Integration & Antiderivatives

Emily Davis
5 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This guide covers indefinite integral rules focusing on sums, differences, and constant multiples of functions. It explains how to integrate each case, combine these rules, and simplify expressions before integration. Examples and practice questions are provided along with key takeaways and a glossary of terms like integral and constant of integration.
Indefinite Integrals of Sums, Differences, and Constant Multiples
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Integrating Sums and Differences
- Integrating Constant Multiples
- Combining Rules
- Simplifying Expressions
- Practice Questions
- Glossary
- Summary and Key Takeaways
Introduction
In calculus, integrating sums, differences, and constant multiples of functions is a fundamental skill. This guide will help you understand how to handle these types of integrals, providing rules, examples, and practice questions.
Integrating Sums and Differences
Key Concept
When integrating sums or differences of functions, the integral is simply the sum or difference of the integrals of the individual functions.
Note: We still only need a single constant of integration, .
Common Mistake: Products and quotients of functions cannot be integrated by separating terms like sums and differences. They may need to be expanded or simplified first or require a more advanced integration technique.
Integrating Constant Multiples
Key Concept
When integrating a constant multiple of a function, the constant can be pulled out in front of the integral.
Combining Rules
Key Concept
The rules for sums, differences, and constant multiples can be combined. If and are constants, then:
This idea can be extended for any number of terms inside the integral.
Worked Example
Problem
Find the indefinite integral:
Solution
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Write as a sum or difference of integrals, with constants pulled in front as multipliers:
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Integrate each term:
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Simplify:
Simplifying Expressions
Key Concept
Sometimes expressions need to be simplified before integration. This may involve expanding brackets or rearranging fractions.
Example 1: Expanding Brackets
Problem:
Solution:
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Expand the brackets:
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Integrate each term:
Example 2: Rearranging Fractions
Problem:
Solution:
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Rearrange the fraction:
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Use laws of exponents:
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Integrate each term:
Practice Questions
Practice Question
Question 1: Integrate the following expression:
Answer:
Practice Question
Question 2: Integrate the following expression:
Answer:
Practice Question
Question 3: Simplify and integrate:
Answer:
Glossary
- Integral: The anti-derivative of a function, representing the area under the curve.
- Constant of Integration (C): An arbitrary constant added to the indefinite integral of a function.
- Exponent: The power to which a number or expression is raised.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Summary
- Sums and Differences: Integrate each term individually.
- Constant Multiples: Pull the constant out in front of the integral.
- Combining Rules: Combine the rules for sums, differences, and constant multiples.
- Simplifying Expressions: Expand or rearrange expressions before integrating if necessary.
Key Takeaways
- The integral of a sum or difference of functions is the sum or difference of their integrals.
- Constants can be factored out of integrals.
- Simplify expressions before integrating for easier computation.
Exam Tip: Always remember to add the constant of integration, , to your final answer.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you'll be well-prepared to tackle integrals involving sums, differences, and constant multiples confidently.

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Question 1 of 5
Ready to integrate? 🚀 What is the indefinite integral of 3x^2
?
6x + C
3x^3 + C