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What is the general form of the antiderivative for cos x and exe^x?

The general antiderivative of cos⁡x\cos x is sin⁡x+C\sin x + C, and the general antiderivative of exe^x is ex+Ce^x + C. In both cases, CC represents an arbitrary constant, indicating that any vertical shift of these base functions is also a valid antiderivative.

Conditions

  • The variable is xx.
  • The domain is all real numbers (or a connected interval thereof).

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Recall the derivative of sin⁡x\sin x, which is cos⁡x\cos x.
  2. Conclude that sin⁡x+C\sin x + C is the antiderivative of cos⁡x\cos x.
  3. Recall the derivative of exe^x, which is exe^x.
  4. Conclude that ex+Ce^x + C is the antiderivative of exe^x.
  5. Include the constant +C+C to represent the entire family of antiderivatives.

Example

The script states: 'The antiderivative of cos x is sin⁡x+C\sin x+C, and that of eˣ is eˣ+C.'

Common misconceptions

  • Omitting the constant +C+C.
  • Confusing the antiderivative of cos⁡x\cos x with −sin⁡x-\sin x (which is the derivative of cos⁡x\cos x).
  • Thinking exe^x has no antiderivative or a different form.

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