Chapter 8: Problem 3
Show that the area under the graph of the linear function \(f(x)=x\) between \(x=a\) and \(x=b(a
Short Answer
Expert verified
The area is \(\frac{1}{2}(b^2 - a^2)\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to find the area under the graph of the function \(f(x) = x\) within the interval \([a, b]\). The problem asks us to show this area as \(\frac{1}{2}(b^2 - a^2)\).
02
Setup the Problem with Integration
The area under the curve of a function \(f(x)\) from \(x = a\) to \(x = b\) is given by the definite integral \(\int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx\). For our linear function, this becomes \(\int_{a}^{b} x \, dx\).
03
Integrate the Function
To solve \(\int_{a}^{b} x \, dx\), we first need to find the antiderivative of \(x\). The antiderivative of \(x\) is \(\frac{x^2}{2}\).
04
Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, we evaluate the antiderivative \(\frac{x^2}{2}\) at \(b\) and \(a\), and then find the difference: \[\int_{a}^{b} x \, dx = \left[ \frac{x^2}{2} \right]_a^b = \frac{b^2}{2} - \frac{a^2}{2}.\]
05
Simplify the Expression
The expression \(\frac{b^2}{2} - \frac{a^2}{2}\) simplifies to \(\frac{1}{2}(b^2 - a^2)\). Thus, the area under the function \(f(x) = x\) from \(x = a\) to \(x = b\) is \(\frac{1}{2}(b^2 - a^2)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Area Under a Curve
To find the area under a curve, we often rely on integration. Specifically, the area between a curve defined by a function and the x-axis over a certain interval can be calculated using a definite integral.
For the function \( f(x) = x \) on the interval \([a, b]\), we want to compute the exact area captured between the line and the x-axis.
For the function \( f(x) = x \) on the interval \([a, b]\), we want to compute the exact area captured between the line and the x-axis.
- This area calculation gives us a geometrical representation.
- We locate it between the vertical lines intersecting the curve at \( x = a \) and \( x = b \).
- Visually, it forms a trapezoid-like shape called a planar region.
Linear Functions
Linear functions are the simplest type of polynomial functions, shaped like straight lines. The general form of a linear function is \( f(x) = mx + c \), where \( m \) is the slope of the line, and \( c \) is the y-intercept. In our particular problem, the linear function is \( f(x) = x \).
- The slope \( m = 1 \), meaning the line rises one unit vertically for each unit it moves horizontally.
- The y-intercept \( c = 0 \), indicating the line passes through the origin \((0, 0)\).
- The rate of change is constant — hence, a constant slope.
- The graph of \( f(x) = x \) is a perfect 45-degree diagonal across the plane.
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus beautifully links the concepts of differentiation and integration. It states that if we have a continuous function on an interval, we can find the total accumulation of that function over the interval using its antiderivative.For our case, the function is \( f(x) = x \), and the antiderivative, or primitive function, is \( \frac{x^2}{2} \).
- The theorem tells us to evaluate this antiderivative at the endpoints of our interval.
- So, we calculate \( \left[ \frac{x^2}{2} \right]_a^b \), which translates to \( \frac{b^2}{2} - \frac{a^2}{2} \).