What does it mean when I get a negative value when I do a definite integral?

The definite integral gives the value of the area bounded between the curve at the given limits, and the x-axis (if we are integrating with respect to x!) If this value is negative, it means that the area underneath the x-axis is greater than the area above the x-axis beween those two limits. Or it could just mean you've got your limits the wrong way round!

CL
Answered by Callum L. Maths tutor

13322 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate ((x^2)+1)^2


Two forces P and Q act on a particle. The force P has magnitude 7 N and acts due north. The resultant of P and Q is a force of magnitude 10 N acting in a direction with bearing 120°. Find the magnitude of Q and the bearing of Q.


The curve C has equation y=(2x-3)^5, the point P lies on C and has coordinates (w, – 32), find (a) the value of w and (b) the equation of the tangent to C at the point P in the form y=mx+c , where m and c are constants.


What's the point of Maths?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences