Home
>
Knowledge
>
Integral Calculus
>
Properties of definite integrals

Properties of definite integrals

The properties of definite integrals are key concepts that facilitate calculations and understanding of integrals in calculus. Here are the main properties:

  1. Linearity:

    • If f(x)f(x) and g(x)g(x) are integrable functions and aa and bb are constants, then:
      ab[c1f(x)+c2g(x)]dx=c1abf(x)dx+c2abg(x)dx\int_a^b [c_1 f(x) + c_2 g(x)] \, dx = c_1 \int_a^b f(x) \, dx + c_2 \int_a^b g(x) \, dx
  2. Interval Reversal:

    • Reversing the limits of integration changes the sign:
      abf(x)dx=baf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = -\int_b^a f(x) \, dx
  3. Additivity:

    • The integral over an interval can be split into two parts:
      abf(x)dx=acf(x)dx+cbf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = \int_a^c f(x) \, dx + \int_c^b f(x) \, dx
    • for any point cc in the interval (a,b)(a, b).
  4. Zero Width:

    • The integral over an interval of zero width is zero:
      aaf(x)dx=0\int_a^a f(x) \, dx = 0
  5. Non-negativity:

    • If f(x)0f(x) \geq 0 for all xx in the interval [a,b][a, b], then:
      abf(x)dx0\int_a^b f(x) \, dx \geq 0
  6. Continuity:

    • If f(x)f(x) is continuous on [a,b][a, b], then the definite integral exists, and it can often be calculated using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

These properties underlie many applications of definite integrals in solving problems related to area, volume, and average value, among other concepts in analysis.

Part 1: Negative definite integrals

We learned that definite integrals give us the area under the curve and above the x-axis. But what if the curve itself is below the x-axis? In this case, the definite integral is still related to area, but it's negative. See how this works and get some intuition for why this is so.

When studying "Negative Definite Integrals," focus on the following key points:

  1. Definition: Understand that a negative definite integral refers to an integral where the integrand is negative over the interval of integration.

  2. Properties:

    • The value of a negative definite integral will be negative or zero.
    • The area under the curve (when the integrand is negative) corresponds to the value of the integral.
  3. Interpretation: A negative definite integral can represent the net area when the curve lies below the x-axis.

  4. Calculating Negative Definite Integrals: Learn techniques to evaluate integrals, such as:

    • Basic integration rules.
    • Substitution and integration by parts.
  5. Application: Recognize scenarios where negative definite integrals are applicable, such as in physics (work done against a force) and economics (loss or deficit calculations).

  6. Geometric Representation: Visualize the integral as the area under the curve in the context of the coordinate system, especially focusing on regions beneath the x-axis.

  7. Relationship to Limits and Convergence: Study conditions under which certain improper integrals yield negative definite values.

By mastering these points, you will have a solid foundation for understanding and applying negative definite integrals.

Part 2: Finding definite integrals using area formulas

Since definite integrals are the net area between a curve and the x-axis, we can sometimes use geometric area formulas to find definite integrals. See how it's done.

When studying "Finding definite integrals using area formulas," focus on these key points:

  1. Understanding Definite Integrals: Recognize that definite integrals represent the net area under a curve between two points on the x-axis.

  2. Area Formulas: Familiarize yourself with the area formulas for basic geometric shapes (triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, circles) as they can simplify calculations.

  3. Breaking Down Complex Areas: Learn to break down irregular shapes into known geometric figures, allowing you to calculate the area under curves easily.

  4. Application of The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus: Understand how to apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to relate differentiation and integration, and use it to evaluate definite integrals.

  5. Properties of Definite Integrals: Study properties such as linearity (scaling and addition of intervals) and symmetry (for even and odd functions) that can simplify integration tasks.

  6. Negative Areas: Recognize when the area is below the x-axis contributes negatively to the total area calculation.

  7. Graphical Interpretation: Utilize graphs to visually understand the relationship between functions and their corresponding areas, assisting in estimating integrals.

By mastering these points, you should have a strong foundation for finding definite integrals using area formulas.

Part 3: Definite integral over a single point

What happens when the bounds of your integral are the same?

When studying the "Definite Integral over a Single Point," it's important to understand the following key points:

  1. Definition: The definite integral of a function f(x)f(x) from aa to aa (i.e., the same point) is:

    aaf(x)dx=0\int_a^a f(x) \, dx = 0

    This reflects that there is no interval over which to calculate an area.

  2. Interpretation: The integral represents the accumulation of area under the curve. Since there is no width between the bounds, the area is zero.

  3. Properties of Integrals:

    • Integrals with identical lower and upper limits are always zero.
    • This is consistent with the properties of integrals regarding intervals.
  4. Application Context: While this might seem trivial, understanding this concept lays the groundwork for more complex scenarios involving limits and integrals.

  5. Visual Representation: Graphing the function f(x)f(x) can illustrate that at a single point, there is no area to account for under the curve.

These points help establish a fundamental understanding of the nature of definite integrals when the interval collapses to a single point.

Part 4: Integrating scaled version of function

Sal uses a graph to explain why we can take a constant out of a definite integral. 

When studying "Integrating Scaled Versions of Functions," focus on the following key points:

  1. Understanding Scaling: Grasp how scaling a function (multiplying by a constant) affects its integral. For instance, if f(x)f(x) is scaled by a factor kk, then kf(x)dx=kf(x)dx\int k \cdot f(x) \, dx = k \cdot \int f(x) \, dx.

  2. Properties of Integrals: Review the properties of definite and indefinite integrals, particularly linearity, which allows for the separation of scaled functions: (af(x)+bg(x))dx=af(x)dx+bg(x)dx\int (a \cdot f(x) + b \cdot g(x)) \, dx = a \int f(x) \, dx + b \int g(x) \, dx.

  3. Change of Variables: Familiarize yourself with integration techniques, including substitution, which may come into play when scaling functions involves a change in variable.

  4. Applications: Explore practical applications of integrating scaled functions in areas such as physics (e.g., work done by a force), economics (e.g., consumer surplus), and statistics (e.g., transforming probability distributions).

  5. Graphical Interpretation: Understand how scaling affects the area under the curve, and visualize the relationship between the original function and its scaled version.

  6. Example Problems: Work through various example problems to apply the concepts of scaling and integration, solidifying your understanding through practice.

By concentrating on these aspects, you will build a solid foundation for integrating scaled versions of functions.

Part 5: Switching bounds of definite integral

What happens when you swap the bounds on an integral?

When studying "Switching bounds of definite integrals," focus on the following key points:

  1. Definition of Definite Integrals: Understand what a definite integral represents – the area under the curve of a function between specified limits.

  2. Changing Limits: Know that switching the bounds of a definite integral reverses the sign of the integral:

    abf(x)dx=baf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = -\int_b^a f(x) \, dx
  3. Properties of Integrals:

    • Linearity:
      ab[cf(x)+g(x)]dx=cabf(x)dx+abg(x)dx\int_a^b [cf(x) + g(x)] \, dx = c \int_a^b f(x) \, dx + \int_a^b g(x) \, dx
    • Additivity:
      abf(x)dx=acf(x)dx+cbf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = \int_a^c f(x) \, dx + \int_c^b f(x) \, dx
  4. Application of Switching Bounds: Utilize switching bounds to simplify the evaluation of integrals and to apply the properties effectively.

  5. Practical Examples: Work through various problems that involve switching the bounds to solidify understanding.

By mastering these points, you will grasp the concept of switching bounds in definite integrals effectively.

Part 6: Integrating sums of functions

If you know the integrals of two functions, what is the integral of their sum?

When studying "Integrating sums of functions," focus on the following key points:

  1. Linearity of Integration: Understand that the integral of a sum of functions can be expressed as the sum of their integrals:

    (f(x)+g(x))dx=f(x)dx+g(x)dx\int (f(x) + g(x)) \, dx = \int f(x) \, dx + \int g(x) \, dx
  2. Properties of Definite Integrals: Remember that for definite integrals, you can also separate the integral:

    ab(f(x)+g(x))dx=abf(x)dx+abg(x)dx\int_a^b (f(x) + g(x)) \, dx = \int_a^b f(x) \, dx + \int_a^b g(x) \, dx
  3. Independence of Constants: Constants can be factored out of the integral:

    kf(x)dx=kf(x)dx\int kf(x) \, dx = k \int f(x) \, dx
  4. Distributive Property: The distributive property applies to integration, allowing the distribution of integrals over addition and subtraction.

  5. Practice with Examples: Work through multiple examples involving sums of functions to gain proficiency in applying these properties.

  6. Applications: Explore applications of integrating sums in areas such as area under curves, physics problems, and calculating average values.

  7. Graphical Interpretation: Understand how the graphical representation of the functions affects the interpretation of their sums and integrals.

By mastering these points, you will have a solid foundation for integrating sums of functions.

Part 7: Worked examples: Finding definite integrals using algebraic properties

Sal evaluates definite integrals of functions given their graphs. He does so using various properties of integrals.

When studying "Worked examples: Finding definite integrals using algebraic properties," the key points to focus on include:

  1. Understanding Definite Integrals: Grasp the concept of definite integrals as the area under a curve between specified limits.

  2. Algebraic Properties:

    • Linearity: Use the properties of linearity, which allow you to split integrals and factor constants outside the integral.
    • Additivity: Recognize that the integral over an interval can be split into parts: abf(x)dx=acf(x)dx+cbf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = \int_a^c f(x) \, dx + \int_c^b f(x) \, dx.
    • Reversal of Limits: Understand that reversing the limits of integration changes the sign of the integral: abf(x)dx=baf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = -\int_b^a f(x) \, dx.
  3. Symmetry Properties: Identify even and odd functions and how they affect the value of the integral over symmetric intervals.

  4. Integration of Polynomial Functions: Practice finding definite integrals of polynomial functions using antiderivatives.

  5. Application of Theorems: Familiarize with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, which connects differentiation and integration.

  6. Techniques for Simplification: Learn how to simplify integrands, such as factoring or using substitutions, to facilitate easier computation of integrals.

  7. Practical Examples: Work through multiple examples to see how these properties are applied in finding definite integrals effectively.

These points will build a solid foundation for manipulating and solving definite integrals using algebraic properties.

Part 8: Definite integrals on adjacent intervals

By subdividing the stretch of numbers where you are integrating, you can break up an integral.

When studying "Definite Integrals on Adjacent Intervals," key points to focus on are:

  1. Definition of Definite Integrals: Understand how definite integrals represent the area under a curve over a specified interval.

  2. Property of Additivity: Familiarize yourself with the property that the integral over adjacent intervals can be expressed as the sum of the integrals over each interval:

    acf(x)dx=abf(x)dx+bcf(x)dx\int_a^c f(x) \,dx = \int_a^b f(x) \,dx + \int_b^c f(x) \,dx

    where a<b<ca < b < c.

  3. Continuity and Limitations: Recognize the importance of the integrand's continuity on the intervals for the additivity property to hold without issues.

  4. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus: Connect how antiderivatives relate to definite integrals, reinforcing that the definite integral over an interval can also be computed using the antiderivative.

  5. Applications: Review practical applications in physics and engineering where calculating areas or accumulated quantities over adjacent intervals is essential.

  6. Numerical Methods: When analytical methods are difficult, understand numerical approaches like the trapezoidal rule or Simpson’s rule for estimating integrals over adjacent intervals.

  7. Graphical Interpretation: Visualize the integrals and their relationships graphically to better understand the concept of area accumulation.

By focusing on these points, you'll build a solid foundation for understanding and applying definite integrals on adjacent intervals.

Part 9: Worked example: Breaking up the integral's interval

Finding a definite integral by breaking it down to smaller intervals that are adjacent to each other.

In "Worked example: Breaking up the integral's interval," key points to learn include:

  1. Understanding Intervals: Recognize how to split the integral's interval into manageable parts to simplify calculations.

  2. Properties of Integrals: Leverage properties such as linearity and additivity of integrals when dealing with separate intervals.

  3. Calculating Integrals: Ensure you can compute the integral over each sub-interval independently and then sum the results to find the total integral.

  4. Visualization: Utilize sketches of the function over the broken-up intervals to aid understanding and confirm calculations.

  5. Application: Apply the technique to various functions and different intervals to solidify comprehension and problem-solving skills.

By emphasizing these points, you can effectively approach more complex integration problems.

Part 10: Worked example: Merging definite integrals over adjacent intervals

Thinking about how to evaluate the sum of definite integrals over adjacent intervals.

When studying "Worked example: Merging definite integrals over adjacent intervals," focus on the following key points:

  1. Understanding Definite Integrals: Grasp the concept of definite integrals and how they represent the area under a curve over a specified interval.

  2. Adjacent Intervals: Learn how to identify adjacent intervals and recognize their properties in the context of integration.

  3. Merging Integrals: Familiarize yourself with the process of combining integrals over adjacent intervals into a single integral. The formula used is:

    abf(x)dx+bcf(x)dx=acf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \, dx + \int_b^c f(x) \, dx = \int_a^c f(x) \, dx
  4. Application of the Property: Practice applying this property in various problems to efficiently compute the area under curves that span multiple intervals.

  5. Common Mistakes: Be aware of common errors, such as incorrect limits of integration or misunderstanding the continuity of the function over the merged interval.

  6. Graphical Interpretation: Visualize the operation on a graph, understanding how the areas add up to form a larger area under the curve.

These foundational concepts will help you effectively merge definite integrals over adjacent intervals.

Part 11: Functions defined by integrals: switched interval

Sal evaluates a function defined by the integral of a graphed function. In order to evaluate he must switch the sides of the interval.

When studying "Functions defined by integrals: switched interval," key points to focus on include:

  1. Definition of Integral Functions: Understand how functions can be defined using definite integrals, particularly when the limits are switched.

  2. Properties of Definite Integrals: Familiarize yourself with properties such as the reversal of limits, which states that abf(x)dx=baf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x) \,dx = -\int_b^a f(x) \,dx.

  3. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus: Connect the definition of integral functions to the concepts of differentiation, ensuring you grasp how integrals relate to the accumulation of area under a curve.

  4. Continuity Considerations: Recognize how the integrand's continuity affects the behavior of the integral and the defined function.

  5. Applications and Examples: Practice working through examples with switched intervals to solidify understanding and improve problem-solving skills.

  6. Graphical Interpretation: Visualizing the impact of changing limits on the area represented by the integral can aid in conceptual comprehension.

  7. Numerical Approximations: Be aware of how numerical methods might be affected when the interval is switched and how this might influence error analysis.

By focusing on these areas, you will effectively understand functions defined by integrals and the implications of switched intervals.

Part 12: Finding derivative with fundamental theorem of calculus: x is on lower bound

Sometimes you need to swap the bounds of integration before applying the fundamental theorem of calculus.

When studying how to find the derivative using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC) with xx as the lower bound, focus on these key points:

  1. Understanding the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus:

    • The FTC connects differentiation and integration.
    • It states that if F(x)=axf(t)dtF(x) = \int_{a}^{x} f(t) \, dt, then F(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x).
  2. Identifying the Limits:

    • When xx is the lower limit, express the integral as F(x)=xbf(t)dtF(x) = \int_{x}^{b} f(t) \, dt.
    • In this case, the derivative becomes F(x)=f(x)F'(x) = -f(x) because the differentiation of the integral reverses the bounds.
  3. Applying the Chain Rule:

    • If the bounds of integration are functions of xx, apply the Chain Rule appropriately when differentiating.
  4. Interpreting Results:

    • Understand how the result represents the instantaneous rate of change of the area under f(t)f(t) from xx to bb.
  5. Graphical Understanding:

    • Visualize how changing xx affects the area under the curve and how this relates to the negative sign in the derivative.

By mastering these concepts, you can effectively apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to find derivatives with xx as the lower bound.

Part 13: Finding derivative with fundamental theorem of calculus: x is on both bounds

How do you apply the fundamental theorem of calculus when both integral bounds are a function of x.

When studying the concept of finding derivatives with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus where the variable xx is present in both bounds, focus on these key points:

  1. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC): Understand the two parts:

    • Part 1: Relates differentiation and integration, stating that if FF is an antiderivative of ff, then F(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x).
    • Part 2: If F(x)=axf(t)dtF(x) = \int_{a}^{x} f(t) \, dt, then F(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x).
  2. When xx is both bounds: For integrals of the form g(x)h(x)f(t)dt\int_{g(x)}^{h(x)} f(t) \, dt:

    • Use the Leibniz rule for differentiation under the integral sign.
  3. Leibniz Rule: The derivative of an integral with variable limits can be computed as:

    ddxg(x)h(x)f(t)dt=f(h(x))h(x)f(g(x))g(x)\frac{d}{dx} \int_{g(x)}^{h(x)} f(t) \, dt = f(h(x)) h'(x) - f(g(x)) g'(x)
    • Here, f(h(x))h(x)f(h(x)) h'(x) accounts for the upper limit while f(g(x))g(x)f(g(x)) g'(x) accounts for the lower limit.
  4. Application: Apply the Leibniz rule step-by-step, ensuring to differentiate the limits while evaluating the integrand at those limits.

  5. Chain Rule: Remember that if g(x)g(x) and h(x)h(x) depend on xx, you'll often need to use the chain rule as part of your differentiation.

  6. Examples: Practice with multiple examples to apply the theorem and rule effectively.

By mastering these points, you will gain a solid understanding of how to find derivatives of integrals where the variable appears in both bounds using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Part 14: Functions defined by integrals: challenge problem

Solving for where a function defined by an integral equals 0.

When studying "Functions defined by integrals," here are the key points to focus on:

  1. Definition of Integral Functions: Understand how functions can be defined as integrals of other functions over an interval.

  2. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus: Familiarize yourself with how this theorem connects differentiation and integration, especially in evaluating functions defined by integrals.

  3. Properties of Integral Functions: Explore characteristics such as continuity, differentiability, and how these properties relate to the function being defined by an integral.

  4. Changing Variables: Learn how to apply techniques such as substitution in integrals to simplify expressions and evaluate functions.

  5. Applications: Examine various applications of integral functions in problems, including area under curves and average values.

  6. Challenge Problems: Engage with complex problems that require applying the concepts learned, including solving for derivatives and computing limits.

By mastering these key points, you'll gain a solid understanding of functions defined by integrals and their applications.