Understanding Integration: Simplifying Logarithms and Exponents

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The discussion focuses on the integration of logarithmic and exponential functions, specifically addressing the integral of 1/x, which equals log(x). Participants express confusion over the integration process and the appearance of logarithms in their calculations. One user acknowledges their mistake in ignoring a divide by zero issue and seeks clarification on how to arrive at the correct answer for a specific integral involving e. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between differentiation and integration, particularly with logarithmic functions. Ultimately, the thread highlights the need for a clearer grasp of integration rules and their applications.
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i know how to integrate.

but why is 3/x 3 log x3x^-1 3 x^0 X^0 = 1 3*1 = 3.

i know I'm ignoring the divide by zero

why does log come into it.

4e^(1/2) I am messing this one up as well.4e^(3/2) / (3/2)

= 8/3e^(3/2) that's like as far as i get it.

somehow the answers have it at 8e^1/2

can anyone explain how that is so
 
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Try differentiating your answer and the correct answer and see what you get (each with respect to x of course). In which case do you get the function you started off with?
 
I already know that mine is wrong and theirs is right, I just don't know how to get to their answer. >.<

k : i don't know all rules of integration apparently integral of 1/x = logx

still need help on 2nd one though
 
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Re-write your original post, it's very hard to interpret!
 
Well, obviously, your answer is wrong precisely because you are "ignoring that divide by 0".

One way to show that "log(x)" comes into it is to define log(x) as
\int_1^x \frac{dx}{x}
That is done in some textbooks.

Or you can define log(x) to be the inverse function to ex. Then if y= ln(x), x= ey. Differentiating both sides by x, 1= ey dy/dx or dy/dx= 1/ey. Since ey= x, that is dy/dx= 1/x.

Since the derivative of log(x) is 1/x, the anti-derivative (indefinite integral) of log(x) is 1/x+ C.
 
this is a 5 year old exam, i assume the anti-derivatives don't come on my exam now, as the teacher hasnt taught them and they arnt on the last few year exams.

so il leave it for now. =)
 
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