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6th Year HL · Mathematics
Integrals · Definite integral

Properties of the definite integral

Aoife is revising for her Leaving Cert mock exams. The question says: "Given that $\int_0^4 f(x)\,dx=12$ and $\int_4^7 f(x)\,dx=5$, find $\int_0^7 f(x)\,dx$." There is no formula for $f$. Can she still answer it? Yes: a few properties of the definite integral are all you need. Linearity, splitting into pieces and symmetry are applied here to given numbers, not to functions. You will see Aoife's answer in the section on additivity.

Linearity: sums and multiples

The definite integral behaves just like the indefinite integral with respect to sums and constant multipliers.

Visual outline of the linearity rules: splitting sums into sums of integrals and taking constants out of the integral. Sum ∫(f+g) = ∫f + ∫g Constant ∫k·f = k·∫f the constant "comes out" of the integral
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Given two continuous functions $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ on the interval $[1, 5]$, we know the following values of their definite integrals: $$\int_1^5 f(x) \, dx = 6 \quad…

Given two continuous functions $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ on the interval $[1, 5]$, we know the following values of their definite integrals:

$$\int_1^5 f(x) \, dx = 6 \quad \text{and} \quad \int_1^5 g(x) \, dx = -3$$

Use the linearity properties of the integral to calculate the value of:

$$\int_1^5 [2f(x) + 4g(x)] \, dx$$
Solve
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A drone moves horizontally at a constant speed of $v(t) = 12$ metres per second. Calculate the distance travelled by the drone between $t=5$ and $t=15$ seconds by…

A drone moves horizontally at a constant speed of $v(t) = 12$ metres per second. Calculate the distance travelled by the drone between $t=5$ and $t=15$ seconds by setting up the definite integral of the constant function:

$$\int_{5}^{15} 12 \, dt$$

Check the result using the geometric formula for the area of a rectangle. The figure shades the region between the graph of $v(t)$ and the time axis for $5 \le t \le 15$.

Graph of the constant velocity v(t) = 12 m/s with the shaded region under the line between t = 5 s and t = 15 s0515t (s)12v(t) (m/s)v(t) = 12
Solve
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Cian is solving review exercises for the Leaving Certificate exam and comes across the following statement: "Knowing that $f(x)$ is a continuous function on $[1, 4]$ and…

Cian is solving review exercises for the Leaving Certificate exam and comes across the following statement: "Knowing that $f(x)$ is a continuous function on $[1, 4]$ and that $\int_{1}^{4} f(x) \, dx = 8$, calculate the value of $\int_{1}^{4} [2 \times f(x) + 3] \, dx$".\nIn his notebook, he writes the following resolution:\n$$\int_{1}^{4} [2 \times f(x) + 3] \, dx = 2 \times \int_{1}^{4} f(x) \, dx + 3 = 2 \times 8 + 3 = 19$$\na) Identify with mathematical precision the mistake that Cian made. Explain why his treatment of the constant term $+3$ is incorrect considering the definition of the definite integral as the sum of areas of infinitesimal rectangles.\nb) Correct the calculation by rigorously applying the linearity properties of the definite integral.

Solve
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It is known that an electrical signal received by a sensor follows a behaviour described by two functions, $f(x)$ and $g(x)$. After conducting several measurements in…

It is known that an electrical signal received by a sensor follows a behaviour described by two functions, $f(x)$ and $g(x)$. After conducting several measurements in the laboratory, the following values were obtained for their definite integrals over the interval $[1, 4]$:

$\int_{1}^{4} f(x) \, dx = 7$ and $\int_{1}^{4} g(x) \, dx = -3$

Using the linearity properties of the definite integral, calculate the value of the integral resulting from the combination of both signals in that interval:

$$\int_{1}^{4} [2f(x) - 5g(x) + 3] \, dx$$ x y 0 1 4 ∫₁⁴ f(x) dx = 7 ∫₁⁴ g(x) dx = −3 f(x) g(x)
Solve

Additivity over the interval

If you split $[a,b]$ into two pieces with an intermediate point $c$, the integral over the whole interval is the sum of the integrals over the pieces. This is what you already used in the previous section to "cut up" a region where the sign changes.

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A logistics company monitors the speed of one of its vehicles. The graph of the function $f(x)$ represents the rate of fuel consumption. Knowing that: $$\int_0^4 f(x) \,…

A logistics company monitors the speed of one of its vehicles. The graph of the function $f(x)$ represents the rate of fuel consumption. Knowing that:

$$\int_0^4 f(x) \, dx = 12 \quad \text{and} \quad \int_4^7 f(x) \, dx = 5$$

Calculate, applying the interval additivity property, the value of the integral $\int_0^7 f(x) \, dx$ and interpret its meaning if the x-axis represents the time in hours.

12 5 0 4 7 t (hours) f(x) ∫₀⁷ f(x) dx = ?
Solve
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Given a continuous function $h(x)$, the following data are known: $$\int_1^3 h(x) \, dx = 4 \quad \text{and} \quad \int_1^6 h(x) \, dx = 10$$ Calculate the value of the…

Given a continuous function $h(x)$, the following data are known:

$$\int_1^3 h(x) \, dx = 4 \quad \text{and} \quad \int_1^6 h(x) \, dx = 10$$

Calculate the value of the integral $\int_3^6 h(x) \, dx$ using the property of the sum of intervals.

Solve
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A surveillance drone travels along a straight path whose velocity as a function of time is given by a continuous function $v(t)$. Data analysts have determined that the…

A surveillance drone travels along a straight path whose velocity as a function of time is given by a continuous function $v(t)$. Data analysts have determined that the accumulated displacement over different sections is:

  1. From the start to second 3: $\int_{0}^{3} v(t) \, dt = 45$ metres.

  2. From second 3 to second 8: $\int_{3}^{8} v(t) \, dt = 120$ metres.

  3. From second 5 to second 8: $\int_{5}^{8} v(t) \, dt = 70$ metres.

Calculate, justifying the use of the interval additivity property, the displacement of the drone between seconds 0 and 5, that is: $\int_{0}^{5} v(t) \, dt$.

Solve
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The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) monitors the net inflow rate $q(t)$ (measured in $\text{hm}^3/\text{day}$) in a reservoir in the Wicklow Mountains during a three-day…

The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) monitors the net inflow rate $q(t)$ (measured in $\text{hm}^3/\text{day}$) in a reservoir in the Wicklow Mountains during a three-day rainfall event ($t \in [0, 3]$). The automatic sensors recorded the following integrated water measurements:\n- Total net inflow during the entire three days: $\int_{0}^{3} q(t) \, dt = 14.5 \, \text{hm}^3$.\n- Accumulated net inflow over the last two days: $\int_{1}^{3} q(t) \, dt = 9.2 \, \text{hm}^3$.\n- Control measurement between two floodgates recorded in reverse chronological order: $\int_{2}^{1} q(t) \, dt = -3.8 \, \text{hm}^3$.\na) Model the situation by setting up the relevant relationships using the properties of interval additivity and reversal of integration limits, and calculate the net volume delivered during the first day ($t \in [0, 1]$).\nb) Determine in a reasoned manner the net volume of water that entered the reservoir exclusively during the third day ($t \in [2, 3]$).

Solve

Swapped limits and the point as an interval

Two special cases are worth knowing by heart because they appear constantly when manipulating limits of integration.

Graphical interpretation of the additivity of the integral: the area under the curve from a to b split into the sum of two adjacent regions separated by the point c. a c b ∫ₐᵇ = ∫ₐᶜ + ∫ᶜᵇ ∫ba = −∫ₐᵇ
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If it is known that the integral of a function $f(x)$ over a reversed interval is $\int_8^3 f(x) \, dx = 14$, determine the value of the integral in the conventional…

If it is known that the integral of a function $f(x)$ over a reversed interval is $\int_8^3 f(x) \, dx = 14$, determine the value of the integral in the conventional direction:

$$\int_3^8 f(x) \, dx$$

Justify which property of the definite integral you have used.

Solve
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Determine, without needing to calculate the antiderivative or evaluate the function, the value of the following integral: $$\int_{\sqrt{2}}^{\sqrt{2}} \frac{e^x \times…

Determine, without needing to calculate the antiderivative or evaluate the function, the value of the following integral:

$$\int_{\sqrt{2}}^{\sqrt{2}} \frac{e^x \times \ln(x^2+1)}{\cos^2(x)+5} \, dx$$

State the name of the property on which you base your answer.

Solve

Comparing, bounding and splitting at sign changes

Sometimes you cannot find an integral exactly, but you can still say how big it is, or you must split it where the function changes sign.

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Let $f(x)$ be a continuous function on the interval $[2, 6]$ whose minimum value is known to be $m = 1$ and whose maximum value is $M = 5$. a) State, giving reasons,…

Let $f(x)$ be a continuous function on the interval $[2, 6]$ whose minimum value is known to be $m = 1$ and whose maximum value is $M = 5$.

  1. a) State, giving reasons, between which values the integral $\int_{2}^{6} f(x) \, dx$ lies.
  1. b) If we also know that $\int_{2}^{6} f(x) \, dx = 12$, find the mean value of the function on that interval and explain its geometric meaning.
Solve
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Given the continuous function $f(x)$ defined on the interval $[-2, 5]$, it is known that the area enclosed by the curve and the $OX$ axis is as follows: On the interval…

Given the continuous function $f(x)$ defined on the interval $[-2, 5]$, it is known that the area enclosed by the curve and the $OX$ axis is as follows:

  • On the interval $[-2, 1]$, the function is negative and the area of the region is $4$ $u^2$.

  • On the interval $[1, 5]$, the function is positive and the area of the region is $10$ $u^2$.

Calculate, with reasoning, the values of the following definite integrals:

  1. $\int_{-2}^{5} f(x) \, dx$

  2. $\int_{5}^{1} f(x) \, dx$

  3. $\int_{-2}^{5} |f(x)| \, dx$

X Y −2 1 5 A₁ = 4 u² A₂ = 10 u² f(x)
Solve
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Without needing to calculate the antiderivatives, justify with reasoning which of the following integrals is greater using the integral comparison property (…

Without needing to calculate the antiderivatives, justify with reasoning which of the following integrals is greater using the integral comparison property ($f(x) \leq g(x) \implies \int f \leq \int g$):

$$I_1 = \int_{0}^{1} x^2 \, dx \quad \text{o} \quad I_2 = \int_{0}^{1} x^3 \, dx$$

Would your answer change if the interval of integration were $[1, 2]$? Justify your answer by analysing the behaviour of the functions on both intervals.

Solve

Symmetry: even and odd functions

This section goes beyond the Leaving Certificate syllabus for this level.

On a symmetric interval $[-a,a]$, knowing whether $f$ is even or odd saves you half the work (or all of it, if it is odd).

Graphical comparison of integrals over symmetric intervals: doubling of the area for even functions and total cancellation to zero for odd ones. even: the two halves add up odd: the two halves cancel out
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Without calculating the antiderivative, reason based on the symmetry properties of functions why the value of the following definite integral is exactly zero:…

Without calculating the antiderivative, reason based on the symmetry properties of functions why the value of the following definite integral is exactly zero:

$$\int_{-10}^{10} (x^7 - \sin(x) + x^3) \, dx$$ f(x) = x⁷ - sin(x) + x³ x y 0 −10 10 -A +A
Solve
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It is known that a function $f(x)$ is even and that the area enclosed under its curve between the y-axis ($x=0$) and the line $x=3$ is $4.5$ square units. That is:…

It is known that a function $f(x)$ is even and that the area enclosed under its curve between the y-axis ($x=0$) and the line $x=3$ is $4.5$ square units. That is:

$$\int_0^3 f(x) \, dx = 4.5$$

Calculate the value of $\int_{-3}^3 f(x) \, dx$, justifying the result using the symmetry of the function.

f(-x) = f(x) Total = ? −3 0 3 x y 4.5 ? f(x)
Solve
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Consider a function $f(x)$ that is even and a function $g(x)$ that is odd across the set of real numbers. The following data are known: $\int_{0}^{3} f(x) \, dx = 5$ and…

Consider a function $f(x)$ that is even and a function $g(x)$ that is odd across the set of real numbers. The following data are known:

$\int_{0}^{3} f(x) \, dx = 5$ and $\int_{-3}^{0} g(x) \, dx = 4$

Find, by applying the symmetry properties of the definite integral, the value of:

$$\int_{-3}^{3} [3f(x) - g(x)] \, dx$$ x y −3 3 0 5 5 f(x) even x y −3 3 0 4 −4 g(x) odd
Solve
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The aerodynamics department of a racing team models the cross-section of a wing using a continuous function $f(x)$ that is even on all of $\mathbb{R}$ ($f(-x) = f(x)$).…

The aerodynamics department of a racing team models the cross-section of a wing using a continuous function $f(x)$ that is even on all of $\mathbb{R}$ ($f(-x) = f(x)$). In wind tunnel tests, the following values of accumulated lift have been determined:\n$$\int_{0}^{4} f(x) \, dx = 12 \qquad\text{and}\qquad \int_{-4}^{6} f(x) \, dx = 19$$\na) Using the symmetry properties of even functions and interval additivity, deduce with justification the value of $\int_{4}^{6} f(x) \, dx$ and that of $\int_{-6}^{-4} f(x) \, dx$.\nb) Inverse problem: It is desired to add a trim device that generates a uniform constant effect. Formulate and solve the equation that allows determining the exact value of the real constant $k$ so that the following equilibrium condition is met:\n$$\int_{-4}^{4} [k \times f(x) - 2] \, dx = 16$$

Solve
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Consider the following definite integral over a symmetric interval:\n$$I = \int_{-3}^{3} (4x^3 - 2x + 5) \, dx$$\na) Estimate: Before calculating antiderivatives,…

Consider the following definite integral over a symmetric interval:\n$$I = \int_{-3}^{3} (4x^3 - 2x + 5) \, dx$$\na) Estimate: Before calculating antiderivatives, analyze the three terms of the integrand and their behavior with respect to the origin of coordinates. Predict in a reasoned manner what the exact numerical value of $I$ will be, justifying which terms will cancel out due to symmetry and which one will determine the final result.\nb) Check: Apply the linearity and symmetry properties (evenness and oddness) of the definite integral to break down $I$ into sums of simpler integrals. Formally justify the value of each one without calculating antiderivatives of the odd powers and check whether your initial estimation was correct.

Solve

Harder techniques: reflection, periodic functions and variable limits

This section goes beyond the Leaving Certificate syllabus for this level.

Three more tools help with the hardest questions.

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In digital audio signal processing, functions that represent complex sound waves are studied. Consider the function $f(x) = x^3 \times \cos(x^2) \times e^{\sin^2(x)}$.…

In digital audio signal processing, functions that represent complex sound waves are studied. Consider the function $f(x) = x^3 \times \cos(x^2) \times e^{\sin^2(x)}$. Without computing any antiderivative, justify your reasoning based on the properties of the definite integral to find the value of:

$$\int_{-5}^{5} f(x) \, dx$$

Then, if it is known that $\int_{0}^{5} f(x) \, dx = K$, determine in terms of $K$ the value of $\int_{-5}^{0} f(x) \, dx$.

Solve
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In an optics experiment on light diffraction, an integral of the form $I = \int_{0}^{\pi} \frac{x \times \sin(x)}{1 + \cos^2(x)} \, dx$ is obtained. To solve it, use the…

In an optics experiment on light diffraction, an integral of the form $I = \int_{0}^{\pi} \frac{x \times \sin(x)}{1 + \cos^2(x)} \, dx$ is obtained.

To solve it, use the reflection property $\int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx = \int_{a}^{b} f(a+b-x) \, dx$ to show that:

$$2I = \pi \times \int_{0}^{\pi} \frac{\sin(x)}{1 + \cos^2(x)} \, dx$$

From this equality, find the exact value of the integral $I$.

0 π/2 π x y y = f(x) y = f(π-x) y = f(x) + f(π-x) I = ∫ f(x) dx = ? 2I = ∫ (f(x)+f(π-x)) = ?
Solve
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A mechanical part has a top profile defined by the function $f(x)$, which is periodic with period $T=2$. It is known that in the interval $[0, 2]$, the function is…

A mechanical part has a top profile defined by the function $f(x)$, which is periodic with period $T=2$. It is known that in the interval $[0, 2]$, the function is $f(x) = x(2-x)$.

Calculate the total area under the curve in the interval $[0, 20]$ using the properties of the definite integral for periodic functions and additivity over intervals.

1 y x 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 f(x)=x(2-x) A₁ T=2 10 periods
Solve

Summary

Back to the start: Aoife's answer is $12+5=17$, just by additivity.

See all the exercises in this section