Definite Integrals
What is a definite integral?
- A definite integral is defined by the following formula
- i.e. integrate as usual to find
- then substitute to find and
- and subtract from to find the value of the definite integral
- and are numbers and are called the integration limits
- is the lower limit
- is the upper limit
- the integral is 'from to '
- A constant of integration (“”) is not needed with definite integrals
- Note that the answer to a definite integral is a number
- The answer to an indefinite integral is another function
Exam Tip
- Be careful when substituting in to find
- It's quite easy to make mistakes here
- Especially when fractions and negative numbers are involved
- Your calculator may be able to find the value of definite integrals
- You can use this to check your work
- Look out for phrases in exam questions like "Use algebraic integration" or "Using calculus"
- These mean that full working out of the integral 'by hand' is required
- A calculator answer without working would not score marks
Worked example
Show that
Start by expanding the brackets inside the integral
Integrate as usual (here it's a 'powers of ' integration)
Write the answer in square brackets with the integration limits outside
Now substitute 4 into that function
And subtract from it the function with 2 substituted in
And that's the answer we were asked to show!