The area under a curve may appear fully or partially under the x-axisthis occurs if the negative area(s) is/are greater than the positive area(s), their sum will be negative
How do I find the area under a curve when the curve is fully under the x-axis?
STEP 1
Write the expression for the definite integral to find the area as usual
This may involve finding the lower and upper limits from a graph sketch or GDC and f(x) may need to be rewritten in an integrable form
STEP 2
The answer to the definite integral will be negative
Area must always be positive so take the modulus (absolute value) of it
How do I find the area under a curve when all, or some, of the curve is below the x-axis?
Exam Tip
If no diagram is provided, quickly sketch one so that you can see where the curve is above and below the x - axis and split up your integrals accordingly
You should use your GDC to do this
Worked ExampleArea Between Curve & y-axis
What is meant by the area between a curve and the y-axis?
The area referred to is the region bounded by
The exact area can be found by evaluating a definite integral
How do I find the area between a curve and the y-axis?
Use the formulaExam Tip
If no diagram is provided, quickly sketch one so that you can see where the curve is to the left and right of the y - axis and split up your integrals accordingly
You should use your GDC to do this
Worked Example
Area Between a Curve and a Line
Areas whose boundaries include a curve and a (non-vertical) straightline can be found using integration
For an area under a curve a definiteintegral will be needed
For an area under a line the shape formed will be a trapezium or triangle
basicareaformulae can be used rather than a definite integral
using a GDC, one method is not particularly trickier than the other
The totalarea required could be the sum or difference of the area under the curve and the area under the line
How do I find the area between a curve and a line?
STEP 1
If a diagram is not given, use a GDC to draw the graphs of the curve and line and identify the area to be found
STEP 2
Use a GDC to find the root(s) of the curve, the root of the line and the x" alt="x" data-mathml="<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><semantics><mi>x</mi><annotation encoding="application/vnd.wiris.mtweb-params+json">{"language":"en","fontFamily":"Times New Roman","fontSize":"18"}</annotation></semantics></math>" />-coordinate of any intersections between the curve and line
STEP 3
Use the graph to determine whether areas will need adding or subtracting
Deduce the limits and so the definite integral(s) to find the area(s) under hte curve and line
Use a GDC to calculate the area under the curveSTEP 4
Add or subtract areas accordingly to obtain a final answer
Exam Tip
Add information to any diagram provided
Add axes intercepts, as well as intercepts between lines and curves
Mark and shade the area you’re trying to find
If no diagram provided,use your GDC to graph one and if you have time copy the sketch into your working