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6th Year HL · Mathematics
Integrals · Definite integral

Applications of the definite integral

A Luas tram pulls away from a stop and its speed keeps changing. How far has it travelled after $4$ seconds? Distance $=$ speed $\times$ time won't work, but a definite integral will. You now have the tools: you know what a definite integral is, its properties, and the fundamental theorem of calculus, $F(b)-F(a)$. Now it's time to use them to solve the problems that come up in the Leaving Cert exam: areas between curves, quantities that accumulate over time, and unknown parameters that can be deduced from an area.

Area under a curve using the fundamental theorem of calculus

The procedure is always the same: find the limits of integration (if you are not given them, find them using the points of intersection), find an antiderivative and evaluate $F(b)-F(a)$ (the fundamental theorem of calculus). If the region lies below the axis, remember to take the absolute value.

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Calculate the value of the following definite integral applying Barrow's Rule: $$\int_{1}^{2} (3x^2 - 4x + 5) \, dx$$ <br>

Calculate the value of the following definite integral applying Barrow's Rule:

$$\int_{1}^{2} (3x^2 - 4x + 5) \, dx$$


1 2 x 4 9 y 0 f(x) = 3x² - 4x + 5 ? Area = ?
Solve
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Calculate the area of the plane region bounded by the parabola $f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 3$ and the x-axis ($OX$). Note: Remember to find the intersection points of the…

Calculate the area of the plane region bounded by the parabola $f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 3$ and the x-axis ($OX$). Note: Remember to find the intersection points of the function with the axis first.


A 0 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 −1 X Y x₁ x₂ f(x)
Solve
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A design studio is designing the logo for a new technology company. The base of the logo is bounded by the function $f(x) = x^3 - 4x$ and the x-axis $OX$. Calculate the…

A design studio is designing the logo for a new technology company. The base of the logo is bounded by the function $f(x) = x^3 - 4x$ and the x-axis $OX$. Calculate the total area of the two enclosed regions formed by the curve and the axis.

x y −2 0 2 A₁ A₂ f(x) = x³ - 4x
Solve

Symmetry and sign: when the integral is zero

Some integrals can be judged from the graph, without an antiderivative. The graph of an odd function ($f(-x)=-f(x)$) has half-turn symmetry about the origin, so the area to the left of the $y$-axis cancels the area to the right.

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Without computing the antiderivative, justify using the properties of the definite integral why the value of the following integral is equal to $0$: $$\int_{-2}^{2} (x^5…

Without computing the antiderivative, justify using the properties of the definite integral why the value of the following integral is equal to $0$:

$$\int_{-2}^{2} (x^5 + \sin(x)) \, dx$$
Solve
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To calculate the area of the closed region bounded by the graph of the function $f(x) = x^3 - 4x$ and the x-axis on the interval $[-2, 2]$, Seán wrote the following on…

To calculate the area of the closed region bounded by the graph of the function $f(x) = x^3 - 4x$ and the x-axis on the interval $[-2, 2]$, Seán wrote the following on his exam:

$$\text{Area} = \int_{-2}^{2} (x^3 - 4x)\,dx = \left[ \frac{x^4}{4} - 2x^2 \right]_{-2}^{2} = \left(\frac{16}{4} - 2 \times 4\right) - \left(\frac{16}{4} - 2 \times 4\right) = (-4) - (-4) = 0\text{ u}^2$$

He therefore concludes that the enclosed area is zero.

  1. a) Explain in a reasoned way the conceptual error committed by Seán. Why does the definite integral equal zero even though the region has a non-zero geometric surface area?
  2. b) Correct his solution: determine the x-intercepts of the function, set up correctly the integrals that allow calculating the actual area, and find its exact value by applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Solve

Area between two curves

When the region is bounded by two functions $f$ and $g$ instead of by the $OX$ axis, the idea is the same but with a subtraction: at each $x$, the "height" of the region is the distance between the two curves.

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Calculate the area of the bounded plane region enclosed by the graphs of the functions $f(x) = -x^2 + 5x$ and $g(x) = x + 2$. Sketch the region before performing the…

Calculate the area of the bounded plane region enclosed by the graphs of the functions $f(x) = -x^2 + 5x$ and $g(x) = x + 2$. Sketch the region before performing the calculation.

0 1 2 3 4 5 2 4 6 f(x) g(x) S x₁ x₂

You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.

Solve
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Find the area of the region bounded between the graphs of the functions $f(x) = 6 - x^2$ and $g(x) = 2$. <br>

Find the area of the region bounded between the graphs of the functions $f(x) = 6 - x^2$ and $g(x) = 2$.


x y 0 −2 2 f(x) = 6 - x² g(x) = 2 (−2, 2) (2, 2)
Solve
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Consider the region bounded by the curves $y = e^x$, $y = e^{-x}$ and the vertical line $x = \ln(2)$. a) Draw a sketch of the region. b) Calculate the area of that…

Consider the region bounded by the curves $y = e^x$, $y = e^{-x}$ and the vertical line $x = \ln(2)$.

  1. a) Draw a sketch of the region.
  1. b) Calculate the area of that region.

You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.

Solve

Average value and the trapezoidal rule

The average value of $f$ on $[a,b]$ is $\dfrac{1}{b-a}\displaystyle\int_a^b f(x)\,dx$. It is the height of the rectangle on $[a,b]$ with the same area as the region under the curve.

To estimate an area before (or instead of) integrating, trap it between two simple shapes. A circumscribed rectangle (the region fits inside it) gives an upper bound; an inscribed triangle or rectangle (it fits inside the region) gives a lower bound. The area lies between the two.

When no antiderivative is easy, use the trapezoidal rule (in the Formulae and Tables booklet): with $n$ strips of width $h$, area $\approx \dfrac{h}{2}\big[y_0+y_n+2(y_1+\dots+y_{n-1})\big]$.

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A graphic designer is drawing the outline of a logo that follows the curve $f(x) = e^x$. Calculate the area enclosed under that curve, the $OX$ axis and the vertical…

A graphic designer is drawing the outline of a logo that follows the curve $f(x) = e^x$. Calculate the area enclosed under that curve, the $OX$ axis and the vertical lines $x = 0$ and $x = \ln(3)$.

Solve
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You wish to calculate the area of the bounded region delimited by the parabola $f(x) = 3x - x^2$ and the x-axis ($y = 0$). a) Before calculating any integral, make a…

You wish to calculate the area of the bounded region delimited by the parabola $f(x) = 3x - x^2$ and the x-axis ($y = 0$).

  1. a) Before calculating any integral, make a reasoned estimate of the area by bounding it between two numerical values:
  • Obtain an upper bound by calculating the area of a rectangle that circumscribes the region exactly (its base is the segment between the x-intercepts and its height is the y-coordinate of the parabola's vertex).

  • Obtain a lower bound by calculating the area of the inscribed isosceles triangle whose base is that segment on the x-axis and whose upper vertex is the vertex of the parabola.

  1. b) Now calculate the exact value of the area by applying Barrow's rule.
  2. c) Check whether the exact result obtained falls within the bounded interval from part a) and justify whether your estimate was reasonable.
Solve

Tangent lines and regions split into parts

Sometimes one curve is on top for part of the region and a different one for the rest, or a tangent line is one of the boundaries. Sketch the region, mark every point where the boundary changes, and write one integral for each piece. The tangent to $y=f(x)$ at $x=a$ is $y-f(a)=f'(a)(x-a)$.

You can also integrate with respect to $y$: for $0\le y\le 4$, $x$ runs from $\sqrt{y}$ to $6-y$, which gives a single integral $\int_0^4 (6-y-\sqrt{y})\,dy=\tfrac{32}{3}$.

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Find the area of the region bounded by the curve $f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 5$, the tangent line to that curve at the point $(3, f(3))$ and the y-axis $OY$.

Find the area of the region bounded by the curve $f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 5$, the tangent line to that curve at the point $(3, f(3))$ and the y-axis $OY$.

X Y 0 1 2 3 f(x) = x² - 4x + 5 y = 2x - 4 (0, 5) (0, −4) (3, 2) Area
Solve
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Calculate the area of the region in the first quadrant enclosed by the graphs of $f(x) = \frac{8}{x}$, the line $y = x$ and the line $y = 4$.

Calculate the area of the region in the first quadrant enclosed by the graphs of $f(x) = \frac{8}{x}$, the line $y = x$ and the line $y = 4$.

0 2 √8 4 √8 4 y = 4 y = x f(x) = 8/x
Solve
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You wish to calculate the area of the bounded planar region in the first quadrant delimited jointly by the curve $y = x^2$, the line $y = 2 - x$, and the x-axis (…

You wish to calculate the area of the bounded planar region in the first quadrant delimited jointly by the curve $y = x^2$, the line $y = 2 - x$, and the x-axis ($y = 0$).

  1. a) Design and describe two different analytical strategies to calculate this area:
  • Method 1 (integration with respect to the variable $x$): determine the intersection points and necessary intervals, expressing the area as the sum of integrals with respect to $x$.

  • Method 2 (integration with respect to the variable $y$): express the variable $x$ in terms of $y$ in each equation and write the total area as a single definite integral with respect to the variable $y$.

  1. b) Compare both methods and justify in a reasoned way which one is more advantageous in terms of computational efficiency and a lower likelihood of making algebraic errors.
  2. c) Apply the method you consider optimal (or combine integration with elementary Euclidean geometry on the linear segment) to obtain the exact numerical value of the area of the region.
Solve

The integral as an accumulated quantity

If a quantity changes at a certain "speed" or "rate", the total accumulated between two instants is the integral of that rate. It is the same idea you have already used with antiderivatives, now with specific limits.

Graph of a rate of change v(t) with the area under the curve between t = a and t = b shaded, representing the accumulated total. Shaded area = accumulated total a b

Back to the Luas: with $v(t)=2t+1$, the tram travels $\int_0^4 (2t+1)\,dt=\left[t^2+t\right]_0^4=20$ m in its first $4$ seconds.

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The velocity of a radio-controlled car (in $m/s$) is given by the function $v(t) = 2t + 1$. Determine the total distance travelled by the car between the times $t = 1$ s…

The velocity of a radio-controlled car (in $m/s$) is given by the function $v(t) = 2t + 1$. Determine the total distance travelled by the car between the times $t = 1$ s and $t = 4$ s by calculating the definite integral of the velocity.

Solve
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An electronics company has determined that the marginal cost of producing $x$ units of a sensor is $C'(x) = 3x^2 - 12x + 15$ euros per unit. Calculate the total increase…

An electronics company has determined that the marginal cost of producing $x$ units of a sensor is $C'(x) = 3x^2 - 12x + 15$ euros per unit. Calculate the total increase in cost when increasing production from $10$ to $20$ sensors.

Solve
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An autonomous vehicle travels in a straight line and its speed (in m/s) is given by the function $v(t) = t^2 - 6t + 8$, where $t$ is the time in seconds. Calculate the…

An autonomous vehicle travels in a straight line and its speed (in m/s) is given by the function $v(t) = t^2 - 6t + 8$, where $t$ is the time in seconds. Calculate the total distance travelled by the vehicle between time $t = 0$ and $t = 5$. Note: Remember that the distance is the integral of the modulus of the velocity.

Solve

Functions defined by an integral: tangent lines

Remember from the previous section that if $F(x)=\int_a^x f(t)\,dt$, then $F'(x)=f(x)$ by the fundamental theorem. This allows you to find the tangent line to $F$ without calculating any antiderivative: you only need $F$ at one point (an integral with numerical limits) and $F'$ at that point (the value of $f$ there).

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Given the integral function $F(x) = \int_{0}^{x} \sqrt{t^2 + 9} \, dt$, use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to find the value of its derivative at the point $x = 4$,…

Given the integral function $F(x) = \int_{0}^{x} \sqrt{t^2 + 9} \, dt$, use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to find the value of its derivative at the point $x = 4$, that is, calculate $F'(4)$.

Solve
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Let the function $F(x)$ be defined by the following integral: $F(x) = \int_{2}^{x^2-1} \frac{\ln(t)}{t} dt$ Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of $F(x)$…

Let the function $F(x)$ be defined by the following integral:

$F(x) = \int_{2}^{x^2-1} \frac{\ln(t)}{t} dt$

Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of $F(x)$ at the point with x-coordinate $x = \sqrt{3}$.

Solve
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Let the function $f(x)$ be defined by the following expression involving an integral: $F(x) = \int_{0}^{x^2} \frac{t-1}{2+e^t} dt$ Determine, giving reasons: a) The…

Let the function $f(x)$ be defined by the following expression involving an integral:

$F(x) = \int_{0}^{x^2} \frac{t-1}{2+e^t} dt$

Determine, giving reasons:

  1. a) The intervals of increase and decrease of $F(x)$ across its entire domain.
  2. b) The x-coordinates of the points where $F(x)$ reaches its local extrema, classifying them as maximums or minimums.
  3. c) Does the function $F(x)$ have any point of inflection in the interval $(0, +\infty)$? Justify your answer using the second derivative.
t y 0 1 x² g(t) = (t-1)/(2+eᵗ) F(x) = ∫₀ˣ² g(t) dt - +
Solve

Finding a parameter from an area

Many problems give you the value of the area and ask for a constant in the function or in the limits of integration. The method: set up the integral with the unknown inside, evaluate $F(b)-F(a)$, and set the result equal to the given area.

Graph of the parabola y = kx² and the horizontal line y = 4, with the region between the parabola and the line y = 4 shaded, to illustrate the calculation of an area in terms of a parameter. −c c y = 4 Area = known value
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Determine the value of the positive parameter $k > 0$ such that the area of the region bounded by the parabola $y = kx^2$ and the line $y = 4$ is exactly $16$ square…

Determine the value of the positive parameter $k > 0$ such that the area of the region bounded by the parabola $y = kx^2$ and the line $y = 4$ is exactly $16$ square units.

Solve
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A team of engineers is designing the entrance archway to a technology tunnel. The shape of the upper arch is given by the function $f(x) = 4 - x^2$ for $x \in [-2, 2]$.…

A team of engineers is designing the entrance archway to a technology tunnel. The shape of the upper arch is given by the function $f(x) = 4 - x^2$ for $x \in [-2, 2]$. To reinforce the structure, a straight line $y = k$ (where $0 < k < 4$) must be drawn such that the area of the upper section (above the reinforcing line) is exactly twice the area of the lower section (between the reinforcing line and the ground, located on the $OX$ axis).

Calculate the exact value of the constant $k$ that satisfies this condition.

X Y −2 2 4 0 f(x) = 4 - x² y = k A₁ A₂ A₁ = 2A₂
Solve
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In a hydraulic engineering project to modernize an irrigation network in the Shannon basin, a canal is designed whose cross-section has a parabolic profile symmetric…

In a hydraulic engineering project to modernize an irrigation network in the Shannon basin, a canal is designed whose cross-section has a parabolic profile symmetric with respect to the vertical axis, modeled by the function $y = ax^2$ (with $a > 0$, where $x$ and $y$ are measured in meters). The maximum water elevation is set by a horizontal line at a depth $y = h$ (with $h > 0$). The design must simultaneously satisfy two technical requirements:

  1. The width of the upper water surface (distance between the two banks at height $y = h$) must be exactly $6\text{ m}$.

  2. The cross-sectional wetted area (the surface enclosed between the parabola and the free surface $y = h$) must be $12\text{ m}^2$ to ensure the design flow rate.

  1. a) From the first technical requirement, obtain a simple mathematical relationship that expresses the depth $h$ in terms of the curvature parameter $a$.
  2. b) Set up the definite integral that allows calculating the wetted area and obtain its value in terms of $a$ and $h$ using Barrow's rule.
  3. c) Determine the exact numerical values of the depth $h$ and the parameter $a$ that fulfill both project specifications.
  4. d) Design reasoning: If due to an extraordinary increase in flow rate the water height doubles reaching a level $H = 2h$, reason analytically (relying on the properties of the integral and without needing to recalculate it numerically from scratch) whether the wetted area will double, be greater than double, or be less than double.
Solve

Summary

Beyond the syllabus: volumes of revolution and L'Hôpital's Rule

If a region under $y=f(x)$ between $x=a$ and $x=b$ is rotated about the $x$-axis, it sweeps out a solid. Slice it into thin discs of radius $f(x)$ and thickness $dx$. Each disc has volume $\pi f(x)^2\,dx$, so adding them up gives the volume.

L'Hôpital's Rule: if $\dfrac{f(x)}{g(x)}$ gives $\dfrac00$ (or $\dfrac{\infty}{\infty}$) as $x\to a$, and $f$, $g$ are differentiable near $a$ with $g'(x)\ne0$, then $\displaystyle\lim_{x\to a}\frac{f(x)}{g(x)}=\lim_{x\to a}\frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)}$ provided the second limit exists. It can be applied repeatedly. With an integral, the fundamental theorem gives $\dfrac{d}{dx}\displaystyle\int_0^x h(t)\,dt=h(x)$.

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Consider the region of the plane $R$ bounded by the curve $y = \ln(x)$, the tangent line to this curve at the point with x-coordinate $x = e$, and the x-axis $OX$. a)…

Consider the region of the plane $R$ bounded by the curve $y = \ln(x)$, the tangent line to this curve at the point with x-coordinate $x = e$, and the x-axis $OX$.

  1. a) Find the equation of the aforementioned tangent line.
  2. b) Calculate the area of the region $R$.
  3. c) Calculate the volume of the solid of revolution generated by rotating the region $R$ about the $OX$ axis.
X Y (e, 1) e 1 O y = ln(x) Tangent: y = ? R (Area = ?) Volume = ? Rotation about OX
Solve
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A metal piece is to be manufactured whose cross section is bounded by the curves $y = \sqrt{x}$, $y = x - 2$ and the $y$-axis $OY$. a) Sketch the region and determine…

A metal piece is to be manufactured whose cross section is bounded by the curves $y = \sqrt{x}$, $y = x - 2$ and the $y$-axis $OY$.

  1. a) Sketch the region and determine its points of intersection.
  1. b) Calculate the area of that cross section.
  1. c) If the piece is obtained by rotating this region about the $y$-axis $OY$, set up (without needing to calculate) the integral or sum of integrals that would give the volume of the piece.

You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.

Solve
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Calculate the value of the following limit applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and L'Hôpital's Rule:…

Calculate the value of the following limit applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and L'Hôpital's Rule:

$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x \times \int_{0}^{x} e^{-t^2} dt}{1 - \cos(x^2)}$

State in detail the steps followed and the necessary hypotheses for applying each theorem.

Solve
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Given the function $f(x) = \frac{x^2}{x^2 + 1}$, consider the region bounded by the graph of $f(x)$, its horizontal asymptote and the vertical lines $x = -1$ and…

Given the function $f(x) = \frac{x^2}{x^2 + 1}$, consider the region bounded by the graph of $f(x)$, its horizontal asymptote and the vertical lines $x = -1$ and $x = 1$.

  1. a) Identify the equation of the horizontal asymptote of the function.
  2. b) Calculate the area of this region.
  3. c) Determine the volume of the solid generated by rotating this region around its horizontal asymptote.

(Hint: Perform a change of variable or translation to facilitate the calculation of the volume).

x y 0 x = −1 x = 1 y = ? f(x) Area = ? Volume = ?
Solve
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