Solved: Definite Integrals - Answers & Explanations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of a definite integral, specifically the integral of x² from 1 to 3. Participants are exploring different methods to arrive at the correct answer and questioning their own calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the limit/Riemann Sum definition and the anti-derivative method to calculate the integral. There are questions about the correctness of their calculations and methods, with some participants noting errors in their approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the methods for solving the integral. Some participants have offered guidance on how to approach the problem, while others express frustration over their mistakes. There is no explicit consensus on a single method being the best, but multiple approaches are being explored.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions constraints imposed by their teacher regarding the methods they can use, which may affect their ability to explore alternative solutions. There are indications of confusion and errors in calculations that participants are trying to resolve.

lLovePhysics
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[SOLVED] Definite Integrals

Homework Statement


[tex]\int_{1}^{3}x^{2}dx[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Why is the answer 26/3? I got 4 by using the limit/Riemann Sum definition. Is this one method to calculate definite integrals?
 
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by just taking the anti-derivative, i get 26/3. check your work again.
 
Last edited:
Sorry, but I don't think I can use any other methods because of my teacher.

I got 2n for the width of the rectangle and 1+(2i/n) for the height..

AHHHH: I found my error.. I forgot to square the 2i/n -_____-
 
Oh jesus christ... My answer never matches. Perhaps I should do everything step-by-step?
 
rocophysics said:
by just taking the anti-derivative, i get 26/3. check your work again.

Thanks a lot for bothering to post those other methods. I hope I will get to learn/use them later!
 
hey, show some work. But if u are stuck as where to start.. do these
find Delta X, find Xi. and then use this formula

lim [tex]\sum f(Xi)\Delta X[/tex]
n [tex]\rightarrow \infty[/tex]

ugh that's so bad... i have never had to use this.. but like..i'm sure u can find it on wikipedia
In addition, know what the summation of a X^2 series is.. it is n(n+1)(2n+1)6\

ah, i feel so bad.. i couldn't draw it successfully.
 
Last edited:
so basically it is
2/n[tex]\sum (1+2i/n)^2[/tex]

then use foil(or whatever u call it).

it becomes (1+4i/n +4i^2/n)
 
Last edited:
Yeah, thanks aq1q. That's what I did but I didn't square the x term for the height. I also messed up on simplifying. I just make too many mistakes :/
 
ah :\ so everything ok now?
 
  • #10
Alternatively:

Take the integral:

[(1/3)(x)^3] over 3 and 1

Then evaluate:

[(1/3)(3)^3] - [(1/3)(1)^3] = 26/3
 

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