-6)^2 dx?

The formula for solving this indefinite integral is: ∫1/(x-6)^2 dx = -1/(x-6) + C

Can I use a calculator to solve this indefinite integral?

Yes, most scientific calculators have a built-in function for solving indefinite integrals. You can also use online integral calculators for more complicated integrals.

Why is it important to solve indefinite integrals?

Indefinite integrals are important in mathematics and physics as they help in solving problems related to finding the area under a curve, calculating the work done by a force, and finding the velocity and acceleration of an object. They also have applications in economics, engineering, and other fields.

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