Level: Level 20: Calculus
Topic: Fundamental theorem of calculus
Description:
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus connects the two main concepts of calculus: differentiation and integration. It tells us that differentiation and integration are inverse operations. In simple terms, it states that the process of taking the derivative (differentiation) and the process of finding the area under a curve (integration) are related.
Suppose you have a function f(x) = 2x. The integral of f(x) = 2x is F(x) = x² + C, where C is a constant.
Now, differentiate F(x) = x² + C:
F'(x) = 2x, which is the original function f(x).
This shows that taking the integral of a function and then differentiating it brings us back to the original function.
Let's find the area under the curve of the function f(x) = 2x from x = 1 to x = 3.
First, find the antiderivative of f(x) = 2x, which is F(x) = x².
Now, evaluate the definite integral:
∫_1^3 2x dx = F(3) - F(1) = 3² - 1² = 9 - 1 = 8.
This means the area under the curve from x = 1 to x = 3 is 8 square units.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is a critical idea in calculus that connects the operations of differentiation and integration. It shows that they are two sides of the same coin. By understanding this theorem, we can calculate areas under curves and understand the relationship between a function and its accumulated quantities.
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