Chapter 5: Problem 194
In the following exercises, identify the roots of the integrand to remove absolute values, then evaluate using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2 . $$ \int_{-2}^{3}|x| d x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The integral evaluates to \(\frac{13}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Points where the Integrand Changes
The integrand changes at the root of the expression within the absolute value. Since the integrand is \(|x|\), we need to identify where \(x = 0\). This root divides the integration into two parts: from \(-2\) to \(0\) and from \(0\) to \(3\).
02
Remove Absolute Values and Set Up Integration
We split the integral into two separate integrals: one for the interval \([-2, 0]\) and another for the interval \([0, 3]\). Since \(|x| = -x\) when \(x < 0\) and \(|x| = x\) when \(x \geq 0\), we have:\[\int_{-2}^{0} -x \, dx + \int_{0}^{3} x \, dx\]
03
Evaluate Each Integral
Evaluate the first integral \(\int_{-2}^{0} -x \, dx\):\[\int -x \, dx = -\frac{x^2}{2} + C\]Apply the limits:\[= \left[ -\frac{x^2}{2} \right]_{-2}^{0} = \left(-\frac{0^2}{2}\right) - \left(-\frac{(-2)^2}{2}\right) = 0 + 2 = 2\]Evaluate the second integral \(\int_{0}^{3} x \, dx\):\[\int x \, dx = \frac{x^2}{2} + C\]Apply the limits:\[= \left[ \frac{x^2}{2} \right]_{0}^{3} = \left(\frac{3^2}{2}\right) - \left(\frac{0^2}{2}\right) = \frac{9}{2}\]
04
Sum Up the Results
Add the results of the two integrals together:\[2 + \frac{9}{2} = \frac{13}{2}\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function, denoted as \(|x|\), is a fundamental concept in mathematics. It describes the distance of a number from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. This means it always outputs a non-negative result.
When dealing with absolute value, the function alters based on the sign of the input:
When dealing with absolute value, the function alters based on the sign of the input:
- If \(x \geq 0\), then \(|x| = x\).
- If \(x < 0\), then \(|x| = -x\). This essentially "flips" the negative input into a positive output.
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is a cornerstone of integral calculus and connects two primary concepts: differentiation and integration. Part 2 of the theorem specifically provides a powerful method to evaluate definite integrals by leveraging antiderivatives.
When applying the theorem, consider these key steps:
When applying the theorem, consider these key steps:
- The definite integral of a function over an interval \([a, b]\) is calculated using any antiderivative \(F(x)\) of the function \(f(x)\).
- The evaluation involves finding the difference \(F(b) - F(a)\), where \(F(x)\) is the antiderivative.
Evaluating Integrals
Evaluating integrals, especially those involving absolute values, is a systematic process. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively approach such problems:
- Identify Change Points: Start by determining where the integrand changes behavior, typically at roots or critical points. For \(|x|\), this happens at \(x = 0\).
- Split the Integral: Divide the integral into segments based on the identified points. This allows for the removal of absolute values, simplifying the integrand to \(x\) or \(-x\) depending on the interval.
- Find Antiderivatives: Calculate the antiderivative for each segment. For linear functions like \(x\) and \(-x\), this results in \(-\frac{x^2}{2}\) and \(+\frac{x^2}{2}\) respectively.
- Apply Limits: Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate each integral segment by applying the upper and lower limits and subtracting their antiderivatives.
- Sum Results: Add the evaluated integrals together to obtain the final result, as seen in \(\frac{13}{2}\) for this problem.