Steply

Find d/dx ∫ from 1 to x of 1/t dt

Step by step, with the reason for every step · The Fundamental Theorem, part 1 · Calculus 1

Step by step

The question

Question: find the derivative of ∫ from 1 to x of 1/t dt.

ddx∫ from 1 to x of 1t dt =

1 The rule

The rule: the derivative of the area from a to x is the function at x.

Just put x in place of t.

ddx∫ from a to x of f(t) dt = f(x)

2 Put x in place of t

Put x in place of t.

So the derivative is 1 over x.

ddx∫ from 1 to x of 1t dt = 1x

Careful!

There is nothing to take away.

The derivative of the area is just f at x.

The bottom number 1 does not matter.

Careful: not 1t − f(1) ✗

3 Check

Let's check at x = 2.

Our answer gives 0.5.

answer at x = 2: 0.5

Now the slope of the area function F between x = 2 and 2.001, with a calculator: about 0.5.

The same!

Right!

F(2.001) − F(2)0.001 ≈ 0.5

Let's look back.

First: the rule.

Then: put x in place of t.

Last: check.

Answer
Careful: not 1t − f(1) ✗

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

ddx∫ from 3 to x of 3t dt
Show the answer
3x

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