Find the area of a trapezoid using integration

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The discussion focuses on finding the area of a trapezoid using integration, specifically through the use of Riemann sums. The user expresses confusion about the integration setup, particularly regarding the trapezoid's dimensions and the derivation of the area formula. They derive the equation of the top line of the trapezoid as y = (1/2)x + 3 and set up the integral from -2 to 4 for the area calculation. The user outlines the process of evaluating the integral and finding the antiderivative, referencing techniques learned from Khan Academy. The conversation concludes with a question about using sigma notation in forum posts.
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Homework Statement


Screenshot2012-01-31at33107PM.png


Screenshot2012-01-31at32458PM.png


Homework Equations



Screenshot2012-01-31at32726PM.png

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't see why you have to put the ((x/2)+ 3)dx next to the equation for a trapezoid. I also don't understand what number would equal x, 4? 2?. Also, the dx, what equation am I supposed to be deriving? .5((B+b)/2)h? that equation doesn't derive.
 
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The left edge of the trapezoid goes from (-2, 2), on the left, to (4, 5), on the right. Since it is a line, its equation is of the form y= ax+ b. Setting x= -2, y= 2, that gives the equation 2= a(-2)+ b or -2a+ b= 2. Setting x= 4, y= 5, that gives 5= a(4)+ b or 4a+ b=5, two equations to solve for b. Subtracting the first equation from the second, (4a-(-2a))+ (b- b)= 5- 2 or 6a= 3 so a= 3/6= 1/2. Putting this into 4a+ b= 5 gives 2+ b= 5 so b= 3. That is, the equation of the top line is y= (1/2)x+ 3 which is the same as the f(x)=(x/2)+ 3 shown in the picture.

Now, imagine drawing a thin rectangle from the base, y= 0 to the top line y= f(x)= (x/2)+ 3. It height is just the y value minus 0, (x/2)+ 3. We can think of the base as being the very small number \delta x. The area of that rectangle, height times base, is ((x/2)+ 3)\Delta x and, since we can cover the trapezoid by such rectangles, we can approximate the area by \sum ((x/2)+ 3)\Delta x. That's what is called a "Riemann sum". We can take the limit as the bases get smaller and smaller, converting that Riemann sum to the integral \int ((1/2)x+ 3)dx. Of course, x ranges from -2 on the left to 4 on the right so the integral is \int_{-2}^4 ((1/2)x+ 3)dx.

If F'(x)= f, that is, if f is the derivative of F (F is the anti-derivative of f) then \int_a^b f(x)dx= F(b)- F(a). You evaluate the anti-derivative at the lower and upper values, -2 and 4 in this problem and subtract.
 
I found this technique over at the Khan Academy

1. find the antiderivative
2. subtract the value of the B antiderivative from the A antiderivative

Hopefully I'll understand why later.

By the way, how do you get those equations with sigma notation in your post.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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