Hi guys. So for my calculus textbook I see that all of the answers for the anti derivatives come out as something like 1/2*x^2.

I'm just wondering if there is a specific reason as to why they don't just write x^2/2 instead? Is it going to be a good habit as to what I'm going to learn about soon? Thanks!

Question

Hi guys. So for my calculus textbook I see that all of the answers for the anti derivatives come out as something like 1/2*x^2.

I'm just wondering if there is a specific reason as to why they don't just write x^2/2 instead? Is it going to be a good habit as to what I'm going to learn about soon? Thanks!

amistre64 · Answer

its the inverse of the power rule for derivatives ...

d/dx x^n = n x^(n-1)

to undo it, add 1 to the exponent and divide

n x^(n-1+1)
---------- = x^n
  n-1+1

anonymous · Answer

Oh wow thanks again amistre64 lol

amistre64 · Answer

yep