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AP Calc AB · Mathematics
Integrals · Definite integral

Properties of the Definite Integral

Before you start, make sure you know: Parity of a function (Algebra 2)
Before you start, make sure you know: Parity of a function (Precalculus)

Jayden's phone shows that he used $6$ GB of data in the first $10$ days of the month and $2.5$ GB in the first $4$ days. How much did he use from day $4$ to day $10$? You don't need the day-by-day data. A few properties of the definite integral are enough, and they let you find many integrals without computing a single antiderivative.

Linearity: sums and constant multiples

A definite integral is a limit of Riemann sums $\sum f(x_i)\,\Delta x$. Sums and constant factors can be pulled out of an ordinary sum. They can therefore be pulled out of the limit too.

Diagram of the linearity rules: an integral of a sum splits into a sum of integrals, and a constant factor comes out of the integral. Sum ∫(f + g) = ∫f + ∫g Constant multiple ∫k·f = k·∫f the constant comes out of the integral
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Given two continuous functions $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ in 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 $g(x)$ in 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 with a constant speed of $v(t) = 12$ feet per second. Calculate the distance traveled by the drone between the seconds $t=5$ and $t=15$ by…

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

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

Verify the result using the geometric formula for the area of a rectangle.

0 5 15 t (s) 12 v(t) (ft/s) v(t) = 12 Δt = 10 v = 12 Area = Distance 12 × 10 = 120 ft
Solve
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It is known that an electrical signal captured by a sensor follows a behavior described by two functions, $f(x)$ and $g(x)$. After taking several measurements in the…

It is known that an electrical signal captured by a sensor follows a behavior described by two functions, $f(x)$ and $g(x)$. After taking several measurements in the laboratory, the following values have been obtained for their definite integrals in 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 resulting integral from the combination of both signals in this 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 intervals

Pick a point $c$ and cut $[a,b]$ into two pieces. The area under the curve over the whole interval is the area over the left piece plus the area over the right piece.

Area under a curve from a to b split at a point c into two adjacent regions whose areas add up to the total. a to c c to b a c b whole = left piece + right piece
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Given a continuous function $h(x)$, the following data is 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 is 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 interval addition property.

Solve
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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 time in hours.

12 5 0 4 7 t (hours) f(x) ∫₀⁷ f(x) dx = ?
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 in different sections is:

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

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

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

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

Reversing limits and zero-width intervals

Two special cases show up all the time when you rearrange integrals.

Two copies of the same region under a curve: integrating left to right gives positive 4, and integrating right to left gives negative 4. left to right: +4 right to left: −4
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If it is known that the integral of a function $f(x)$ in 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 $f(x)$ in 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 \cdot…

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

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

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

Solve

Symmetry: even and odd functions

On an interval $[-a,a]$ centered at $0$, knowing whether $f$ is even or odd can save you half the work, or all of it.

Left: an even function has equal areas on both sides of the y-axis that add. Right: an odd function has opposite signed areas that cancel. even: both halves add odd: the halves cancel
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Without calculating the antiderivative, reason based on the symmetry properties of the functions why the value of the following definite integral is exactly zero:…

Without calculating the antiderivative, reason based on the symmetry properties of the 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 over the entire set of real numbers. The following data is known: $\int_{0}^{3} f(x) \, dx = 5$…

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

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

Find, 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

Parity of products and compositions

Real functions rarely look purely even or odd. Parity of a product or a composition follows sign rules, like multiplying positives and negatives.

Combination Result
even $\cdot$ even even
odd $\cdot$ odd even
even $\cdot$ odd odd
$f(g(x))$ with $g$ even even
$(\text{odd})^2$, such as $\sin^2 x$ even

For example, $\cos(x^2)$ is even because the inside function $x^2$ is even. Also, $\sin^2 x = (\sin x)^2$ is even, so $e^{\sin^2 x}$ is even.

The graph above is $x^3\cos x$, an odd function (odd $\cdot$ even) that is symmetric about the origin.

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

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

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

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

x y f(x) 5 −5 0 K -K
Solve

Sign changes and absolute value

The integral counts area above the $x$-axis as positive and area below as negative. To get the total (unsigned) area, integrate $|f|$. To do that, find where $f$ changes sign and split the interval there.

Graph of the absolute value of x squared minus 1 on the interval from 0 to 2, with two shaded regions of area 2/3 and 4/3; the dashed curve is the original function below the axis. Area = 2/3 + 4/3 = 2 2/3 4/3 0 1 2
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Given the continuous function $f(x)$ defined in the interval $[-2, 5]$, it is known that the area enclosed by the curve and the $OX$-axis is as follows: In the interval…

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

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

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

Calculate, showing your 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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Calculate the value of the definite integral of the function $f(x) = |x^2 - 4|$ in the interval $[0, 3]$. To do this, you will need to split the integral into several…

Calculate the value of the definite integral of the function $f(x) = |x^2 - 4|$ in the interval $[0, 3]$. To do this, you will need to split the integral into several sections using the additivity property according to the sign of the integrand.

0 2 3 4 5 −4 X Y A₁ A₂ f(x) = |x² - 4| y = x² - 4
Solve
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Let the function $f(x) = |x - a| + |x - 2|$ be defined in the interval $[0, 4]$. If it is known that the value of the definite integral of this function in this interval…

Let the function $f(x) = |x - a| + |x - 2|$ be defined in the interval $[0, 4]$. If it is known that the value of the definite integral of this function in this interval is a minimum for a specific value of $a \in [0, 4]$, use the properties of the integral to express $\int_{0}^{4} f(x) \, dx$ as a function of $a$, $I(a)$, and find the value of $a$ that minimizes this integral.

x y 0 a 2 4 f(x) = |x-a| + |x-2| Area = I(a)
Solve

Comparison and bounds

If one graph lies above another, the area under it is larger. That simple idea lets you compare integrals, and trap an integral between two numbers, without computing it.

Graphs of y equals x and y equals square root of x from 0 to 4; they cross at x equal to 1, so the order of the curves flips. √x ≥ x on [0, 1], but √x ≤ x on [1, 4] y = x y = √x 0 1 4
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Without needing to calculate the antiderivatives, justify with reasoning which of the following integrals is greater using the comparison property of integrals (…

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

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

Would your answer change if the interval of integration were $[1, 2]$? Justify your answer by analyzing the behavior of the functions in both intervals.

Solve
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Given two continuous functions $f$ and $g$ in the interval $[0, 1]$ such that $f(x) = \frac{1}{1+x^4}$ and $g(x) = 1 - x^4$, use the boundedness property of the definite…

Given two continuous functions $f$ and $g$ in the interval $[0, 1]$ such that $f(x) = \frac{1}{1+x^4}$ and $g(x) = 1 - x^4$, use the boundedness property of the definite integral to prove the following inequality without calculating the integrals:

$$\int_{0}^{1} (1 - x^4) \, dx < \int_{0}^{1} \frac{1}{1+x^4} \, dx < 1$$

Hint: Analyze the behavior of the functions inside the interval $(0, 1)$ and use the fact that for $0 < u < 1$, $1-u < \frac{1}{1+u} < 1$ holds.

0 1 1 x y y = 1 f(x) = 1/(1+x⁴) g(x) = 1 - x⁴ Area g(x) Area f(x)
Solve

Average value and the Mean Value Theorem for Integrals

A function that is continuous on $[a,b]$ can be replaced, as far as area goes, by a flat rectangle. The height of that rectangle is the average value of the function.

A curve over the interval from a to b with a dashed rectangle at the average height; the rectangle has the same area as the region under the curve, and the curve meets the average height at two points labeled c. same area a c c b

Why must $f$ hit its average? If $m$ and $M$ are the minimum and maximum of $f$ on $[a,b]$, bounding gives $m \le f_{\text{avg}} \le M$. By the Intermediate Value Theorem, a continuous $f$ takes every value between $m$ and $M$, including $f_{\text{avg}}$.

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Let $f(x)$ be a continuous function in the interval $[2, 6]$ of which it is known that its minimum value is $m = 1$ and its maximum value is $M = 5$. a) State, with…

Let $f(x)$ be a continuous function in the interval $[2, 6]$ of which it is known that its minimum value is $m = 1$ and its maximum value is $M = 5$.

  1. a) State, with reasoning, 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 in this interval and explain its geometric meaning.
Solve
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Given that the integral of a function $f(x)$ in the interval $[a, b]$ is equal to $I$, prove using the properties of the definite integral that: $$\int_{a}^{b} [f(x) -…

Given that the integral of a function $f(x)$ in the interval $[a, b]$ is equal to $I$, prove using the properties of the definite integral that:

$$\int_{a}^{b} [f(x) - \frac{I}{b-a}] \, dx = 0$$

Explain the interpretation of this result in relation to the Mean Value Theorem for Definite Integrals.

Solve
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A surveillance drone moves in a straight line following a velocity given by the function $v(t) = t \cdot \sqrt{16 - t^2}$ in feet per second, where $t$ is the time in…

A surveillance drone moves in a straight line following a velocity given by the function $v(t) = t \cdot \sqrt{16 - t^2}$ in feet per second, where $t$ is the time in seconds from the start of the mission up to $t = 4$.

Find all times $c \in (0, 4)$ at which the instantaneous velocity of the drone coincides with its mean velocity over the entire interval $[0, 4]$. To do this, apply the Mean Value Theorem for Definite Integrals and solve the corresponding definite integral.

t (s) v(t) 0 1 2 3 4 2 4 6 8 v(t) = t√(16 - t²) vₘ c₁ c₂
Solve

Integrals with variable limits

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (Part 1) says that if $f$ is continuous, then $$\frac{d}{dx}\int_a^x f(t)\,dt = f(x).$$ With a variable upper limit $u(x)$, you add the chain rule: $$\frac{d}{dx}\int_a^{u(x)} f(t)\,dt = f\big(u(x)\big)\,u'(x).$$ The lower limit has to be a constant. If both limits depend on $x$, the properties of this page fix it.

The same theorem tells you where an integral function increases and decreases: $G'(x)$ is the integrand.

Sign chart for the integrand t squared minus 5t plus 4 times e to the minus t: positive on 0 to 1, negative on 1 to 4, positive on 4 to 5, giving a local maximum at 1 and a local minimum at 4. 0 1 4 5 + − + increasing decreasing increasing local max local min
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Let the function $F(x)$ be defined for $x > 0$ by the following integral with variable limits: $$F(x) = \int_{x}^{x^2} \frac{1}{\ln(t+1)} \, dt$$ Using the Fundamental…

Let the function $F(x)$ be defined for $x > 0$ by the following integral with variable limits:

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

Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and the chain rule, calculate the value of the derivative $F'(1)$. Explain which property of the definite integral allows you to split the interval of integration to apply the theorem if the limits are not constant.

0 t y x x² a f(t) = 1 ln(t+1) F(x)
Solve
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Given the integral function $G(x) = \int_{0}^{x} (t^2 - 3t + 2) \cdot e^{-t^2} \, dt$, analyze the intervals of increase and decrease of $G(x)$ using the Fundamental…

Given the integral function $G(x) = \int_{0}^{x} (t^2 - 3t + 2) \cdot e^{-t^2} \, dt$, analyze the intervals of increase and decrease of $G(x)$ using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Determine the x-coordinates of the relative maxima and minima of $G(x)$ in the interval $[0, 3]$ and justify whether the value of the integral in the interval $[1, 2]$ is positive or negative based on the sign of the integrand.

+ - + t f(t) 0 3 1 2 f(t) = (t² - 3t + 2)e⁻ᵗ² Max G(x) Min G(x)
Solve

Two tricks: reflection and periodicity

Some integrals can't be done directly, but a symmetry argument finds their value.

Three identical arches of a periodic function with period 1, each with the same area one sixth. each period has the same area: 1/6 0 1 2 3
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In an optics experiment on the diffraction of light, an integral of the form $I = \int_{0}^{\pi} \frac{x \cdot \sin(x)}{1 + \cos^2(x)} \, dx$ is obtained. To solve it,…

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

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

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 an upper 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 an upper 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 value of the total area under the curve in the interval $[0, 20]$ using the properties of the definite integral for periodic functions and additivity with respect to the interval.

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

Back to the start: with $f$ as Jayden's data rate, additivity gave $\int_4^{10} f = 6 - 2.5 = 3.5$ GB, with no day-by-day data needed.

Summary

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