The title would be Understanding Integrals: A Basic Breakdown

[kevinlikesphysics]

Homework Statement

Can someone give me a very basic breakdown of integrals i read the manual in the tutorials sections and i just don't understand what equations have to be used for each part.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Snazzy]

The integral is the anti-derivative of a function. The derivative of 2x would be 2. Then the anti-derivative (integral) of 2 would be 2x + C where C = 0. (boundary or initial conditions have to be told to you for definite integrals).

 

[Gib Z]

No offence to any of the authors, but those introductory tutorials are really no where near as good as a proper introduction to these concepts found in decent textbooks. There are no quick fixes.

 

[Kurdt]

I take it that was mine. That was meant as an informal reference and not something to be learned from by itself. It does assume a moderate standard of mathematical knowledge before hand.

If you could define what is troubling you exactly it might be easier to help. Specifically, what do you mean by 'what equations have to be used for each part'? If you're asking how do you recognise when to use integration by substitution over integration by parts then the answer is it just takes practise. Do as many problems as possible and you will soon recognise when one technique will work over another.

 

[Gib Z]

I take it that was mine. That was meant as an informal reference and not something to be learned from by itself. it does assume a moderate standard of mathematical knowledge before hand.

Yes I did mean yours Kurdt =] And yes I knew myself that you meant it as an informal reference, but many students look for things like this expecting to see a quick route to understanding that they just won't get with that sort of attitude. Your contribution, however, fulfills its intended purposely excellently, i have nothing to lower it =].

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

For a basic overview try this:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=104584

or more specifically:

http://www.karlscalculus.org/calc10_0.html

EDITED: because fools rush in.

 

[Kurdt]

Aren't there some excellent tutorials on integrals in the Learning & resources/ er forget the name section hold on Maths and science learning materials?

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=213784

Nicely done Kurdt very well presented.

I think that's perhaps the 'manual' the OP was referring to.

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

I think that's perhaps the 'manual' the OP was referring to.

I know, thus the edit.

Thats' what happens when you read only the op post, and then the rest in reverse order.