In calculus, two fundamental processes are differentiation and integration. Differentiation involves finding the derivative of a function, while integration is the inverse process of differentiation. In this discussion, we will focus on an essential concept in integration known as "integrals."
Consider a function f that is differentiable over an interval I, meaning its derivative f' exists at every point within I. This leads to a fundamental question: Can we determine the original function that would yield the given f' at each point? Functions capable of producing f' as their derivative are known as antiderivatives or primitives. The mathematical formula that provides all these antiderivatives is termed the indefinite integral of the function, and the process of finding these antiderivatives is called integration. Integrals are generally categorized into two main types: Definite Integral: This type of integral is used to calculate the accumulated effect of a function over a specific interval. Indefinite Integral: In this case, we will focus on the indefinite integral, which deals with finding antiderivatives or the general forms of functions that have a given derivative. Let's delve deeper into the concept of the indefinite integral, its definition, and properties.Symbols/Terms/Phrases | Meaning |
∫ f(x) dx | Integral of f with respect to x |
f(x) in ∫ f(x) dx | Integrand |
x in ∫ f(x) dx | Variable of integration |
An integral of f | A function F such that F′(x) = f (x) |
Integration | The process of finding the integral |
Constant of Integration | Any real number C, considered as constant function |
Also Check - Derivatives Formula
Antiderivatives or integrals of functions are not unique. There are infinitely many antiderivatives for certain functions, and they can be obtained by choosing an arbitrary constant "C" from the set of real numbers. For this reason, "C" is commonly referred to as an arbitrary constant. It serves as the parameter that allows us to obtain different antiderivatives (or integrals) of the same given function. This arbitrary constant accounts for the various possible forms of antiderivatives and is a fundamental concept in indefinite integration.Property 5:
For a finite number of functions f1, f2…. fn and the real numbers p1, p2…pn, ∫[p1f1(x) + p2f2(x)….+pnfn(x) ]dx = p1∫f1(x)dx + p2∫f2(x)dx + ….. + pn∫fn(x)dx Indefinite Integral Formulas The list of indefinite integral formulas areAlso Check - Differential Equation Formula
Example 1:
Let's evaluate the given indefinite integral problem: ∫(6x^5 - 18x^2 + 7) dx. Solution: Given, ∫(6x^5 - 18x^2 + 7) dx Integrate the given function: ∫(6x^5 - 18x^2 + 7) dx = (6/6)x^6 - (18/3)x^3 + 7x + C After simplification, we get the solution: ∫(6x^5 - 18x^2 + 7) dx = x^6 - 6x^3 + 7x + CExample 2:
Evaluate f(x) given that f'(x) = 6x^8 - 20x^4 + x^2 + 9. Solution: Given, f'(x) = 6x^8 - 20x^4 + x^2 + 9 We know that the inverse process of differentiation is integration: f(x) = ∫f'(x) dx = ∫(6x^8 - 20x^4 + x^2 + 9) dx After integration, we obtain: f(x) = (2/3)x^9 - 4x^5 + (1/3)x^3 + 9x + CAlso Check - Vector Formula