Understanding Definite Integrals: Riemann Sums and Continuity in Calculus
This chapter explores the concept of definite integrals using Riemann sums, focusing on continuous functions defined over an interval. It divides the interval ([a,b]) into subintervals of equal width (Delta x) and uses sample points to approximate the area under the curve. Illustrative examples demonstrate evaluating Riemann sums for (f(x) = x^2) with different sampling methods (left endpoints, right endpoints, and midpoints). The chapter also covers the fundamental properties of integrals, providing a comprehensive understanding of integration in calculus.
Understanding Definite Integrals: Riemann Sums and Continuity in Calculus
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Presentation Transcript
The Definite Integral CHAPTER 2 2.4 Continuity f (x) x xi xi+1 xi* i=1nf (xi*) x Riemann Sum animation
Definition of a Definite Integral If f is a continuous function defined for b x a we divide the interval [a,b] into subintervals of equal widthx =(b–a)/n. We let x0(= a), x1, x2 … xn ( = b) be the endpoints of these subintervals and we choose sample points x1*,x2*… xn*, so xi*lies in the ith subinterval [xi-1, xi]. Then the definite integralof f from a to b is b abf (x) dx = lim n0 i=1nf (xi*) x .
Example If f (x)= x2, 0 <= x <= 1, evaluate the Riemann sum with n = 4, taking the sample points to be right endpoints. Right endpoints animation
Example If f (x)= x2, 0 <= x <= 1, evaluate the Riemann sum with n = 4, taking the sample points to be left endpoints. Left endpoints animation
Example If f (x)= x2, 0 <= x <= 1, evaluate the Riemann sum with n = 4, taking the sample points to be midpoints. Midpoints animation
Midpoint Rule ba f (x) dx ni = 1 f (xi*) x = x [ f (x1) + … + f (xn)] where x = (b – a) / n and xi = ½ (xi-1 + xi) = midpoint of [xi-1, xi]. _ _ _
Properties of the Integral • abc dx = c(b – a), where c is any constant. • ab[ f (x) + g(x)]dx= abf (x) dx + abg(x) dx • 3. abc f (x) dx = c abf (x) dx , • 4. ab[ f (x) - g(x)]dx= abf (x) dx - abg(x) dx. • 6.abf (x) dx +abf (x) dx = abf(x) dx.
