LaTeX Show the bounds of an integral in LaTeX

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on how to properly notate integrals and their bounds using LaTeX. The initial query addresses the correct way to express the bounds of an integral after taking the antiderivative, with an example provided: ∫_0^2 x^2 dx = [1/3 x^3]_0^2. Participants clarify that for negative bounds, such as ∫_-3^3, the correct notation is to enclose the bounds in curly brackets: ∫_{-3}^3 dx. Additionally, they suggest using \bigg| for a long vertical bar and provide examples demonstrating the notation for evaluating integrals with negative bounds. The thread emphasizes the importance of proper formatting in LaTeX to avoid errors and improve clarity in mathematical expressions.
kentm
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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.
 
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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!)
 

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