Problem

Find the Antiderivative f(x)=-12x

The given problem is asking to determine the antiderivative, also known as the indefinite integral, of the function f(x)=12x. In essence, the task is to find a function F(x) such that its derivative F(x) is equal to f(x)=12x. The antiderivative encountered will include a constant term C, since the derivative of any constant is zero and thus does not affect the differentiation process.

f(x)=12x

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1:

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

F(x)=f(x)dx

Step 2:

Prepare the integral for computation.

F(x)=12xdx

Step 3:

Extract the constant 12 from the integral as it does not depend on x.

12xdx

Step 4:

Apply the Power Rule for integration to find the integral of x.

12(x22+C)

Step 5:

Proceed to simplify the expression.

Step 5.1:

Rewrite the expression by distributing the constant 12.

12(12)x2+C

Step 5.2:

Perform the simplification.

Step 5.2.1:

Multiply 12 by 12.

122x2+C

Step 5.2.2:

Reduce the fraction by eliminating common factors.

Step 5.2.2.1:

Separate the factor of 2 from 12.

2(6)2x2+C

Step 5.2.2.2:

Eliminate the common factors.

Step 5.2.2.2.1:

Isolate the factor of 2 in the denominator.

2(6)21x2+C

Step 5.2.2.2.2:

Cancel out the common factor of 2.

2(6)21x2+C

Step 5.2.2.2.3:

Rewrite the simplified expression.

61x2+C

Step 5.2.2.2.4:

Divide 6 by 1.

6x2+C

Step 6:

Conclude with the antiderivative of the function f(x)=12x.

F(x)=6x2+C

Knowledge Notes:

To solve for the antiderivative of a function, one must be familiar with the process of integration, which is essentially finding the function whose derivative is the given function. Here are the relevant knowledge points and explanations:

  1. Indefinite Integral: The antiderivative of a function is also known as the indefinite integral. It is represented by the integral sign followed by the function and the differential, e.g., f(x)dx.

  2. Constant Factor Rule: When integrating a function multiplied by a constant, the constant can be pulled out of the integral, e.g., cf(x)dx=cf(x)dx.

  3. Power Rule for Integration: This rule states that the integral of xn with respect to x is xn+1n+1+C, where C is the constant of integration. For example, xdx=x22+C.

  4. Simplification: After applying the rules of integration, the resulting expression may often be simplified by combining like terms or reducing fractions.

  5. Constant of Integration: Since the derivative of a constant is zero, when finding the antiderivative, an arbitrary constant C is added to represent any possible constant that was lost during differentiation.

Understanding these concepts allows one to find the antiderivative of a given function systematically.

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