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6: Applications of Integration

  • Page ID
    186191
    • Gilbert Strang & Edwin “Jed” Herman
    • OpenStax

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    In this chapter, we further build upon our understanding of definite integrals as a means to calculate the area under a curve. This chapter expands the applications of integration to address a variety of geometric and physical problems. We will begin by exploring how to determine the area enclosed between two or more curves, extending the fundamental concept of area calculation. Subsequently, we will delve into methods for calculating volumes of three-dimensional solids generated by revolving two-dimensional regions around an axis, introducing the powerful disk, washer, and cylindrical shells methods. Beyond purely geometric applications, this chapter will also demonstrate the utility of integration in solving physical problems, such as calculating the work done by a variable force. Finally, we will conclude by examining the concept of the average value of a function over a given interval, providing a comprehensive view of how integral calculus can be applied to extract meaningful insights from continuous data.

    • 6.1: Areas between Curves
      Just as definite integrals can be used to find the area under a curve, they can also be used to find the area between two curves. To find the area between two curves defined by functions, integrate the difference of the functions. If the graphs of the functions cross, or if the region is complex, use the absolute value of the difference of the functions. In this case, it may be necessary to evaluate two or more integrals.
    • 6.2: Volumes
      In this section, we use definite integrals to find volumes of three-dimensional solids. We consider three approaches—slicing, disks, and washers—for finding these volumes, depending on the characteristics of the solid.
    • 6.3: Volumes of Cylindrical Shells
      In this section, we examine the method of cylindrical shells, the final method for finding the volume of a solid of revolution. We can use this method on the same kinds of solids as the disk method or the washer method; however, with the disk and washer methods, we integrate along the coordinate axis parallel to the axis of revolution. With the method of cylindrical shells, we integrate along the coordinate axis perpendicular to the axis of revolution.
    • 6.4: Work
      Work is the scientific term used to describe the action of a force which moves an object. The SI unit of force is the Newton (N), and the SI unit of distance is a meter (m). The fundamental unit of work is one Newton--meter, or a joule (J). That is, applying a force of one Newton for one meter performs one joule of work.
    • 6.5: Average Value of a Function
      In this section will introduce the concept of finding the average height or value of a continuous function over a given interval. We'll explore how this idea extends the familiar concept of averaging a finite set of numbers to a continuous case using definite integrals. The section will derive the formula for the average value, and illustrate its geometric interpretation as the height of a rectangle with the same area as that under the curve over the interval [a,b].

    Thumbnail: A region between two functions.


    This page titled 6: Applications of Integration is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Gilbert Strang & Edwin “Jed” Herman (OpenStax) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.