Integrals with Common Fractions and Area Under Graph

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating areas under curves represented by functions, specifically in the context of designing a leveling system for a game. Participants explore how to derive experience points from the area under a function and how to reverse engineer the x-value from a given area.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the function f(x) = x²/5 and seeks to understand how to calculate the area under the curve.
  • Another participant provides the antiderivative of the function as x³/15, which is intended to assist in calculating the area.
  • There is a discussion about using an inverse function to determine x from a given area, especially if the area function is not analytic.
  • Participants express confusion about the relationship between the shaded area under the curve and the levels in the game, particularly how to interpret the values derived from the function.
  • One participant mentions using Wolfram|Alpha to verify calculations and seeks clarification on the meaning of specific values obtained from the function.
  • There is a focus on the importance of specifying whether the experience needed is to progress from one level to another or from level 0 to a higher level.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of using the area under the curve to represent experience points, but there is some confusion regarding the specifics of how to interpret the values and the relationship between levels and experience. Multiple views on the best approach to derive x from a given area are present, indicating an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the correct setup of the problem and the implications of the values derived from the function. There are also mentions of potential issues with the analytic nature of the area function that could affect the use of inverse functions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for game developers or students interested in applying calculus concepts to design leveling systems based on area under curves.

Brokenhope`
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I'm working on simple game and am working on a leveling system, using a function to get experience needed. I am using area under a function above y=0.

The first problem, I can't figure out a simple number.

f(x) = x2/5 dx

Then, looking for area, I'm unsure about a really simple thing.

Getting to x3/(3/5)

The last fraction I cannot figure out. Does the 5 move to the top and the 3 bottom?

I know how to calculate the area under the graph (for the leveling system,) but can I reverse engineer to be able to get the x-value on the graph from a given area.

Thanks.
 
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The antiderivative of ##\frac{x^2}{5}## is ##\frac{x^3}{3 \times 5} = \frac{x^3}{15}##.
 
Thanks, that helped jog my memory.

The other thing I was hoping for finding a solution to.

I'm working on a Flash game and need a level system. Using a function and finding the filled area seems the best way.

The image kind of shows what I am trying to find.

Again, Thanks.
 

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Hey BrokenHope.

If your area is analytic then you can just calculate the derivative of that function or better yet, calculate an inverse function that takes a y value and spits out an x value.

The inverse function is the better way especially if your function is not "analytic" and has all kinds of corners and jagged edges.

If the area function always rises for an increasing level of x, then you will always have an inverse function for all values of x.
 
Thanks for the response, chiro. I actually drew the graph wrong, and I am still a bit confused.

I have a new image of what I am trying to do.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 

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You can always check if you got the right answer by using Wolfram|Alpha.

I'm trying to understand how you set up the problem. So ##f(x) = 2\sqrt{x}##, okay sure. But say x=2 we get ##2\sqrt{2} \sim 2.8##. What does that number mean?
 
I would round that value down to 2, for the "level." As for the experience needed, it would be shaded area from x = 0 to x = 2.

Thanks, hope that makes a bit more sense.
 
Brokenhope` said:
I would round that value down to 2, for the "level."

Wait a sec. We have f(2) = 2 as the character's level yes. Does the x (not the shaded area), represent the character's current experience score?

As for the experience needed, it would be shaded area from x = 0 to x = 2.

You need to be specific. The experience needed to get from Level 0 to Level 2? Or the experience to get from Level 1 to Level 2?
 
Thanks for the replies.

I am actually only using the shaded area on the graph.

The shaded area to get to level 2, is the shaded area 0 to 2.

The shaded area is really just a running total of experience. To get to the next level, 3, your experience would be the area shaded from 0 to 3.
 
  • #10
What is the formula for getting experience y given some level x?
 
  • #11
This should make more sense.

But as a formula for experience/ leveling system, it's really kind of bad... the shaded area represents the experience.

Thanks.
 

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