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

5960 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The velocity of a moving body is given by an equation v = 30 - 6t, where v - velocity in m/s, t - time in s. A) What is the acceleration a in m/s^2? B) Find the expression for the displacement s in terms of t given the initial displacement s(0)=10 m.


What is the smallest possible value of the integral ∫(x-a)^2 dx between 0 and 1 as a varies?


How do you integrate y = 4x^3 - 5/x^2?


Why does sin^2(x)+cos^2(x)=1?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences