Understanding Integration: A Simple Explanation

In summary, simple integration is a mathematical technique used to find the area under a curve. It is important because it has practical applications in various fields and helps solve problems involving rates of change and accumulation. To perform simple integration, one needs to find the antiderivative of the function, evaluate it at the upper and lower limits of integration, and take the difference between the two values. The main difference between simple integration and definite integration is that the limits of integration are not specified in simple integration, while they are specified in definite integration. Some common techniques used in simple integration include the power rule, substitution, and integration by parts. These techniques allow for the integration of a wide range of functions by breaking them down into simpler components and applying specific rules
  • #1
ozone
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If one could just explain how the attached answer below was derived I would be greatful. Thanks!
 

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  • #2
By being very careful with your minus signs! What did you try? Remember that 'a' is a constant and you are integrating with respect to 'x'.
 
  • #3
The anti-derivative function is [tex]a^{2}x - \frac{1}{3} x^{3} .[/tex] You then evaluate it at x = a and x = -a (or at x = a and double the result, since the integrand function is symmetrical about the y-axis [the anti-derivative is zero at x = 0 ] ).
 

1. What is simple integration?

Simple integration is a mathematical technique used to find the area under a curve. It involves finding the antiderivative of a function and evaluating it at two points to find the area between those points and the x-axis.

2. Why is simple integration important?

Simple integration is important because it allows us to find the area under a curve, which has many practical applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. It also helps us solve problems involving rates of change and accumulation.

3. How do you perform simple integration?

To perform simple integration, you first need to find the antiderivative of the function you are integrating. Then, evaluate the antiderivative at the upper and lower limits of integration and take the difference between the two values.

4. What is the difference between simple integration and definite integration?

The main difference between simple integration and definite integration is that in simple integration, the limits of integration are not specified, while in definite integration, the limits are specified. Definite integration also gives a specific numerical value for the area under the curve, while simple integration gives a general expression.

5. What are some common techniques used in simple integration?

Some common techniques used in simple integration include the power rule, substitution, and integration by parts. These techniques allow us to integrate a wide variety of functions by breaking them down into simpler components and applying specific rules and formulas.

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