DefiniteIntegration occurs in an alternative version of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
This version of the Theorem is the one referred to by most AS/A level textbooks/websites
a and b are called limits
a is the lower limit
b is the upper limit
f’(x) is the derivative of f(x)
What happened to c, the constant of integration?
“+c” would appear in both f(a) and f(b)
Since we then calculate f(b) – f(a) they cancel each other out
There would be a “+c” from f(b) and a –“+c” from f(a)
So “+c” is not included with definite integration
How do I find a definite integral?
STEP 1: If not given a name, call the integral
This saves you having to rewrite the whole integral every time!
STEP 2: If necessary rewrite the integral into a more easily integrable form
Not all functions can be integrated directly
STEP 3: Integrate without applying the limits
Notation: use square brackets [ ] with limits placed after the end bracket
STEP 4: Substitute the limits into the function and calculate the answer
Using a calculator
Advanced scientific calculators can work out the values of definite integrals
The button will look similar to:
Exam Tip
Look out for questions that ask you to find an indefinite integral in one part (so “+c” needed), then in a later part use the same integral as a definite integral (where “+c” is not needed).