# Math Help - Integration help

1. ## Integration help

Hi i need to integrate this function:

I can do the first bit as $x^0.5 goes to 2/3x^3/2$

Im really stuck on the second $6/x^3$. I need to somehow convert that into a form where i can integrate it. ie, not a fraction. Any suggestions?

2. Originally Posted by nugiboy
Hi i need to integrate this function:

I can do the first bit as $x^0.5 goes to 2/3x^3/2$

Im really stuck on the second $6/x^3$. I need to somehow convert that into a form where i can integrate it. ie, not a fraction. Any suggestions?
write it as $6x^{-3}$

now what?

and if your power has more than one character, you must keep them in {} brackets, that is, type x^{0.5} and x^{3/2} as opposed to what you typed. also, you should be aware that LaTeX removes spaces, so that's why what you typed looked so messy. use ~ to insert spaces, or type your text messages in a \text {} or \mbox {}

3. (2/3)*x^(3/2) + (-1/2)*6*(x^(-2)) = (2/3)*x^(3/2) -3*(x^(-2))

4. Originally Posted by Jhevon
write it as $6x^{-3}$

now what?

and if your power has more than one character, you must keep them in {} brackets, that is, type x^{0.5} and x^{3/2} as opposed to what you typed. also, you should be aware that LaTeX removes spaces, so that's why what you typed looked so messy. use ~ to insert spaces, or type your text messages in a \text {} or \mbox {}

Hi thanks for the reply and the help on the Latex.

Wouldn't $6x^{-3}$ be $1/{6x^3}$? Which is different to $6/{x^3}$

5. Originally Posted by nugiboy
Hi thanks for the reply and the help on the Latex.

Wouldn't $6x^{-3}$ be $1/{6x^3}$? Which is different to $6/{x^3}$
no. that would be $\frac 16x^{-3} = \frac 1{6x^3}$, the -3 power only applies to the x, the 6 has nothing to do with it.

6. Originally Posted by Jhevon
no. that would be $\frac 16x^{-3} = \frac 1{6x^3}$, the -3 power only applies to the x, the 6 has nothing to do with it.
Ohhhh right. Thanks it all makes sense now!