How to Integrate Upper Bounds with Circumscribed Rectangles

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating the function y=4x from specified limits using the concept of circumscribed rectangles and Riemann sums. Participants are exploring the correct setup for the integration limits and the application of the limit definition of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the integral using Riemann sums and are discussing the implications of different limits on the final result. Questions about the correctness of their answers and the setup of the function are raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing guidance on how to set up the Riemann sums correctly, while others are questioning the assumptions made about the limits of integration. There is a recognition of different answers being proposed, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of incorrect limits being used initially, which has led to confusion in the calculations. Participants are also noting the importance of correctly expanding the summation in their attempts.

tmclary
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[SOLVED] Upper Bounds Integration

Homework Statement


Integrate y=4x from 2 to 5 using the limit with circumscribed rectangles.


Homework Equations



A=lim(n to inf.) Summation of f(xsubi) times delta (xsubi)

The Attempt at a Solution



A=lim(4/n)(4/n)(4)(2+3+4+...+(n+1))
=64/n^2((n^2+3n)/2))= 32lim((n+3)/n)) =32. But from integration the answer is obviously 48. What am I doing wrong? (Sorry about lack of typo skills-newbie)
 
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why do you think the answer is obviously 48?
Your answer isn't correct again thout..
 
well i got 42 as my answer, either by directly integrating

[tex]\int_2^5 4xdx[/tex] and also by using Rieman sums.

I'll try to post my work, on my next post.
 
Sorry-wrong limits!

Sorry! The limits were 1 to 5, not 2 to 5!
 
we want to calculate

[tex]\lim_{n\to\infty}\sum_{i=1}^{n}f(\epsilon_i)\delta x_i[/tex]

now let us create n mini segments on the segment [2,5]

that is let the points be

[tex]x_0=2,x_1,x_2,...x_i_-_1,x_i,...,x_n=5[/tex]

Now our concern is to determine what our function will be.
First let's notice certian facts:

[tex]\delta x_i=x_i-x_i_-_1[/tex] also let [tex]\epsilon_i=x_i[/tex]

this way we have:

[tex]\epsilon_i=\delta x_i+x_i_-_1[/tex]

also: [tex]\delta x_i=\frac{5-2}{n}=\frac{3}{n}[/tex]

Now, for to determine our function let's try some values for i=1,2,3,...

[tex]f(x_1)=4\left(\frac{3}{n}+2\right),f(x_2)=4(\frac{6}{n}+2),f(x_3)=4(\frac{9}{n}+2),..., f(x_i)=4(\frac{3i}{n}+2)[/tex]


Hence:

[tex]\int_2^54xdx=\lim_{n\to\infty}\sum_{i=1}^{n}4\left(\frac{3i}{n}+2\right)\frac{3}{n}=...=42[/tex]
 
Last edited:
tmclary said:
Sorry! The limits were 1 to 5, not 2 to 5!

Well, then do the same thing as i did here, just take into consideration that you have the lower limit 1, in this case. I am not going to troube to go the same route again, i think you can do it now. If you can't ask again.

cheers!
 
Well it doesn't change a lot by the way, the difference is that now you'll have

[tex]\delta x_i=\frac{4}{n}[/tex] and

[tex]f(x_i)=4\left(\frac{4i}{n}+1\right)[/tex]

and the answer will be 48.
 
Thanks very much for your replies- I'm still stuck expanding the summation- will attempt another query when I have time, and can clarify.
 
Got it- I wasn't adding the 1 to the 4/n. Thanks again for your answer.
 
  • #10
tmclary said:
Got it- I wasn't adding the 1 to the 4/n. Thanks again for your answer.

I tried to post a detailed answer, including how the summation expanded and all that stuff, but after i typed it all, i don't know for some crappy reason it did not show up. Anyways, I'm glad you got it !
 

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