Question about finding the area between two curves

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Area Curves
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of determining which function to subtract from another in order to find the area between two curves, particularly in the context of complex or complicated functions. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification related to integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to identify which function to subtract from another to find the area between two graphs, mentioning the use of integrals.
  • Another participant introduces a misunderstanding by referring to "complex valued maps" in a four-dimensional context, which is later clarified as a reference to complicated functions rather than complex numbers.
  • A later reply reiterates the initial question, emphasizing the integral formulation for finding the area between two graphs when one function is above the other.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there is confusion regarding the terminology and the initial question remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the definitions of "complex" in this context, which may affect the understanding of the problem. The discussion does not resolve the assumptions needed to determine the appropriate functions for subtraction.

Sinister
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my question might be simple but my professor didn't really explain this..
how do you know what function to subtract from what to find the area between the two graphs..
i know you use integrals of f(b)-g(a)
and f(b) is the function that is above g(a)
but how do you find it out for complex functions?
 
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The graph of a complex valued map lies in 4 dimensions & hence area is out of place.
 
what...?
 
complex as in complicated functions sorry ! not complex numbers :P
 
Sinister said:
my question might be simple but my professor didn't really explain this..
how do you know what function to subtract from what to find the area between the two graphs..
i know you use integrals of f(b)-g(a)
and f(b) is the function that is above g(a)
but how do you find it out for complex functions?
If y = f(x) is above the graph of y = g(x) for all x such that a <= x <= b, then the area between the two graphs is
[tex]\int_a^b [f(x) - g(x)]dx[/tex]
 

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