Glossary
Antiderivative
A function whose derivative is the original function. Finding an antiderivative is the reverse process of differentiation.
Example:
If , then is an antiderivative of , where C is any constant.
Definite Integral
An integral with upper and lower limits of integration, representing the net signed area under the curve of a function over a specific interval.
Example:
To find the total distance traveled by a car with velocity from to seconds, we would calculate the definite integral .
Differentiation
The process of finding the derivative of a function, which represents the instantaneous rate of change of the function.
Example:
The process of finding the slope of the tangent line to a curve at any point is called differentiation.
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTOC)
A foundational theorem in calculus that links the concepts of differentiating a function and integrating a function. It has two main parts that establish the relationship between antiderivatives and definite integrals.
Example:
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus allows us to quickly evaluate by finding the antiderivative and evaluating it at the bounds, rather than using Riemann sums.
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1
States that if $g(x) = \int_{a}^{x} f(t) dt$, then $g'(x) = f(x)$. It shows that differentiation and integration are inverse operations.
Example:
If , then by Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1, .
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 2
States that if $F$ is an antiderivative of $f$ on $[a,b]$, then $\int_{a}^{b} f(x)dx = F(b) - F(a)$. This part is commonly used to evaluate definite integrals.
Example:
Using Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 2, we can evaluate as .
Integration
The process of finding the antiderivative of a function, often used to calculate areas, volumes, or total accumulation.
Example:
To find the area under the curve of from to , we perform integration of over that interval.
Lower Bound
The bottom limit of integration in a definite integral, indicating the starting point of the interval over which the function is being integrated.
Example:
In the integral , the number 1 is the lower bound.
Upper Bound
The top limit of integration in a definite integral, indicating the endpoint of the interval over which the function is being integrated.
Example:
In the integral , the number 5 is the upper bound.