Problem with integrals / antiderivatives

[mahmoudkhaled]

Hello, guys.
This is my first day here, and I am not sure this is an appropriate problem to post here, but I'm seeking help, so pardon me.
I am in the last year in high school and I am having troubles getting along with the calculas course, especially the integration problems. It's just too many rules and techniques and I don't know which one to use when I approach a problem. My teacher is horrible and I don't understand anything from him. Is there any steps I should do when I approach a problem? Do you have any advice for me? My finals are coming and any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[ksdhart2]

First off, what follows is probably not the answer you're seeking, and I do apologize, but it's the best I can offer. When dealing with integrals (aka anti-derivatives), there really isn't any clear cut list of steps, such as "Do this, this, and this, in that order, and *bam* Answer." The reality is, there are many many cases where there are multiple ways to arrive at the correct answer, but one 'rule' may be easier than others to work with. With practice, you'll get better at recognizing the types of problems where certain rules work best.

That said, unfortunately, we're not really equipped in this forum to replace a qualified faculty instructor and teach a class. My advice would be to reread your book and/or class notes, check Khan Academy, possibly ask your teacher if he has office hours and explain that you're not understanding his in-class lessons. My school has a math tutor center that's open every day, staffed by student workers. Perhaps something like that exists at your school. I'd ask around about it. And, if all else fails, you (or your parents, if applicable) might consider hiring a local tutor.

I'm sure if you'd like to pick out some specific practice problems from your book, the volunteers here would be glad to give you some guidance. Good luck!