# Definite integral

1. Jan 17, 2012

### lab-rat

We are just starting integrals right now and I'm having trouble with this problem. I know how to solve a definite integral but I don't quite understand what is being asked here? Just wondering if anyone could let me know where I should start?

if∫0,3f(x)dx=12, ∫0,6f(x)dx=42,find ∫3,6(2f(x)−3)dx=12.

2. Jan 17, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

This is a little difficult to read. I think this is what you're being asked:
$$\int_0^3 f(x)dx = 12$$
$$\int_0^6 f(x)dx = 42$$
$$\text{Find }\int_3^6 (2f(x) - 3)dx = 12$$

I used LaTeX to format what you wrote, but I don't think the last equation is correct. I believe it should be
$$\text{Find }\int_3^6 (2f(x) - 3)dx$$

Your book should have some theorems about definite integrals. That's where you need to be looking.

3. Jan 17, 2012

### lab-rat

The thing is, it that last equation is correct. It is =12. Which is why it doesn't make sense to me.

4. Jan 17, 2012

Have you calculated the value of the integral?

5. Jan 17, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

Two things:
1) Given the first two equations, the value of the integral in the third equation couldn't be 12. I get a significantly larger number.
2) The wording of the problem is weird, especially the word "find". It would make sense to find the value of the integral, or to show that the integral's value was some particular number. As used in this problem, it is like saying find x = 2. What is the exact wording of this problem? Are you translating from some other language?

6. Jan 17, 2012

### lab-rat

The function isn't given so I'm not quite sure how to do this. We've only learned how to calculate area beneath the curve with simple geometry and to use the Riemann sum.

7. Jan 17, 2012

### lab-rat

Mark44 - I copy and pasted the actual question. However, my prof is chinese so maybe that's why the question seems confusing? I really don't understand what he wants me to find...

8. Jan 17, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

See the end of post #2.

9. Jan 17, 2012

### lab-rat

We don't have a text book for this class.

10. Jan 17, 2012

### gb7nash

If this is your problem word for word, then you need to get confirmation on what the problem is. Like Mark said, the conclusion to this "problem" is false. I'm guessing the problem is to find $\int_{3}^6 (2f(x) - 3)dx$, but nobody here will know unless you find out what the true problem statement is.

11. Jan 17, 2012

### lab-rat

That's probably what the question is and I'm assuming it was a typo. I will ask tomorrow for sure but in the mean time how would I solve if the question were indeed what gb7nash thinks?
I have looked through all of my notes and can't find anything to get me started...

12. Jan 17, 2012

I also get a much larger number for an answer.

The first step is to recognise what the 2 integrals that are given, are given for. You are told that
$$\int^{6}_{0}f(x)dx=42$$

And that
$$\int^{3}_{0}f(x)dx=12$$

Now these are obviously going to be needed to solve the problem, try to find a way to use them.

13. Jan 17, 2012

### lab-rat

$\int^{6}_{3}$ f(x)dx = 42 - 12 = 30

Is this correct? If so I don't know how 2f(x)-3 will affect the integral without knowing what the actual function is... I must be missing something

14. Jan 17, 2012

Yes that is correct.

So now that you know
$$\int^6_3f(x)dx = 30$$
You have everything you need to integrate it.

15. Jan 17, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

There is no integration that takes place, since the function is unknown and unknowable. This is a matter of substitution only.

The piece that the OP is missing is this:
$$\int_a^c f(x)~dx = \int_a^b f(x)~dx + \int_b^c f(x)~dx$$

This is the theorem I was referring to back in post #2, but since the class is being presented without a textbook, that makes it harder to look up a theorem in the book.

16. Jan 17, 2012

You still have to integrate it, perhaps evaluate would have been a better word, but either way, he now was to integrate
$$\int^6_32f(x)-3dx$$

17. Jan 18, 2012

### hunt_mat

18. Jan 18, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

Evaluate is a better word, and that will involve substitution (i.e., replacing specific integrals by their known values). Integration is not a part of this problem. How could it be, since f(x) is not known?

19. Jan 18, 2012

### gb7nash

Well, technically it still is, just not on f(x). You still have to integrate 3.

20. Jan 19, 2012

### lab-rat

All right, well this is probably wrong but here is what I got!

I took out the 2, which I didn't I could do which is probably what confused me the most..
I'm having trouble with the symbols right now but I essentially put the 2 in front of the integral of the function and substracted the integral of 3. Which gave me 60-3x... Is that right??