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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function 1/(x-6)^2 with respect to x. Participants are exploring the indefinite integral and examining their approaches to solving it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate the function using substitution and expresses uncertainty about their result. Other participants question the correctness of the integration steps and the understanding of derivatives and integrals related to the function.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing feedback on each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integral of 1/x^n and the derivative of 1/x^n, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the application of integration rules and the interpretation of derivatives, which may affect the participants' understanding of the problem.

Natasha1
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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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Be careful. What is the derivative of 1/xn? So what is its integral?
 
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
 
The derivative of 1/xn is -n/xn+1.
 
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:
\int x ^ \alpha \ dx = \frac{x ^ {\alpha + 1}}{\alpha + 1} + C, \ \alpha \neq -1
\int \frac{1}{x} \ dx = \int x ^ {-1} \ dx = \ln (x) + C \quad \mbox{this is the case for } \alpha = -1.
And we also have:
\frac{1}{a ^ m} = a ^ {-m}. Do you know this?
So you have:
\int \frac{du}{u ^ 2} = \int u ^ {-2} \ du = ?.
You can go from here, right? :smile:
 

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