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An integral is a mathematical concept used to find the area under a curve or the accumulation of a quantity over a given interval. It is the inverse operation of differentiation and is an important tool in calculus.
There are two main types of integrals: definite and indefinite. Definite integrals have specific limits of integration and give a numerical value, while indefinite integrals have no limits and result in a function. Other types include improper integrals, line integrals, and surface integrals.
Integrals can be solved using different techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, trigonometric substitution, and partial fractions. It is important to first identify the type of integral and then choose the appropriate method.
Integrals have various applications in physics, engineering, economics, and other fields. They are used to find areas, volumes, and centers of mass, as well as to solve differential equations and calculate work, force, and power.
Integrals and derivatives are inverse operations of each other. The derivative of a function represents its instantaneous rate of change, while the integral represents the accumulated change over a given interval. This relationship is known as the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.