# Integrating a fraction

• June 30th 2011, 03:43 PM
Srengam
Integrating a fraction
Hi there,

can somebody help me to integrate the following:

$\int\frac{1}{2y^{\frac{5}{4}}}dy$

$\frac{-2}{y^{\frac{1}{4}}}$

But I don't know any formulas or equations to use to get to the answer.

I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks.
• June 30th 2011, 03:50 PM
Also sprach Zarathustra
Re: Integrating a fraction
Quote:

Originally Posted by Srengam
Hi there,

can somebody help me to integrate the following:

$\int\frac{1}{2y^{\frac{5}{4}}}dy$

$\frac{-2}{y^{\frac{1}{4}}}$

But I don't know any formulas or equations to use to get to the answer.

I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks.

$\int\frac{1}{2y^{\frac{5}{4}}}dy=\frac{1}{2}\int y^{-\frac{5}{4}}dy$
• June 30th 2011, 03:53 PM
Re: Integrating a fraction
Quote:

Originally Posted by Srengam
Hi there,

can somebody help me to integrate the following:

$\int\frac{1}{2y^{\frac{5}{4}}}dy$

$\frac{-2}{y^{\frac{1}{4}}}$

But I don't know any formulas or equations to use to get to the answer.

I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks.

First write the integral using a negative index before applying the
power rule of integration.

$\frac{1}{2}\int{\frac{1}{y^{\frac{5}{4}}}dy=\frac{ 1}{2}\int{y^{-\frac{5}{4}}}dy$

Now increase the index of y by 1 and divide by the new index.
• June 30th 2011, 04:07 PM
pickslides
Re: Integrating a fraction
Quote:

Now increase the index of y by 1 and divide by the new index.

(Wink)
• June 30th 2011, 04:41 PM
Srengam
Re: Integrating a fraction
Sorry, now I can't understand how to do the integration

$\int y^{-\frac{5}{4}}dy=\frac{-4}{y^{\frac{1}{4}}}$

I don't what equation or formula to use? I've never had the integrate a fractional power before, and can't find how anywhere in my notes.

Thanks.
• June 30th 2011, 05:03 PM
skeeter
Re: Integrating a fraction
Quote:

Originally Posted by Srengam
Sorry, now I can't understand how to do the integration

$\int y^{-\frac{5}{4}}dy=\frac{-4}{y^{\frac{1}{4}}}$

I don't what equation or formula to use? I've never had the integrate a fractional power before, and can't find how anywhere in my notes.

Thanks.

same as the rule for any other exponent (except -1) ...

$\frac{y^{-\frac{5}{4} + 1}}{-\frac{5}{4} + 1} + C$
• July 1st 2011, 02:29 AM
Srengam
Re: Integrating a fraction
Thanks all,

I've been able to work through it now with your help.