The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

[thegoosegirl42]

Homework Statement

Evaluate the definite integral of the algebraic function. Use a graphing utility to verify your result.
Integral from [1 to 2] of (3/x^2 - 1)

Homework Equations

The answer is 1/2
f(x)dx= F(b) - F(a)

The Attempt at a Solution

I tried taking it to make it -x^-3 - 1x as the antiderivative but when I put 2 in and then 1 I don't get the answer.

 

[Nathanael]

I tried taking it to make it -x^-3 - 1x as the antiderivative

Take the derivative to check your answer. Is it correct?

 

[thegoosegirl42]

Take the derivative to check your answer. Is it correct?

Gosh dang it I was going down in exponent when I should have been going up. The new derivative would be -3x^-1 -1x making the answer be -3.5+4 Thus the answer is .5. Thank you so much.