Dx

Definition

The term 'dx' represents an infinitesimally small change or increment in the independent variable 'x' within the context of integral calculus. It is a fundamental concept that connects the definite integral, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration formulas, inverse trigonometric functions, areas between curves, and various integration strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 'dx' term in an integral represents an infinitesimal change in the independent variable 'x', which is crucial for defining the definite integral as the limit of a sum of small changes.
2. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus establishes the relationship between the definite integral and the antiderivative, where the 'dx' term connects the rate of change of the function to the total change over an interval.
3. Integration formulas, such as the power rule or the substitution rule, involve the 'dx' term to represent the variable of integration and facilitate the calculation of the antiderivative.
4. When integrating to find the area between two curves, the 'dx' term is used to represent the infinitesimal strip of area being summed up over the interval of integration.
5. In the context of inverse trigonometric functions, the 'dx' term is essential for setting up the integral and evaluating the antiderivative to find the original function.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the 'dx' term in the definition of the definite integral.
  • The 'dx' term in the definite integral represents an infinitesimally small change in the independent variable 'x'. It is a crucial component that allows the definite integral to be defined as the limit of a sum of small changes in the function over the interval of integration. The 'dx' term connects the discrete summation to the continuous integration, enabling the calculation of the total change in the function over the given interval.
• Describe how the 'dx' term is used in the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and its relationship to the antiderivative.
  • The 'dx' term is central to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, which establishes the connection between the definite integral and the antiderivative of a function. The theorem states that the definite integral of a function 'f(x)' over an interval '[a, b]' is equal to the difference between the values of the antiderivative 'F(x)' evaluated at the endpoints 'b' and 'a'. The 'dx' term in the integral representation of the antiderivative, '∫ f(x) dx', indicates the variable of integration and links the rate of change of the function to the total change over the interval.
• Analyze the role of the 'dx' term in the context of integration strategies, such as the power rule or substitution rule, and its application to finding areas between curves.
  • The 'dx' term is essential in the application of various integration strategies, such as the power rule or substitution rule. In the power rule, the 'dx' term is used to represent the variable of integration, and the rule allows for the calculation of the antiderivative by manipulating the exponent of the function. In the substitution rule, the 'dx' term is transformed through a change of variable, enabling the integration of more complex functions. Additionally, when finding the area between two curves, the 'dx' term is used to represent the infinitesimal strip of area being summed up over the interval of integration, connecting the definite integral to the geometric interpretation of the area.

Related terms

Differential: A differential is an infinitesimal change in a variable, denoted by 'd' followed by the variable name, such as 'dx' or 'dy'.

Integral:

An integral is a mathematical operation that calculates the total change of a function over an interval, represented by the integration symbol '∫' with 'dx' indicating the variable of integration.

Antiderivative:

An antiderivative, also known as a primitive function, is a function whose derivative is the original function, and it is denoted by the integral symbol '∫' with 'dx' indicating the variable of integration.