Calculus Examples

$\int \frac{1}{x^{3}} d x$

Step 1

This integral could not be completed using u-substitution. Mathway will use another method.

Step 2

Apply basic rules of exponents.

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Step 2.1

Move $x^{3}$ out of the denominator by raising it to the $- 1$ power.

$\int {(x^{3})}^{- 1} d x$

Step 2.2

Multiply the exponents in ${(x^{3})}^{- 1}$ .

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Step 2.2.1

Apply the power rule and multiply exponents, ${(a^{m})}^{n} = a^{m n}$ .

$\int x^{3 \cdot - 1} d x$

Step 2.2.2

Multiply $3$ by $- 1$ .

$\int x^{- 3} d x$

Step 3

By the Power Rule, the integral of $x^{- 3}$ with respect to $x$ is $- \frac{1}{2} x^{- 2}$ .

$- \frac{1}{2} x^{- 2} + C$

Step 4

Simplify the answer.

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Step 4.1

Rewrite $- \frac{1}{2} x^{- 2} + C$ as $- \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{x^{2}} + C$ .

$- \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{x^{2}} + C$

Step 4.2

Simplify.

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Step 4.2.1

Multiply $\frac{1}{x^{2}}$ by $\frac{1}{2}$ .

$- \frac{1}{x^{2} \cdot 2} + C$

Step 4.2.2

Move $2$ to the left of $x^{2}$ .

$- \frac{1}{2 x^{2}} + C$