Chapter 7: Problem 9
Find the antiderivatives of the functions: \(\frac{2}{x \sqrt{x}}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The antiderivative is \(-\frac{4}{\sqrt{x}} + C\).
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite the expression
The given function is \( \frac{2}{x \sqrt{x}} \). Simplify \( \sqrt{x} \) as \( x^{1/2} \) and rewrite the expression as \( \frac{2}{x \cdot x^{1/2}} \). This simplifies to \( \frac{2}{x^{3/2}} \) because \( x \cdot x^{1/2} = x^{1 + 1/2} = x^{3/2} \).
02
Express with negative exponent
Re-express \( \frac{2}{x^{3/2}} \) in terms of a negative exponent: \( 2x^{-3/2} \). This is convenient for integrating polynomial expressions.
03
Apply the power rule for integration
Integrate \( 2x^{-3/2} \) using the power rule \( \int x^n \, dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C \). Here, \( n = -3/2 \). Adding 1 to the exponent: \( -3/2 + 1 = -1/2 \).
04
Calculate the antiderivative
Substitute the new exponent into the formula: \( \int 2x^{-3/2} \, dx = \frac{2x^{-1/2}}{-1/2} + C \). Simplifying, \( \frac{2}{-1/2} = -4 \), so the antiderivative is \( -4x^{-1/2} + C \).
05
Rewrite in simplified form
Rewrite \( -4x^{-1/2} + C \) in terms of radicals: \( -\frac{4}{\sqrt{x}} + C \). This is the antiderivative expressed in its simplest form.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Power Rule for Integration
The power rule for integration is a straightforward technique used to find the antiderivative of polynomial functions. It is similar to the power rule for differentiation but reversed. The general formula for the power rule is:
In this problem, the function \( 2x^{-3/2} \) is integrated. By adding 1 to the exponent \( -3/2 \), you obtain \( -1/2 \). Then, dividing by \( -1/2 \), the antiderivative becomes:
- \( \int x^n \, dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C \)
In this problem, the function \( 2x^{-3/2} \) is integrated. By adding 1 to the exponent \( -3/2 \), you obtain \( -1/2 \). Then, dividing by \( -1/2 \), the antiderivative becomes:
- \( -4x^{-1/2} + C \)
Integrals with Negative Exponents
Integrating a function with a negative exponent is a common task in calculus. Negative exponents indicate reciprocals or divisions by a power of a number. In the given exercise, the function \( \frac{2}{x^{3/2}} \) is re-expressed using a negative exponent:
When integrating negative exponents, always remember to:
- \( 2x^{-3/2} \)
When integrating negative exponents, always remember to:
- Convert the fractional expression to a power with a negative exponent.
- Use the power rule, keeping in mind that the exponent must not equal \( -1 \), as that would require a different approach (the natural logarithm).
Simplifying Expressions with Radicals
Simplifying expressions with radicals often involves converting radicals to exponents. This is a crucial step in calculus as it helps in both differentiating and integrating functions.
In this exercise, \( \sqrt{x} \) is represented as \( x^{1/2} \). Simplifying the original expression \( \frac{2}{x \sqrt{x}} \) involves the following:
In this exercise, \( \sqrt{x} \) is represented as \( x^{1/2} \). Simplifying the original expression \( \frac{2}{x \sqrt{x}} \) involves the following:
- Expressing \( \sqrt{x} \) as \( x^{1/2} \).
- Combining exponents: \( x \cdot x^{1/2} = x^{3/2} \).
- Rewriting as \( \frac{2}{x^{3/2}} \).