5. Integration

# 5.2 The Definite Integral

### Learning Objectives

• State the definition of the definite integral.
• Explain the terms integrand, limits of integration, and variable of integration.
• Explain when a function is integrable.
• Describe the relationship between the definite integral and net area.
• Use geometry and the properties of definite integrals to evaluate them.
• Calculate the average value of a function.

In the preceding section we defined the area under a curve in terms of Riemann sums:

However, this definition came with restrictions. We required to be continuous and nonnegative. Unfortunately, real-world problems don’t always meet these restrictions. In this section, we look at how to apply the concept of the area under the curve to a broader set of functions through the use of the definite integral.

# Definition and Notation

The definite integral generalizes the concept of the area under a curve. We lift the requirements that be continuous and nonnegative, and define the definite integral as follows.

### Definition

If is a function defined on an interval the definite integral of from to is given by

provided the limit exists. If this limit exists, the function is said to be integrable on or is an integrable function.

The integral symbol in the previous definition should look familiar. We have seen similar notation in the chapter on Applications of Derivatives, where we used the indefinite integral symbol (without the and above and below) to represent an antiderivative. Although the notation for indefinite integrals may look similar to the notation for a definite integral, they are not the same. A definite integral is a number. An indefinite integral is a family of functions. Later in this chapter we examine how these concepts are related. However, close attention should always be paid to notation so we know whether we’re working with a definite integral or an indefinite integral.

Integral notation goes back to the late seventeenth century and is one of the contributions of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, who is often considered to be the codiscoverer of calculus, along with Isaac Newton. The integration symbol ∫ is an elongated S, suggesting sigma or summation. On a definite integral, above and below the summation symbol are the boundaries of the interval, The numbers and are -values and are called the limits of integration; specifically, is the lower limit and is the upper limit. To clarify, we are using the word limit in two different ways in the context of the definite integral. First, we talk about the limit of a sum as Second, the boundaries of the region are called the limits of integration.

We call the function the integrand, and the dx indicates that is a function with respect to , called the variable of integration. Note that, like the index in a sum, the variable of integration is a dummy variable, and has no impact on the computation of the integral. We could use any variable we like as the variable of integration:

Previously, we discussed the fact that if is continuous on then the limit exists and is unique. This leads to the following theorem, which we state without proof.

### Continuous Functions Are Integrable

If is continuous on then is integrable on

Functions that are not continuous on may still be integrable, depending on the nature of the discontinuities. For example, functions with a finite number of jump discontinuities on a closed interval are integrable.

It is also worth noting here that we have retained the use of a regular partition in the Riemann sums. This restriction is not strictly necessary. Any partition can be used to form a Riemann sum. However, if a nonregular partition is used to define the definite integral, it is not sufficient to take the limit as the number of subintervals goes to infinity. Instead, we must take the limit as the width of the largest subinterval goes to zero. This introduces a little more complex notation in our limits and makes the calculations more difficult without really gaining much additional insight, so we stick with regular partitions for the Riemann sums.

### Evaluating an Integral Using the Definition

Use the definition of the definite integral to evaluate Use a right-endpoint approximation to generate the Riemann sum.

We first want to set up a Riemann sum. Based on the limits of integration, we have and For let be a regular partition of Then

Since we are using a right-endpoint approximation to generate Riemann sums, for each i, we need to calculate the function value at the right endpoint of the interval The right endpoint of the interval is and since P is a regular partition,

Thus, the function value at the right endpoint of the interval is

Then the Riemann sum takes the form

Using the summation formula for we have

Now, to calculate the definite integral, we need to take the limit as We get

Use the definition of the definite integral to evaluate Use a right-endpoint approximation to generate the Riemann sum.

6

#### Hint

Use the solving strategy from (Figure).

# Evaluating Definite Integrals

Evaluating definite integrals this way can be quite tedious because of the complexity of the calculations. Later in this chapter we develop techniques for evaluating definite integrals without taking limits of Riemann sums. However, for now, we can rely on the fact that definite integrals represent the area under the curve, and we can evaluate definite integrals by using geometric formulas to calculate that area. We do this to confirm that definite integrals do, indeed, represent areas, so we can then discuss what to do in the case of a curve of a function dropping below the -axis.

### Using Geometric Formulas to Calculate Definite Integrals

Use the formula for the area of a circle to evaluate

#### Solution

The function describes a semicircle with radius 3. To find

we want to find the area under the curve over the interval The formula for the area of a circle is The area of a semicircle is just one-half the area of a circle, or The shaded area in (Figure) covers one-half of the semicircle, or Thus,

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Use the formula for the area of a trapezoid to evaluate

18 square units

#### Hint

Graph the function and calculate the area under the function on the interval

# Area and the Definite Integral

When we defined the definite integral, we lifted the requirement that be nonnegative. But how do we interpret “the area under the curve” when is negative?

## Net Signed Area

Let us return to the Riemann sum. Consider, for example, the function (shown in (Figure)) on the interval Use and choose as the left endpoint of each interval. Construct a rectangle on each subinterval of height and width Δ. When is positive, the product represents the area of the rectangle, as before. When is negative, however, the product represents the negative of the area of the rectangle. The Riemann sum then becomes

Taking the limit as the Riemann sum approaches the area between the curve above the -axis and the -axis, less the area between the curve below the -axis and the -axis, as shown in (Figure). Then,

The quantity is called the net signed area.

Notice that net signed area can be positive, negative, or zero. If the area above the -axis is larger, the net signed area is positive. If the area below the -axis is larger, the net signed area is negative. If the areas above and below the -axis are equal, the net signed area is zero.

### Finding the Net Signed Area

Find the net signed area between the curve of the function and the -axis over the interval

#### Solution

The function produces a straight line that forms two triangles: one from to and the other from to ((Figure)). Using the geometric formula for the area of a triangle, the area of triangle A1, above the axis, is

where 3 is the base and is the height. The area of triangle A2, below the axis, is

where 3 is the base and 6 is the height. Thus, the net area is

Analysis

If A1 is the area above the -axis and A2 is the area below the -axis, then the net area is Since the areas of the two triangles are equal, the net area is zero.

Find the net signed area of over the interval illustrated in the following image.

6

#### Hint

Use the solving method described in (Figure).

## Total Area

One application of the definite integral is finding displacement when given a velocity function. If represents the velocity of an object as a function of time, then the area under the curve tells us how far the object is from its original position. This is a very important application of the definite integral, and we examine it in more detail later in the chapter. For now, we’re just going to look at some basics to get a feel for how this works by studying constant velocities.

When velocity is a constant, the area under the curve is just velocity times time. This idea is already very familiar. If a car travels away from its starting position in a straight line at a speed of 75 mph for 2 hours, then it is 150 mi away from its original position ((Figure)). Using integral notation, we have

In the context of displacement, net signed area allows us to take direction into account. If a car travels straight north at a speed of 60 mph for 2 hours, it is 120 mi north of its starting position. If the car then turns around and travels south at a speed of 40 mph for 3 hours, it will be back at it starting position ((Figure)). Again, using integral notation, we have

In this case the displacement is zero.

Suppose we want to know how far the car travels overall, regardless of direction. In this case, we want to know the area between the curve and the -axis, regardless of whether that area is above or below the axis. This is called the total area.

Graphically, it is easiest to think of calculating total area by adding the areas above the axis and the areas below the axis (rather than subtracting the areas below the axis, as we did with net signed area). To accomplish this mathematically, we use the absolute value function. Thus, the total distance traveled by the car is

Bringing these ideas together formally, we state the following definitions.

### Definition

Let be an integrable function defined on an interval Let A1 represent the area between and the -axis that lies above the axis and let A2 represent the area between and the -axis that lies below the axis. Then, the net signed area between and the -axis is given by

The total area between and the -axis is given by

### Finding the Total Area

Find the total area between and the -axis over the interval

#### Solution

Calculate the -intercept as (set solve for ). To find the total area, take the area below the -axis over the subinterval and add it to the area above the -axis on the subinterval ((Figure)).

We have

Then, using the formula for the area of a triangle, we obtain

The total area, then, is

Find the total area between the function and the -axis over the interval

18

#### Hint

Review the solving strategy in (Figure).

# Properties of the Definite Integral

The properties of indefinite integrals apply to definite integrals as well. Definite integrals also have properties that relate to the limits of integration. These properties, along with the rules of integration that we examine later in this chapter, help us manipulate expressions to evaluate definite integrals.

### Rule: Properties of the Definite Integral

1. If the limits of integration are the same, the integral is just a line and contains no area.

2. If the limits are reversed, then place a negative sign in front of the integral.

3. The integral of a sum is the sum of the integrals.

4. The integral of a difference is the difference of the integrals.

5. for constant . The integral of the product of a constant and a function is equal to the constant multiplied by the integral of the function.

6. Although this formula normally applies when is between and , the formula holds for all values of , , and , provided is integrable on the largest interval.

### Using the Properties of the Definite Integral

Use the properties of the definite integral to express the definite integral of over the interval as the sum of three definite integrals.

#### Solution

Using integral notation, we have We apply properties 3. and 5. to get

Use the properties of the definite integral to express the definite integral of over the interval as the sum of four definite integrals.

#### Hint

Use the solving strategy from (Figure) and the properties of definite integrals.

### Using the Properties of the Definite Integral

If it is known that and find the value of

#### Solution

By property 6.,

Thus,

If it is known that and find the value of

−7

#### Hint

Use the solving strategy from (Figure) and the rule on properties of definite integrals.

## Comparison Properties of Integrals

A picture can sometimes tell us more about a function than the results of computations. Comparing functions by their graphs as well as by their algebraic expressions can often give new insight into the process of integration. Intuitively, we might say that if a function is above another function then the area between and the -axis is greater than the area between and the -axis. This is true depending on the interval over which the comparison is made. The properties of definite integrals are valid whether or The following properties, however, concern only the case and are used when we want to compare the sizes of integrals.

### Comparison Theorem

1. If for then
2. If for then
3. If and M are constants such that for then

### Comparing Two Functions over a Given Interval

Compare and over the interval

#### Solution

Graphing these functions is necessary to understand how they compare over the interval Initially, when graphed on a graphing calculator, appears to be above everywhere. However, on the interval the graphs appear to be on top of each other. We need to zoom in to see that, on the interval is above The two functions intersect at and ((Figure)).

We can see from the graph that over the interval Comparing the integrals over the specified interval we also see that ((Figure)). The thin, red-shaded area shows just how much difference there is between these two integrals over the interval

# Average Value of a Function

We often need to find the average of a set of numbers, such as an average test grade. Suppose you received the following test scores in your algebra class: 89, 90, 56, 78, 100, and 69. Your semester grade is your average of test scores and you want to know what grade to expect. We can find the average by adding all the scores and dividing by the number of scores. In this case, there are six test scores. Thus,

Therefore, your average test grade is approximately 80.33, which translates to a B− at most schools.

Suppose, however, that we have a function that gives us the speed of an object at any time , and we want to find the object’s average speed. The function takes on an infinite number of values, so we can’t use the process just described. Fortunately, we can use a definite integral to find the average value of a function such as this.

Let be continuous over the interval and let be divided into subintervals of width Choose a representative in each subinterval and calculate for In other words, consider each as a sampling of the function over each subinterval. The average value of the function may then be approximated as

which is basically the same expression used to calculate the average of discrete values.

But we know so and we get

Following through with the algebra, the numerator is a sum that is represented as and we are dividing by a fraction. To divide by a fraction, invert the denominator and multiply. Thus, an approximate value for the average value of the function is given by

This is a Riemann sum. Then, to get the exact average value, take the limit as goes to infinity. Thus, the average value of a function is given by

### Definition

Let be continuous over the interval Then, the average value of the function (or ave) on is given by

### Finding the Average Value of a Linear Function

Find the average value of over the interval

#### Solution

First, graph the function on the stated interval, as shown in (Figure).

The region is a trapezoid lying on its side, so we can use the area formula for a trapezoid where represents height, and and represent the two parallel sides. Then,

Thus the average value of the function is

Find the average value of over the interval

3

#### Hint

Use the average value formula, and use geometry to evaluate the integral.

### Key Concepts

• The definite integral can be used to calculate net signed area, which is the area above the -axis less the area below the -axis. Net signed area can be positive, negative, or zero.
• The component parts of the definite integral are the integrand, the variable of integration, and the limits of integration.
• Continuous functions on a closed interval are integrable. Functions that are not continuous may still be integrable, depending on the nature of the discontinuities.
• The properties of definite integrals can be used to evaluate integrals.
• The area under the curve of many functions can be calculated using geometric formulas.
• The average value of a function can be calculated using definite integrals.

# Key Equations

• Definite Integral
• Properties of the Definite Integral

for constant

In the following exercises, express the limits as integrals.

1.  over

2.  over

3.  over

4.  over

#### Solution

In the following exercises, given Ln or Rn as indicated, express their limits as as definite integrals, identifying the correct intervals.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

#### Solution

In the following exercises, evaluate the integrals of the functions graphed using the formulas for areas of triangles and circles, and subtracting the areas below the -axis.

11.
12.

13.
14.

15.
16.

#### Solution

In the following exercises, evaluate the integral using area formulas.

17.

18.

#### Solution

The integral is the area of the triangle,

19.

20.

#### Solution

The integral is the area of the triangle, 9.

21.

22.

#### Solution

The integral is the area

23.

24.

#### Solution

The integral is the area of the “big” triangle less the “missing” triangle,

In the following exercises, use averages of values at the left (L) and right (R) endpoints to compute the integrals of the piecewise linear functions with graphs that pass through the given list of points over the indicated intervals.

25.  over

26.  over

27.  over

28.  over

#### Solution

Suppose that and and and In the following exercises, compute the integrals.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

#### Solution

In the following exercises, use the identity to compute the integrals.

35. $(Hint\text{:} \sin (\text{−}t)=\text{−} \sin (t)($

36.

#### Solution

The integrand is odd; the integral is zero.

37.  (Hint: Look at the graph of .)

38.  (Hint: Look at the graph of .)

#### Solution

The integrand is antisymmetric with respect to The integral is zero.

In the following exercises, given that and compute the integrals.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

#### Solution

In the following exercises, use the comparison theorem.

45. Show that

46. Show that

#### Solution

The integrand is negative over

47. Show that

48. Show that

#### Solution

over so over

49. Show that ( over )

50. Show that

#### Solution

Multiply by the length of the interval to get the inequality.

In the following exercises, find the average value ave of between and , and find a point , where

51.

52.

53.

54.

when

55.

56.

#### Solution

In the following exercises, approximate the average value using Riemann sums L100 and R100. How does your answer compare with the exact given answer?

57. [T] over the interval the exact solution is

58. [T] over the interval the exact solution is

#### Solution

the exact average is between these values.

59. [T] over the interval the exact solution is

60. [T] over the interval the exact solution is

#### Solution

In the following exercises, compute the average value using the left Riemann sums LN for How does the accuracy compare with the given exact value?

61. [T] over the interval the exact solution is

62. [T] over the interval the exact solution is

#### Solution

The exact answer so L100 is not accurate.

63. [T] over the interval the exact solution is

64. [T] over the interval the exact solution is

#### Solution

The exact answer so L100 is not accurate to first decimal.

65. Suppose that and Show that and

66. Suppose that and Show that

#### Solution

Use Then,

67. Show that the average value of over is equal to 1/2 Without further calculation, determine whether the average value of over is also equal to 1/2.

68. Show that the average value of over is equal to Without further calculation, determine whether the average value of over is also equal to

#### Solution

so divide by the length 2π of the interval. has period π, so yes, it is true.

69. Explain why the graphs of a quadratic function (parabola) and a linear function can intersect in at most two points. Suppose that and and that Explain why whenever

70. Suppose that parabola opens downward and has a vertex of For which interval is as large as possible?

#### Solution

The integral is maximized when one uses the largest interval on which is nonnegative. Thus, and

71. Suppose can be subdivided into subintervals such that either over or over Set

1. Explain why
2. Then, explain why

72. Suppose and are continuous functions such that for every subinterval of Explain why for all values of .

#### Solution

If for some then since is continuous, there is an interval containing 0 such that over the interval and then over this interval.

73. Suppose the average value of over is 1 and the average value of over is 1 where Show that the average value of over is also 1.

74. Suppose that can be partitioned. taking such that the average value of over each subinterval is equal to 1 for each Explain why the average value of over is also equal to 1.

#### Solution

The integral of over an interval is the same as the integral of the average of over that interval. Thus, Dividing through by gives the desired identity.

75. Suppose that for each i such that one has Show that

76. Suppose that for each i such that one has Show that

#### Solution

77. [T] Compute the left and right Riemann sums L10 and R10 and their average for over Given that to how many decimal places is accurate?

78. [T] Compute the left and right Riemann sums, L10 and R10, and their average for over Given that to how many decimal places is accurate?

#### Solution

so the estimate is accurate to two decimal places.

79. If what is

80. Estimate using the left and right endpoint sums, each with a single rectangle. How does the average of these left and right endpoint sums compare with the actual value

#### Solution

The average is which is equal to the integral in this case.

81. Estimate by comparison with the area of a single rectangle with height equal to the value of at the midpoint How does this midpoint estimate compare with the actual value

82. From the graph of shown:

1. Explain why
2. Explain why, in general, for any value of .

#### Solution

a. The graph is antisymmetric with respect to over so the average value is zero. b. For any value of , the graph between is a shift of the graph over so the net areas above and below the axis do not change and the average remains zero.

83. If is 1-periodic odd, and integrable over is it always true that

84. If is 1-periodic and is it necessarily true that for all A?

#### Solution

Yes, the integral over any interval of length 1 is the same.

## Glossary

average value of a function
(or ave) the average value of a function on an interval can be found by calculating the definite integral of the function and dividing that value by the length of the interval
definite integral
a primary operation of calculus; the area between the curve and the -axis over a given interval is a definite integral
integrable function
a function is integrable if the limit defining the integral exists; in other words, if the limit of the Riemann sums as goes to infinity exists
integrand
the function to the right of the integration symbol; the integrand includes the function being integrated
limits of integration
these values appear near the top and bottom of the integral sign and define the interval over which the function should be integrated
net signed area
the area between a function and the -axis such that the area below the -axis is subtracted from the area above the -axis; the result is the same as the definite integral of the function
total area
total area between a function and the -axis is calculated by adding the area above the -axis and the area below the -axis; the result is the same as the definite integral of the absolute value of the function
variable of integration
indicates which variable you are integrating with respect to; if it is , then the function in the integrand is followed by dx