Why don't I have to put the +C after my answer for a definite integral?

When you evaluate a definite integral, we can think about using the "+C" and see what happens. Let's take (INT)2x dx between 2 and 3. We then have [x2+C] between 2 and 3. For x=3 we have 9+C, and for x=2 we have 4+C. To evaluate the integral we subtract the lower limit from the upper one so we have (INT)2x dx = (9+C) - (4+C)  =9+C-4-C  =5. So generally, we can say that when we evaluate a definite integral, the constant terms cancel out so we don't usually bother to write them down.

JC
Answered by Joseph C. Maths tutor

6458 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show that the volume of the solid formed by the curve y=cos(x/2), as it is rotated 360° around the x-axis between x= π/4 and x=3π/4, is of the form π^2/a. Find the constant a.


Differentiate f(x) = x sin(x)


Solve Inx + In3 = In6


Differentiate y=x^(-1/2)-x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning