Problem

Find the Antiderivative f(x)=x^2-3x+2

The problem asks you to determine the antiderivative, also known as the indefinite integral, of the given function f(x) = x^2 - 3x + 2. This entails finding a function F(x) such that the derivative of F(x) with respect to x is f(x). Essentially, it is the reverse process of differentiation.

f(x)=x23x+2

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1:

Identify the antiderivative F(x) by integrating the given function f(x).

F(x)=f(x)dx

Step 2:

Write out the integral that needs to be solved.

F(x)=(x23x+2)dx

Step 3:

Decompose the integral into separate integrals for each term.

x2dx3xdx+2dx

Step 4:

Use the Power Rule to integrate x2.

x33+C13xdx+2dx

Step 5:

Factor out the constant 3 from the integral.

x33+C13xdx+2dx

Step 6:

Integrate x using the Power Rule.

x33+C13(x22+C2)+2dx

Step 7:

Apply the constant rule to integrate 2.

x33+C13(x22+C2)+2x+C3

Step 8:

Simplify the expression.

Step 8.1:

Combine like terms.

x33+C13x223C2+2x+C3

Step 8.2:

Simplify further.

x333x22+2x+C (where C=C13C2+C3)

Step 9:

Reorder the terms for the final antiderivative.

13x332x2+2x+C

Step 10:

Conclude with the antiderivative of f(x)=x23x+2.

F(x)=13x332x2+2x+C

Knowledge Notes:

The process of finding the antiderivative involves several key concepts in calculus:

  1. Indefinite Integral: The antiderivative of a function f(x) is found by calculating the indefinite integral, denoted as f(x)dx. This represents the family of all functions whose derivative is f(x).

  2. Power Rule for Integration: To integrate a power of x, use the formula xndx=xn+1n+1+C for any real number n1, where C is the constant of integration.

  3. Linearity of Integration: The integral of a sum or difference of functions is the sum or difference of their integrals, i.e., (f(x)±g(x))dx=f(x)dx±g(x)dx.

  4. Constant Multiple Rule: A constant factor can be pulled out of the integral, kf(x)dx=kf(x)dx, where k is a constant.

  5. Constant Rule: The integral of a constant k is kx+C, where C is the constant of integration.

  6. Combining Constants: When multiple constants of integration appear in a calculation, they can be combined into a single constant because the antiderivative is defined up to an arbitrary constant.

By applying these principles, one can systematically find the antiderivative of a polynomial function like f(x)=x23x+2.

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