1. ## Definite integral question

Hey,

This is the question I can't get out!

For reference, the answer is 0.0126

Heres the question: Evaluate.

Nick

2. Originally Posted by Nick744
Hey,

This is the question I can't get out!

For reference, the answer is 0.0126

Heres the question: Evaluate.

Nick
The integrand simplifies to 1/(3x^3) + 1/(3x^4) + 1/x^5, so the integral of this is -1/(6x^2) - 1/(9x^3) - 1/(4x^4). Putting in the limits gives:
[-1/(6*4^2) - 1/(9*4^3) - 1/(4*4^4)] - [-1/(6*3^2) - 1/(9*3^3) - 1/(4*3^4)] = 3133/248832 ( = 0.012591)

-Dan

3. Thanks heaps topsquark!

I have one question though, for the integration I don't understand why the power decreases instead of increase. It may be something we haven't learnt yet as we are into the 3rd exercise of the integration chapter.

4. Originally Posted by Nick744
Thanks heaps topsquark!

I have one question though, for the integration I don't understand why the power decreases instead of increase. It may be something we haven't learnt yet as we are into the 3rd exercise of the integration chapter.
(Chuckles) But the power DOES increase. -2 > -3 for example. The power rule still applies even though the exponent is negative:
Int(1/x^n dx) = Int(x^{-n} dx ) = [1/(-n + 1)]*x^{-n + 1} + C

-Dan

5. Sorry, I don't know what I was thinking...stupid.