How to Solve a Definite Integral

By Michael Rader

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Knowing how to find indefinite integral and antiderivatives of functions is an important tenant of Calculus, but frustrating since there isn't anything you can really do with them yet except write equations. The beauty and appeal of definite integrals is in the application. They can be used to find area under a curve, volume of three-dimensional objects and any number of real life problems.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate
Step1
Determine what function you want to integrate. Sometimes you will have word problems and the function will not be given to you. f(x) will give you the height of the function.
Step2
figure 1.1 Find your interval. In figure 1.1 this is point a (1) to point b (2). Your intervals are generally going to be given to you already in problem statements. The interval is going to give you the width.
Step3
figure 1.2 Write out your equation as shown in figure 1.2, the lowest point on the interval always goes on the bottom of the integrand and the highest goes on the top.
Step4
figure 1.3 Find the antiderivative of your function as in figure 1.3.
Step5
figure 1.4 Since this is a definite integral, we need notation to show this instead of writing +C at the end like you would with an indefinite integral. This notation is used in figure 1.4
Step6
equation 1.1 Use equation 1.1.
Step7
figure 1.5 Substitute interval values in to equation 1.1 as shown in figure 1.5.
Step8
Solve the problem and simplify.

Tips & Warnings

  • You should generally leave your answer in whole numbers unless otherwise instructed by your teacher, try to avoid decimal answers.

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eHow Article: How to Solve a Definite Integral

Article By: Michael Rader

Michael Rader

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Category: Education

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