Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function

Lesson 9.3
Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic
Functions
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 3

Antiderivative of Exponential Functions 3
Antiderivative of Logarithmic Functions 8

Key Points 12

Key Formulas 12

Check Your Understanding 13

Challenge Yourself 14

Bibliography 14

Key to Try It! 15

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function
Lesson 9.3

Antiderivatives of Exponential and

Logarithmic Functions

Introduction
The art of stone balancing is a spectacle and may seem impossible. It requires focus and
patience. The act of balancing requires minuscule movements to eventually find the stone’s
center of mass in relation to its support points.

The center of mass of an object is the exact point where the total mass of the object is equally
distributed. One application of integration is finding the center of mass of an object, even
those with uneven shapes. For example, engineers use integration to determine the center
of mass of sports cars and aircraft to ensure stability.

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 1

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function
To go deeper into integration, we will learn more formulas in finding the antiderivatives of
functions. In this lesson, we will discuss the antiderivatives of exponential and logarithmic
functions.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competency
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
following: Compute the general

● Solve for the antiderivative of an antiderivative of exponential and

logarithmic functions
exponential function.
(STEM_BC11I-IVa-b-1).
● Solve for the antiderivative of a
logarithmic function.

Warm Up
Create Your Own Integral 10 minutes
In this activity, you will create your own integral using the integration techniques that you
have learned and answer integrals that your classmates created.

Materials
● pen
● paper

Procedure
1. With a partner, create an integral by using the basic integration techniques discussed
in class. You may use any number of techniques. Be creative. Make sure that you can
solve your integral.
2. After five minutes, let another pair solve your integral. In turn, you will also solve their
integral.
3. Check your answers with the other pair’s answers.

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 2

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function
Guide Questions
1. Which integration techniques did you use?
2. What were the challenges in making your integral?
3. What other functions do you want to integrate?

Learn about It!

In this lesson, we will discuss the antiderivatives of two types of functions: exponential and
logarithmic.

How do we solve for the antiderivative of

exponential and logarithmic functions?

Antiderivative of Exponential Functions

In Unit 5, you learned about the derivative of a general exponential function. For any
exponential function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 , its derivative is given by 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 ln 𝑎 𝑑𝑥.

By integrating both sides of the equation 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 ln 𝑎 𝑑𝑥, we can derive the antiderivative
of an exponential function.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 ln 𝑎 𝑑𝑥

∫ 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑎 𝑥 ln 𝑎 𝑑𝑥

By the Constant Multiple Theorem for Antiderivatives, we can take ln 𝑎 outside the integral
symbol since ln 𝑎 is a constant.

𝑓 (𝑥) = ln 𝑎 ∫ 𝑎 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 3

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function
Then, we divide both sides of the equation by ln 𝑎.

𝑓(𝑥)
= ∫ 𝑎 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
ln 𝑎

Since 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 , we now have

𝑎𝑥
= ∫ 𝑎 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.
ln 𝑎

We simply add +𝐶 for the constant of integration.

Integration Formula for Exponential Function

𝒂𝒙
∫ 𝒂𝒙 𝒅𝒙 = +𝑪
𝐥𝐧 𝒂

𝒂 > 𝟎, 𝒂 ≠ 𝟏

Example:
Evaluate the integral ∫ 5𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Since the integrand is an exponential function with 𝑎 = 5, we can apply the integration
formula for exponential functions. Simply substitute the value of 𝑎 into the formula.

5𝑥
∫ 5𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = +𝐶
ln 5

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 4

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function
If the value of 𝑎 is the same as the natural number 𝑒, we can derive the formula for the integral
of 𝑒 𝑥 following the integration formula for exponential functions. We simply substitute 𝑒 as
the value of 𝑎.

𝑒𝑥
∫ 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = +𝐶
ln 𝑒

Recall that ln 𝑒 = 1. Thus, we have

𝑒𝑥 𝑒𝑥
+𝐶 = +𝐶
ln 𝑒 1
= 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝐶.

Integration Formula for Natural Exponential Functions

∫ 𝒆𝒙 𝒅𝒙 = 𝒆𝒙 + 𝑪

What are some basic integration rules?

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 5

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function

Let’s Practice!
Example 1
Evaluate ∫ 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
𝑎𝑥
We use the integration formula ∫ 𝑎 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = + 𝐶.
ln 𝑎

𝟐𝒙
∫ 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = +𝑪
𝐥𝐧 𝟐

1 Try It!
Evaluate ∫ 6𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Example 2
Evaluate ∫ 5𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
We use the constant multiple theorem; that is, ∫ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑐 ∙ ∫ 𝑓 (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥.

∫ 5𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 5 ∫ 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

We know that ∫ 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝐶. Therefore,

5 ∫ 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝟓𝒆𝒙 + 𝑪.

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 6

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function

2 Try It!
Evaluate ∫ 8(4𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥.

Remember
In the integral ∫ 8(4𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥, raising 4 to 𝑥 comes first before multiplying
by 8.

Example 3
Evaluate ∫[2(6𝑥 ) + 𝑥] 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Use the sum or difference theorem: ∫[𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)] 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 ± ∫ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥.

∫[2(6𝑥 ) + 𝑥] 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 2(6𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Step 2: Use the constant multiple theorem, ∫ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑓 (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑐 ∙ ∫ 𝑓 (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥, for the first
integral.

∫ 2(6𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥 = 2 ∫ 6𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

𝑎𝑥
Step 3: Use the integration formula for exponential functions, ∫ 𝑎 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = + 𝐶, and
ln 𝑎
𝑥 𝑛+1
the rule ∫ 𝑥 𝑛 𝑑𝑥 = + 𝐶, where 𝑛 ≠ −1.
𝑛+1

∫[2(6𝑥 ) + 𝑥] 𝑑𝑥 = 2 ∫ 6𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝟔𝒙 𝟏
= 𝟐( ) + 𝒙𝟐 + 𝑪
𝐥𝐧 𝟔 𝟐

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 7

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function

3 Try It!
Evaluate ∫[1 − 4(3𝑥 )] 𝑑𝑥.

Antiderivative of Logarithmic Functions

The antiderivative of a logarithmic function is given by the following formula.

Integration Formula for Logarithmic Functions

𝒙
∫ 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒙 𝒅𝒙 = 𝒙 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 ( ) + 𝑪
𝒆

𝒃 > 𝟎 ,𝒃 ≠ 𝟏

Example:
Evaluate the integral ∫ log 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

In this case, 𝑏 = 2. We apply the integration formula for logarithmic functions.

𝑥
∫ log 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 log 2 ( ) + 𝐶
𝑒

Example:
Evaluate the integral ∫ log 4 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥.

Recall the power rule of logarithms. That is, log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑛 log 𝑏 𝑥. Thus,

∫ log 4 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 2log 4 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 8

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function

Then, we use the constant multiple theorem: ∫ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑓 (𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑐 ∙ ∫ 𝑓 (𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥. Thus,

∫ 2log 4 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2 ∫ log 4 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Now, we can use the integration formula for logarithmic functions.

𝑥
2 ∫ log 4 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑥 log 4 ( ) + 𝐶
𝑒

𝒙
Therefore, ∫ log 4 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 = 𝟐𝒙 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒 ( ) + 𝑪.
𝒆

In solving for the antiderivatives of simple logarithmic functions, you can also use the basic
integration techniques that you have learned in the previous lessons.

Let’s Practice!

Example 4
Evaluate ∫ log 7 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
𝑥
We use the integration formula for logarithmic functions: ∫ log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 log 𝑏 ( ) + 𝐶.
𝑒

Therefore,

𝒙
∫ log 7 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝒙 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟕 ( ) + 𝑪.
𝒆

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 9

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function

4 Try It!
Evaluate ∫ log 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Example 5
Evaluate ∫ log 𝑥 9 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Use the power rule for logarithms: log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑛 log 𝑏 𝑥.

∫ log 𝑥 9 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 9 log 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 9 ∫ log 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Step 2: Use the integration formula for logarithmic functions:

𝑥
∫ log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 log 𝑏 ( 𝑒 ) + 𝐶.

𝑥
9 ∫ log 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 9 [𝑥 log ( )] + 𝐶
𝑒
𝒙
= 𝟗𝒙 𝐥𝐨𝐠 ( ) + 𝑪
𝒆

5 Try It!
Evaluate ∫ log 6 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥.

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 10

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function
Example 6
Evaluate ∫[3 ln 𝑥 4 + 2] 𝑑𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Use the sum or difference theorem: ∫[𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)] 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 ± ∫ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥.

∫[3 ln 𝑥 4 + 2] 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 3 ln 𝑥 4 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 2 𝑑𝑥

Step 2: For the first integral, use the power rule for logarithms, log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑛 log 𝑏 𝑥, and
the constant multiple theorem, ∫ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑐 ∙ ∫ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥.

∫ 3 ln 𝑥 4 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 3(4) ln 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

= ∫ 12 ln 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

= 12 ∫ ln 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Step 3: Use the integration formula for logarithmic functions,

𝑥
∫ log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 log 𝑏 ( 𝑒 ) + 𝐶, and the integration rule ∫ 𝑎 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝐶, where 𝑎 is a

real number.

∫[3 ln 𝑥 4 + 2] 𝑑𝑥 = 12 ∫ ln 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 2 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
= 12 [𝑥 ln ( )] + 2𝑥 + 𝐶
𝑒
𝑥
= 12𝑥 ln ( ) + 2𝑥 + 𝐶
𝑒

𝑥
Step 4: Use the quotient rule of logarithms: log 𝑏 𝑥 − log 𝑏 𝑦 = log 𝑏 ( ).
𝑦

Note that ln 𝑒 = 1.

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 11

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function

𝑥
12𝑥 ln ( ) + 2𝑥 + 𝐶 = 12𝑥 (ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑒) + 2𝑥 + 𝐶
𝑒
= 12𝑥 (ln 𝑥 − 1) + 2𝑥 + 𝐶
= 12𝑥 ln 𝑥 − 12𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 𝐶
= 12𝑥 ln 𝑥 − 10𝑥 + 𝐶

Therefore, ∫[3 ln 𝑥 4 + 2] 𝑑𝑥 = 𝟏𝟐𝒙 𝐥𝐧 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝑪.

6 Try It!
Evaluate ∫[log 2 𝑥 2 − 1] 𝑑𝑥.

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________
𝑎𝑥
● The integration formula for exponential functions is ∫ 𝑎 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ln 𝑎 + 𝐶.
Consequently, ∫ 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝐶.
𝑥
● The integration formula for logarithmic functions is ∫ log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 log 𝑏 ( 𝑒 ) + 𝐶.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Formulas
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Concept Formula Description

Antiderivative of 𝑎𝑥 Use this formula to solve for

∫ 𝑎 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = +𝐶
Exponential ln 𝑎 the antiderivative of an
Functions exponential function of
where 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1
the form 𝒂𝒙 .

∫ 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝐶 Use this formula to solve for

the antiderivative of the

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 12

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function

exponential function 𝒆𝒙 .

Antiderivative of 𝑥 Use this formula to solve for

∫ log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 log 𝑏 ( ) + 𝐶
Logarithmic 𝑒 the antiderivative of a
Functions logarithmic function of
where 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1
the form 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒙.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Check Your Understanding

A. Determine whether each equation is true or false.

2𝑥
1. ∫ 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = +𝐶
ln 2
2𝑥 +1
2. ∫(2𝑥 + 1) 𝑑𝑥 = +𝐶
ln 2
4𝑥
3. ∫ 2(2𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥 = ln 4 + 𝐶
𝑥
4. ∫ log 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2 log 2 ( 𝑒 ) + 𝐶
𝑥
5. ∫ 3 log 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 3𝑥 log 2 ( 𝑒 ) + 𝐶

B. Solve the following integrals.

1. ∫ 3𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2. ∫ 8𝑥 𝑑𝑥
3. ∫ 2(3𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥
4. ∫ 10𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
5. ∫ 𝑒(5𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥
6. ∫(2𝑥 + 3) 𝑑𝑥
7. ∫(5 − 9𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥
8. ∫[7(9𝑥 ) + 2] 𝑑𝑥
9. ∫ log 7 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
10. ∫ log 9 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
11. ∫ log 𝑥12 𝑑𝑥

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 13

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function
12. ∫ 3ln 𝑥 5 𝑑𝑥
13. ∫[4log 𝑥 + 1] 𝑑𝑥
14. ∫[5log 2 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥] 𝑑𝑥
15. ∫[8𝑥 3 + 8log 3 𝑥 2 ] 𝑑𝑥

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. Evaluate ∫[4𝑒 𝑥 − log 𝑥 3 ] 𝑑𝑥.

2. Evaluate ∫ log 3 5 𝑑𝑥.

3. Write an integration formula for ∫ ln 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 that does not contain the logarithm of an
expression with the constant 𝑒.
4. Find an indefinite integral that is equal to 𝑓 (𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 𝐶.
5. Find an indefinite integral that is equal to 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 ln 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 𝐶.

Bibliography
Edwards, C.H., and David E. Penney. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 7th ed. Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008.

Larson, Ron H., and Bruce H. Edwards. Essential Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008.

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. New York: HarperCollins College Publ., 1997.

Smith, Robert T., and Roland B. Milton. Calculus. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012.

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 14

Unit 9: Antiderivative of a Function
Tan, Soo T. Applied Calculus for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences: A Brief Approach.
Australia: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2012.

Key to Try It!

6𝑥
1. ln 6
+𝐶
8(4𝑥 )
2. ln 4
+𝐶
4(3𝑥)
3. 𝑥 − +𝐶
ln 3
𝑥
4. 𝑥 log ( 𝑒 ) + 𝐶
𝑥
5. 3𝑥 log 6 ( 𝑒 ) + 𝐶
𝑥
6. 2𝑥 log 2 ( 𝑒 ) − 𝑥 + 𝐶

9.3. Antiderivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 15