4.5.1 AP Calculus Exam .... area of piece wise funcion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the integral of a piecewise function defined as \( f(x) = x \) for \( x \le 0 \) and \( f(x) = x + 1 \) for \( x > 0 \). The integral \( \int_{-2}^1 xf(x)dx \) is computed by splitting it into two parts: \( \int_{-2}^0 x^2 dx \) and \( \int_0^1 (x^2 + x) dx \). The final result of the integral is confirmed to be \( \frac{7}{2} \). The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding how to partition the domain of the integral for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of piecewise functions
  • Knowledge of definite integrals
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, including polynomial integration
  • Ability to apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of piecewise functions in calculus
  • Learn advanced integration techniques, such as integration by parts
  • Explore the concept of partitioning domains in integrals
  • Practice solving integrals involving piecewise functions with varying limits
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for AP Calculus exams, educators teaching calculus concepts, and anyone seeking to improve their skills in evaluating integrals of piecewise functions.

karush
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ok well it isn't just adding the areas of 2 functions but is $xf(x)$ as an integrand

Yahoo had an answer to this but its never in Latex so I couldn't understand how they got $\dfrac{7}{2}$
 
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karush said:
ok well it isn't just adding the areas of 2 functions but is $xf(x)$ as an integrand

Yahoo had an answer to this but its never in Latex so I couldn't understand how they got $\dfrac{7}{2}$

What have you tried? Why can't you split it up at x = 0. Is xf(x) ever negative on that interval?
 
Since f(x)= x if x\le 0 and f(x)= x+ 1 if x> 0, xf(x)= x^2 if x\le 0 and xf(x)= x^2+ x if x> 0. So \int_{-2}^1 xf(x)dx= \int_{-2}^0 x^2 dx+ \int_0^1 x^2+ x dx.

\int_{-2}^0 x^2 dx= \left[\frac{1}{3}x^3\right]_{-2}^0= \frac{1}{3}(0- (-8))= \frac{8}{3}.

\int_0^1 x^2+ x dx= \left[\frac{1}{3}x^3+ \frac{1}{2}x^2\right]_0^1= \frac{1}{3}+ \frac{1}{2}= \frac{5}{6}.

\int_{-2}^1 xf(x) dx= \frac{8}{3}+ \frac{5}{6}= \frac{16}{6}+ \frac{5}{6}= \frac{21}{6}= \frac{7}{2}.
 
I thot of doing that but didn't think it was correct🤔

These exam questions you got to be very careful they are very subtle
 
HallsofIvy said:
Since f(x)= x if x\le 0 and f(x)= x+ 1 if x> 0, xf(x)= x^2 if x\le 0 and xf(x)= x^2+ x if x> 0. So \int_{-2}^1 xf(x)dx= \int_{-2}^0 x^2 dx+ \int_0^1 x^2+ x dx.

\int_{-2}^0 x^2 dx= \left[\frac{1}{3}x^3\right]_{-2}^0= \frac{1}{3}(0- (-8))= \frac{8}{3}.

\int_0^1 x^2+ x dx= \left[\frac{1}{3}x^3+ \frac{1}{2}x^2\right]_0^1= \frac{1}{3}+ \frac{1}{2}= \frac{5}{6}.

\int_{-2}^1 xf(x) dx= \frac{8}{3}+ \frac{5}{6}= \frac{16}{6}+ \frac{5}{6}= \frac{21}{6}= \frac{7}{2}.
mahalo
 
karush said:
I thot of doing that but didn't think it was correct🤔

These exam questions you got to be very careful they are very subtle

This one is not anywhere near "subtle". It wants to know if you know that you can partition the Domain of the integral. This is a very important, fundamental principle.
 

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