zuai-logo

Riemann Sums & Definite Integrals

David Brown

David Brown

5 min read

Listen to this study note

Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, exploring both the First and Second Fundamental Theorems. It explains their definitions, theorem statements, and provides a worked example and practice questions. Key terms such as antiderivative, continuous function, definite integral, and accumulation function are defined in a glossary. The guide emphasizes the connection between differentiation and integration.

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  3. Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  4. Worked Example
  5. Practice Questions
  6. Glossary
  7. Summary and Key Takeaways

Introduction

Key Concept

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is a crucial concept in calculus that links the concepts of differentiation and integration. It is divided into two parts:

  1. The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  2. The Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Definition

The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus connects antiderivatives with the value of definite integrals. This theorem provides a straightforward method for evaluating definite integrals.

Theorem Statement

If ff is a function that is continuous on the closed interval [a,b][a, b], and FF is an antiderivative of ff on [a,b][a, b], then:

abf(x),dx=F(b)F(a)\int_{a}^{b} f(x) , dx = F(b) - F(a)

Exam Tip

Be sure to review how to evaluate definite integrals using this theorem. Refer to the 'Evaluating Definite Integrals' study guide for detailed steps.

Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Definition

The Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus allows an antiderivative to be expressed as an accumulation function, where the variable xx appears as an integration limit.

Theorem Statement

If ff is a function that is continuous on an interval containing aa, then for values of xx in that interval:

ddx(axf(t),dt)=f(x)\frac{d}{dx} \left( \int_{a}^{x} f(t) , dt \right) = f(x)

Exam Tip

Exam questions may not explicitly reference this theorem but will expect you to recognize and apply its implications.

#### Example: Given the function h(x)=_0xf(t)dth(x) = \int\_{0}^{x} f(t) \, dt, determine which of the following is true: (A) h(4)<h(4)<h(4)h(4) < h'(4) < h''(4) (B) h(4)<h(4)<h(4)h(4) < h''(4) < h'(4) (C) h(4)<h(4)<h(4)h'(4) < h(4) < h''(4) (D) h(4)<h(4)<h(4)h''(4) < h(4) < h'(4) (E) h(4)<h(4)<h(4)h''(4) < h'(4) < h(4)

Solution:

  • h(4)=04f(t),dth(4) = \int_{0}^{4} f(t) , dt: If ff is positive over the interval [0,4][0, 4], then h(4)>0h(4) > 0.
  • h(x)=ddx(0xf(t),dt)=f(x)h'(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( \int_{0}^{x} f(t) , dt \right) = f(x) by the Second Fundamental Theorem. Therefore, h(4)=f(4)h'(4) = f(4). If f(4)=0f(4) = 0, then h(4)=0h'(4) = 0.
  • h(x)=ddx(h(x))=f(x)h''(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( h'(x) \right) = f'(x). If ff is decreasing at x=4x=4, then f(4)<0f'(4) < 0, hence h(4)<0h''(4) < 0.

Thus, h(4)<h(4)<h(4)h''(4) < h'(4) < h(4), so the correct option is (E).

Practice Questions

Practice Question

Question 1:

Evaluate the integral 13(2x21),dx\int_{1}^{3} (2x^2 - 1) , dx using the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Practice Question

Question 2:

Given g(x)=2xet2,dtg(x) = \int_{2}^{x} e^{t^2} , dt, find g(x)g'(x) using the Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Glossary

  • Antiderivative: A function F(x)F(x) such that F(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x).
  • Continuous Function: A function without any breaks, jumps, or holes in its domain.
  • Definite Integral: An integral evaluated over a specific interval [a,b][a, b].
  • Accumulation Function: A function that represents the accumulated area under a curve from a fixed point to a variable point.

Summary and Key Takeaways

  • The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus connects antiderivatives to definite integrals, providing a method to evaluate integrals.
  • The Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus expresses the derivative of an accumulation function in terms of the original function.
  • Understanding these theorems is crucial for solving problems involving integration and differentiation.

Exam Strategy

  • Familiarize yourself with the implications of both theorems.
  • Practice evaluating integrals and derivatives using these theorems.
  • Recognize problems that implicitly require the use of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Exam Tip

This content covers key objectives from the IB curriculum, specifically the links between differentiation and integration.

Question 1 of 8

Evaluate the definite integral: 023x2,dx\int_{0}^{2} 3x^2 , dx 🚀

6

8

12

4