Show the bounds of an integral in LaTeX

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the correct notation for displaying the bounds of an integral in LaTeX, specifically using the integral of x^2 from 0 to 2. The proper syntax is demonstrated as \int_0^2 x^2 dx = \left[\frac{1}{3} x^3 \right]_0^2. For negative bounds, the notation \int_{-3}^3 dx is recommended, with expressions enclosed in curly brackets to avoid errors in pdflatex. Additional tips include using \bigg| for larger vertical bars and \left. for proper formatting of expressions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with LaTeX syntax
  • Understanding of integral calculus
  • Knowledge of pdflatex for document compilation
  • Experience with mathematical notation formatting
NEXT STEPS
  • Research LaTeX packages for advanced mathematical typesetting
  • Learn about LaTeX error handling in pdflatex
  • Explore the use of \left and \right for dynamic sizing of delimiters
  • Study the formatting of compound expressions in LaTeX
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and professionals in mathematics or engineering who require precise formatting of integrals and mathematical expressions in LaTeX.

kentm
Messages
16
Reaction score
1
Hey I'm typing out my math homework, and I've run into some notation that I'm kind of confused about:

I need to know how to show the bounds of an integral after you've taken the antiderivative. Kind of like this:

Integral (bounds: 0 to 2) of x^2 = [1/3x^3] (0 to 2).

The actual notation might look like this:

--------|2
1/3x^3|
--------|0


Sorry if I have this in the wrong forum; I didn't see any designated for LaTeX.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Something like:

\int_0^2 x^2 dx = \left[\frac{1}{3} x^3 \right]_0^2

Code:
\int_0^2 x^2 dx = \left[\frac{1}{3} x^3 \right]_0^2
 
That's exactly what I needed...

Thanks.
 
Okay, now I've got another question:

What if I want to have negative bounds like this:

\int_-3^3?

pdflatex doesn't seem to like that very well.
 
Bound them with curly brackets {..}. What Latex package are you using? Most come with a PDF explaining the simple operations of Latex in the source folder.
 
kentm said:
Okay, now I've got another question:

What if I want to have negative bounds like this:

\int_-3^3?
Compound expressions should be enclosed in curly braces:

\int_{-3}^3 dx

Also, as an alternate answer to your original question, if you just want a long vertical bar try \bigg|

For example,

\int_{-3}^3 dx = x \bigg|_{-3}^3 = 3 - (-3) = 6

(if you think \bigg| looks too big you can drop down a size with \big| )
 
Larne said:
\int_{-3}^3 dx = x \bigg|_{-3}^3 = 3 - (-3) = 6

(if you think \bigg| looks too big you can drop down a size with \big| )

and if you have an expression which is tall enough of itself, you may just want to use left and right;
\int_{-3}^3 x^2 dx = \left. \frac{1}{3} x^3 \right|_{-3}^3 = \cdots
(note the use of the \left. - otherwise LaTeX will complain!)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K