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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an antiderivative of ?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recall the definition of an antiderivative. An antiderivative of a function f(x) is another function F(x) such that F'(x) = f(x). In this case, we are looking for an antiderivative of f(x) = 1/x^2.
Step 2: Use the power rule for integration. The power rule states that for any function x^n, the antiderivative is (x^(n+1))/(n+1) + C, provided n ≠ -1. Rewrite 1/x^2 as x^(-2) to apply this rule.
Step 3: Apply the power rule to x^(-2). Increase the exponent by 1, resulting in x^(-1), and divide by the new exponent (-1). This gives -x^(-1) + C as the antiderivative.
Step 4: Compare the result -x^(-1) + C with the given options. Note that -x^(-1) is equivalent to -1/x, so the correct answer matches the first option: -x^{-1} + C.
Step 5: Verify that the derivative of -x^(-1) + C is indeed 1/x^2. Differentiate -x^(-1) using the power rule for differentiation, which confirms that the derivative is 1/x^2, ensuring the solution is correct.