Calculus⏱ 6 min read

Basic Integration Rules

∫ eˣ dx = eˣ + C

📖 What is C? The Constant of Integration

Every indefinite integral includes + C, the constant of integration. Since the derivative of any constant is zero, an infinite family of functions share the same derivative. C represents that unknown constant.

📋 All Basic Integral Formulas

Integral Result Condition
∫ a dx ax + C a = constant
∫ (1/x) dx ln|x| + C x ≠ 0
∫ eˣ dx eˣ + C Always
∫ aˣ dx aˣ / ln a + C a > 0, a ≠ 1
∫ ln x dx x ln x − x + C x > 0

📝 Example — Evaluating a Definite Integral

Evaluate: ∫₁³ (2/x) dx

1
Find the antiderivative of 2/x∫ 2/x dx = 2 ln|x| + C
2
Apply the limits [1, 3][2 ln|x|]₁³ = 2 ln 3 − 2 ln 1
3
Since ln 1 = 0= 2 ln 3
Answer: 2 ln 3 ≈ 2.197

📝 Deriving ∫ ln x dx = x ln x − x + C

This is derived using integration by parts: ∫ u dv = uv − ∫ v du

1
Let u = ln x, dv = dxThen du = (1/x)dx, v = x
2
Apply the formula: uv − ∫v dux ln x − ∫ x · (1/x) dx = x ln x − ∫ 1 dx
= x ln x − x + C
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🎯 Quick Fact

The result ∫(1/x)dx = ln|x| fills the gap in the power rule — the power rule gives xⁿ⁺¹/(n+1) but fails at n = −1. The logarithm is the special solution for that case.