1.3 The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Learning Objectives
- Describe the meaning of the Mean Value Theorem for Integrals.
- State the meaning of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1.
- Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1, to evaluate derivatives of integrals.
- Review the notions of an Antiderivative and an Indefinite Integral, the Table of Antiderivatives, and the Properties of Indefinite Integrals.
- State the meaning of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2.
- Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2, to evaluate definite integrals.
- Explain the relationship between differentiation and integration.
In the previous two sections, we looked at the definite integral and its relationship to the area under the curve of a function. Unfortunately, so far, the only tools we have available to calculate the value of a definite integral are geometric area formulas and limits of Riemann sums, and both approaches are extremely cumbersome. In this section we look at some more powerful and useful techniques for evaluating definite integrals.
These new techniques rely on the relationship between differentiation and integration. This relationship was discovered and explored by both Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (among others) during the late 1600s and early 1700s, and it is codified in what we now call the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, which has two parts that we examine in this section. Its very name indicates how central this theorem is to the entire development of calculus.
Before we get to this crucial theorem, however, let’s examine another important theorem, the Mean Value Theorem for Integrals, which we use to prove the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals
The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals states that a continuous function on a closed interval takes on its average value at some point in that interval. The theorem guarantees that if is continuous, a point exists in an interval such that the value of the function at is equal to the average value of over We state this theorem mathematically with the help of the formula for the average value of a function that we presented at the end of the preceding section.
The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals
If is continuous over an interval then there is at least one point such that
This formula can also be stated as
Proof
Since is continuous on by the extreme value theorem, it assumes minimum and maximum values—m and M, respectively—on Then, for all x in we have Therefore, by the comparison theorem (see previous section), we have
Dividing by gives us
Since is a number between m and M, and since is continuous and assumes the values m and M over by the Intermediate Value Theorem, there is a number in such that
and the proof is complete. □
Finding the Average Value of a Function
Find the average value of the function over the interval and find c such that equals the average value of the function over
Solution
The formula states the mean value of is given by
We can see in Figure 1 below that the function represents a straight line and forms a right triangle bounded by the x– and y-axes. The area of the triangle is We have
The average value is found by multiplying the area by Thus, the average value of the function is
Set the average value equal to and solve for c.
At
Find the average value of the function over the interval and find c such that equals the average value of the function over
Answer
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1: Integrals and Antiderivatives
As mentioned earlier, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is an extremely powerful theorem that establishes the relationship between differentiation and integration, and gives us a way to evaluate definite integrals without using Riemann sums or calculating areas. The theorem is comprised of two parts, the first of which, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1, is stated here. It establishes the relationship between differentiation and integration.
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1
If is continuous over an interval and the function is defined by
then over
Before we delve into the proof, a couple of subtleties are worth mentioning here. First, a comment on the notation. Note that we have defined a function, as the definite integral of another function, from the point a to the point x. At first glance, this is confusing, because we have said several times that a definite integral is a number, and here it looks like it’s a function. The key here is to notice that for any particular value of x, the definite integral is a number. So the function returns a number (the value of the definite integral) for each value of x.
Second, it is worth commenting on some of the key implications of this theorem. There is a reason it is called the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Not only does it establish a relationship between integration and differentiation, but also it guarantees that any integrable function has an antiderivative, that is, there exist a function such that . Specifically, it guarantees that any continuous function has an antiderivative.
Proof
Applying the definition of the derivative, we have
Looking carefully at the last expression, we see that is just the average value of the function over the interval Therefore, by the mean value theorem for integrals, there is some number c in such that
In addition, since c is between x and x + h, c approaches x as h approaches zero. Also, since is continuous, we have Putting all these pieces together, we have
and the proof is complete. □
Finding a Derivative with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Find the derivative of
Solution
According to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, the derivative is given by
Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1 to find the derivative of
Answer
Using the Fundamental Theorem and the Chain Rule to Calculate Derivatives
Let Find
Solution
Letting we have Thus, by the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and the chain rule,
Let Find
Answer
Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus with Two Variable Limits of Integration
Let Find
Solution
We have Both limits of integration are variable, so we need to split this into two integrals. We get
Differentiating the first term, we obtain
Differentiating the second term, we first let Then,
Thus,
Let Find
Answer
Antiderivatives and Indefinite Integrals
Before we get to the second part of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus that will be our main tool for evaluating definite integrals, we briefly review the notions of antiderivative and indefinite integral that were covered in Calculus 1. We also review the basic properties of indefinite integrals and the table of antiderivatives.
Definition
A function is an antiderivative of the function over an interval if for all in .
Unlike the derivative, if an antiderivative of a given function exists, it is not unique. If is an antiderivative of over an interval then the set of all antiderivatives of over , also called the most general antiderivative of over , has the form where is an arbitrary constant.
The indefinite integral is the notation used for the most general antiderivative of the function on its domain, that is, where is any particular antiderivative of on its domain, and is an arbitrary constant.
Reversing the table of derivatives, including derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions covered in the Introductory Material, we obtain the following table of Common Indefinite Integrals.
Differentiation Formula | Indefinite Integral |
---|---|
for | |
for | for , |
Properties of Indefinite Integrals
Let and be antiderivatives of and respectively, and let be any real number. Then the following hold.
Sum and Difference Rules:
Constant Multiple Rule:
Note that there are NO product and quotient rules for indefinite integrals.
In the next example, we apply the above to calculate indefinite integrals of several functions.
Evaluating Indefinite Integrals
Evaluate each of the following indefinite integrals:
Solution
- Using the properties of indefinite integrals together with an antiderivative of a power function, we obtain
- Rewrite the integrand as We then have
- Using constant multiple rule for integrals and the fact that is an antiderivative of we conclude that
- Rewrite the integrand as
Then
Evaluate
Answer
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2: The Evaluation Theorem
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2, is perhaps the most important theorem in calculus. After tireless efforts by mathematicians for approximately 500 years, new techniques emerged that provided scientists with the necessary tools to explain many phenomena. Using calculus, astronomers could finally determine distances in space and map planetary orbits. Everyday financial problems such as calculating marginal costs or predicting total profit could now be handled with simplicity and accuracy. Engineers could calculate the bending strength of materials or the three-dimensional motion of objects. Our view of the world was forever changed with calculus.
After finding approximate areas by adding the areas of n rectangles, the application of this theorem is straightforward by comparison. It almost seems too simple that the area of an entire curved region can be calculated by just evaluating an antiderivative at the first and last endpoints of an interval.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2
If f is continuous over the interval and is any antiderivative of on , then
We often see the notation to denote the expression We use this vertical bar and associated limits a and b to indicate that we should evaluate the function at the upper limit (in this case, b), and subtract the value of the function evaluated at the lower limit (in this case, a).
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2 (also known as the evaluation theorem) states that if we can find an antiderivative for the integrand, then we can evaluate the definite integral by evaluating the antiderivative at the endpoints of the interval and subtracting.
Proof
Let be a regular partition of Then, we can write
Now, we know F is an antiderivative of f over , and so F is an antiderivative of f over each . Applying the Mean Value Theorem for integrals to over for , we can find in such that
Then, substituting into the previous equation, we have
Taking the limit of both sides as we obtain
□
Evaluating an Integral with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate
Solution
Using the formula for an antiderivative of a power function and applying the theorem, we obtain
Analysis
Notice that we did not include the “+ C” term when we wrote the antiderivative. The reason is that, according to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2, any antiderivative works. So, for convenience, we chose the antiderivative with If we had chosen another antiderivative, the constant term would have canceled out. This always happens when evaluating a definite integral.
The region of the area we just calculated is depicted in the graph below. Note that the region between the curve and the x-axis is below the x-axis. Area is always positive, but a definite integral can still produce a negative number (a net signed area). For example, if this were a profit function, a negative number indicates the company is operating at a loss over the given interval.
Evaluating a Definite Integral Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2
Evaluate the integral using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2.
Solution
First, eliminate the radical by rewriting the integral using rational exponents. Then, separate the numerator terms by writing each one over the denominator:
Use the properties of exponents to simplify:
Now, integrate using the power rule for antiderivatives:
Evaluate
Answer
A Roller-Skating Race
James and Kathy are racing on roller skates. They race along a long, straight track, and whoever has gone the farthest after 5 sec wins a prize. If James can skate at a velocity of ft/sec and Kathy can skate at a velocity of ft/sec, who is going to win the race?
Solution
We need to integrate both functions over the interval and see which value is bigger. For James, we want to calculate
Using the power rule, we have
Thus, James has skated 50 ft after 5 sec. Turning now to Kathy, we want to calculate
We obtain
Suppose James and Kathy have a rematch, but this time the official stops the contest after only 3 sec. Does this change the outcome?
Answer
This time, Kathy wins: James skates 24 ft in 3 sec, but Kathy skates ft in 3 sec.
A Parachutist in Free Fall
Julie is an avid skydiver. She has more than 300 jumps under her belt and has mastered the art of making adjustments to her body position in the air to control how fast she falls. If she arches her back and points her belly toward the ground, she reaches a terminal velocity of approximately 120 mph (176 ft/sec). If, instead, she orients her body with her head straight down, she falls faster, reaching a terminal velocity of 150 mph (220 ft/sec).
Since Julie will be moving (falling) in a downward direction, we assume the downward direction is positive to simplify our calculations. Julie executes her jumps from an altitude of 12,500 ft. After she exits the aircraft, she immediately starts falling at a velocity given by She continues to accelerate according to this velocity function until she reaches terminal velocity. After she reaches terminal velocity, her speed remains constant until she pulls her ripcord and slows down to land.
On her first jump of the day, Julie orients herself in the slower “belly down” position (terminal velocity is 176 ft/sec). Using this information, answer the following questions.
- How long after she exits the aircraft does Julie reach terminal velocity?
- Based on your answer to question 1, set up an expression involving one or more integrals that represents the distance Julie falls after 30 sec.
- If Julie pulls her ripcord at an altitude of 3000 ft, how long does she spend in a free fall?
- Julie pulls her ripcord at 3000 ft. It takes 5 sec for her parachute to open completely and for her to slow down, during which time she falls another 400 ft. After her canopy is fully open, her speed is reduced to 16 ft/sec. Find the total time Julie spends in the air, from the time she leaves the airplane until the time her feet touch the ground.
On Julie’s second jump of the day, she decides she wants to fall a little faster and orients herself in the “head down” position. Her terminal velocity in this position is 220 ft/sec. Answer these questions based on this velocity: - How long does it take Julie to reach terminal velocity in this case?
- Before pulling her ripcord, Julie reorients her body in the “belly down” position so she is not moving quite as fast when her parachute opens. If she begins this maneuver at an altitude of 4000 ft, how long does she spend in a free fall before beginning the reorientation?
Some jumpers wear “wingsuits” (see the picture below). These suits have fabric panels between the arms and legs and allow the wearer to glide around in a free fall, much like a flying squirrel. (Indeed, the suits are sometimes called “flying squirrel suits.”) When wearing these suits, terminal velocity can be reduced to about 30 mph (44 ft/sec), allowing the wearers a much longer time in the air. Wingsuit flyers still use parachutes to land; although the vertical velocities are within the margin of safety, horizontal velocities can exceed 70 mph, much too fast to land safely.
Answer the following question based on the velocity in a wingsuit.
- If Julie dons a wingsuit before her third jump of the day, and she pulls her ripcord at an altitude of 3000 ft, how long does she get to spend gliding around in the air?
Key Concepts
- The Mean Value Theorem for Integrals states that for a continuous function over a closed interval, there is a value c such that equals the average value of the function.
- The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1 shows the relationship between the derivative and the integral.
- The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2 is a formula for evaluating a definite integral in terms of an antiderivative of its integrand. The total area under a curve can be found using this formula.
Key Equations
- Mean Value Theorem for Integrals
If is continuous over an interval then there is at least one point such that - Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1
If is continuous over an interval and the function is defined by then - Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 2
If f is continuous over the interval and is any antiderivative of then
Exercises
1. Two mountain climbers start their climb at base camp, taking two different routes, one steeper than the other, and arrive at the peak at exactly the same time. Is it necessarily true that, at some point, both climbers increased in altitude at the same rate?
Answer
Yes. It is implied by the Mean Value Theorem for Integrals.
2. To get on a certain toll road a driver has to take a card that lists the mile entrance point. The card also has a timestamp. When going to pay the toll at the exit, the driver is surprised to receive a speeding ticket along with the toll. Explain how this can happen.
3. Set Find and the average value of over
Answer
average value of over is
In the following exercises, use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1, to find the derivative of the given function .
4.
5.
Answer
6.
7.
Answer
8.
9.
Answer
10.
11.
Answer
12.
13.
Answer
14.
15.
( Hint: does the function depend on ?)
Answer
16. The graph of where f is a piecewise constant function, is shown here.
- Over which intervals is f positive? Over which intervals is it negative? Over which intervals, if any, is it equal to zero?
- What are the maximum and minimum values of f?
- What is the average value of f?
17. The graph of where f is a piecewise constant function, is shown here.
- Over which intervals is f positive? Over which intervals is it negative? Over which intervals, if any, is it equal to zero?
- What are the maximum and minimum values of f?
- What is the average value of f?
Answer
a. f is positive over and negative over and and zero over and b. The maximum value is 2 and the minimum is −3. c. The average value is 0.
18. The graph of where ℓ is a piecewise linear function, is shown here.
- Over which intervals is ℓ positive? Over which intervals is it negative? Over which, if any, is it zero?
- Over which intervals is ℓ increasing? Over which is it decreasing? Over which, if any, is it constant?
- What is the average value of ℓ?
19. The graph of where ℓ is a piecewise linear function, is shown here.
- Over which intervals is ℓ positive? Over which intervals is it negative? Over which, if any, is it zero?
- Over which intervals is ℓ increasing? Over which is it decreasing? Over which intervals, if any, is it constant?
- What is the average value of ℓ?
Answer
a. ℓ is positive over and and negative over b. It is increasing over and and it is constant over and c. Its average value is
In the following exercises, use basic integration formulas to compute the given indefinite integral.
20.
21.
Answer
22.
23.
Answer
24.
25.
Answer
26.
In the following exercises, evaluate each definite integral using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2.
27.
Answer
28.
29.
Answer
30.
31.
Answer
32.
33.
Answer
34.
35.
Answer
36.
37.
(Hint: express the integrand in terms of and )
Answer
38.
(Hint: rewrite the integrand in terms of another trigonometric function.)
39.
Answer
40.
(Hint: split the numerator and rewrite the integrand in terms of and )
41.
(Hint: express the integrand in terms of )
Answer
42.
43.
Answer
In the following exercises, use the evaluation theorem (Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2) to express the given integral as an explicit function of .
44.
45.
Answer
46.
47.
Answer
In the following exercises, identify the roots of the integrand to remove absolute values, then evaluate using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2.
48.
49.
Answer
50.
51.
Answer
52. Explain why, if f is continuous over and is not equal to a constant, there is at least one point such that and at least one point such that
(Hint: If f is not constant, then its average is strictly smaller than the maximum and larger than the minimum, which are attained over by the extreme value theorem.)
53. Kepler’s first law states that the planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus. The closest point of a planetary orbit to the Sun is called the perihelion (for Earth, it currently occurs around January 3) and the farthest point is called the aphelion (for Earth, it currently occurs around July 4). Kepler’s second law states that planets sweep out equal areas of their elliptical orbits in equal times. Thus, the two arcs indicated in the following figure are swept out in equal times. At what time of year is Earth moving fastest in its orbit? When is it moving slowest?
54. A point on an ellipse with major axis length 2a and minor axis length 2b has the coordinates
- Show that the distance from this point to the focus at is where
- Use these coordinates to show that the average distance from a point on the ellipse to the focus at with respect to angle θ, is a.
Answer
a. and so since .
b.
55. As implied earlier, according to Kepler’s laws, Earth’s orbit is an ellipse with the Sun at one focus. The perihelion for Earth’s orbit around the Sun is 147,098,290 km and the aphelion is 152,098,232 km.
- By placing the major axis along the x-axis, find the average distance from Earth to the Sun.
- The classic definition of an astronomical unit (AU) is the distance from Earth to the Sun, and its value was computed as the average of the perihelion and aphelion distances. Is this definition justified?
56. The force of gravitational attraction between the Sun and a planet is where m is the mass of the planet, M is the mass of the Sun, G is a universal constant, and is the distance between the Sun and the planet when the planet is at an angle θ with the major axis of its orbit. Assuming that M, m, and the ellipse parameters a and b (half-lengths of the major and minor axes) are given, set up—but do not evaluate—an integral that expresses in terms of the average gravitational force between the Sun and the planet.
Answer
Mean gravitational force =
57. The displacement from rest of a mass attached to a spring satisfies the simple harmonic motion equation where is a phase constant, ω is the angular frequency, and A is the amplitude. Find the average velocity, the average speed (magnitude of velocity), the average displacement, and the average distance from rest (magnitude of displacement) of the mass.
Glossary
- fundamental theorem of calculus
- the theorem, central to the entire development of calculus, that establishes the relationship between differentiation and integration
- fundamental theorem of calculus, part 1
- uses a definite integral to define an antiderivative of a function
- fundamental theorem of calculus, part 2
- (also, evaluation theorem) we can evaluate a definite integral by evaluating the antiderivative of the integrand at the endpoints of the interval and subtracting
- mean value theorem for integrals
- guarantees that a point c exists such that is equal to the average value of the function