Chapter 5: Applications of Integration

Chapter 5: Applications of Integration

AP Exam Weight: 20-30% | Multiple Choice: 8-12 questions | Free Response: Major focus in several questions

📚 Table of Contents

  1. Area & Volume
  2. Average Value
  3. Cross Sections
  4. Arc Length
  5. Integration Applications

1. Area & Volume 📊

Understanding Area Applications

Area between curves represents accumulated difference. Think of it as:

  • Net difference between functions
  • Accumulated space
  • Bounded regions
  • Definite integral application

Finding Area

Between Two Curves

A=abf(x)g(x)dxA = \int_a^b |f(x) - g(x)|dx

Process

  1. Identify Functions

    • Determine upper/lower curves
    • Find intersection points
    • Check domain restrictions
    • Consider orientation
  2. Set Up Integral

    • Choose appropriate bounds
    • Order functions correctly
    • Consider absolute value
    • Check for multiple regions
  3. Evaluate

    • Use integration techniques
    • Verify result
    • Check reasonableness
    • Consider symmetry

Example Walkthrough

Find area between y = x² and y = x from x = 0 to x = 1

  1. Graph curves:
    • y = x is linear
    • y = x² is parabola
    • x intersects at 0, 1
  2. Compare functions:
    • x > x² on (0,1)
    • x is upper curve
  3. Set up integral:
    • A=01(xx2)dxA = \int_0^1 (x - x^2)dx
  4. Evaluate:
    • =[x22x33]01= [\frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{x^3}{3}]_0^1
    • =(1213)= (\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{3})
    • =16= \frac{1}{6}

Volume Calculations

Understanding Methods

Think of volumes as:

  • Accumulated cross-sections
  • Rotated regions
  • Sliced solids
  • Three-dimensional accumulation

Disk Method

V=πab[f(x)]2dxV = \pi\int_a^b [f(x)]^2dx

When to Use
  • Rotating around x-axis
  • Simple function squared
  • Circular cross sections
  • Solid with no hole

Washer Method

V=πab[R(x)2r(x)2]dxV = \pi\int_a^b [R(x)^2 - r(x)^2]dx

When to Use
  • Rotating around axis
  • Region between curves
  • Hollow objects
  • Nested cylinders

Shell Method

V=2πabxf(x)dxV = 2\pi\int_a^b xf(x)dx

When to Use
  • Rotating around y-axis
  • Complex functions
  • Multiple regions
  • Often simpler integration

Method Selection Guide

  1. Choose Disk/Washer When:

    • Rotating around horizontal axis
    • Simple function squared
    • Clear outer/inner functions
    • Straightforward bounds
  2. Choose Shell When:

    • Rotating around vertical axis
    • Complex functions
    • Multiple regions
    • Easier integration

Example Walkthrough

Find volume when y = x² is rotated about y-axis from y = 0 to y = 4

  1. Analyze problem:
    • Rotating around y-axis
    • Need x in terms of y
    • Shell method best
  2. Set up:
    • x = ±√y
    • Use shell method
  3. Integrate:
    • V=2π04yydyV = 2\pi\int_0^4 \sqrt{y} \cdot y dy
    • =2π[2y5/25]04= 2\pi[\frac{2y^{5/2}}{5}]_0^4

Common Mistakes

  1. Setup Errors:

    • Wrong method choice
    • Incorrect radius
    • Wrong axis of rotation
    • Bound confusion
  2. Calculation Errors:

    • Forgetting π
    • Square vs. squared function
    • Wrong substitution
    • Integration mistakes

2. Average Value

Understanding Average Value

The average value of a function over an interval. Think of it as:

  • Average height of a curve
  • Equally distributed value
  • Definite integral application

Formula

fˉ=1baabf(x)dx\bar{f} = \frac{1}{b-a}\int_a^b f(x)dx

Process

  1. Set Up Integral

    • Determine bounds
    • Check units
  2. Evaluate

    • Use integration techniques
    • Divide by interval length
    • Verify units
    • Check reasonableness

Example Walkthrough

Find average value of f(x) = x² on [0,2]

  1. Set up integral:
    • fˉ=12002x2dx\bar{f} = \frac{1}{2-0}\int_0^2 x^2 dx
  2. Evaluate:
    • =1202x2dx= \frac{1}{2}\int_0^2 x^2 dx
    • =12[x33]02= \frac{1}{2}[\frac{x^3}{3}]_0^2
    • =12[830]= \frac{1}{2}[\frac{8}{3} - 0]
    • =43= \frac{4}{3}

3. Cross Sections

Understanding Cross Sections

The area of a cross-section of a solid. Think of it as:

  • Slice of a solid
  • Definite integral application

Formula

A=abf(x)dxA = \int_a^b f(x)dx

Process

  1. Identify Function

    • Function describing cross-section
    • Check domain restrictions
    • Consider orientation
  2. Set Up Integral

    • Choose appropriate bounds
    • Check units
  3. Evaluate

    • Use integration techniques
    • Verify result
    • Check reasonableness

Example Walkthrough

Find area of cross-section of solid with f(x) = x²

  1. Set up integral:
    • A=02x2dxA = \int_0^2 x^2 dx
  2. Evaluate:
    • =[x33]02= [\frac{x^3}{3}]_0^2
    • =83= \frac{8}{3}

4. Arc Length 📐

Understanding Arc Length

The true distance along a curve. Think of it as:

  • Path length
  • Curve measurement
  • Accumulated distance
  • True curve size

Formula

L=ab1+[f(x)]2dxL = \int_a^b \sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2}dx

Process

  1. Find Derivative

    • Calculate f'(x)
    • Square the derivative
    • Add 1
    • Take square root
  2. Set Up Integral

    • Determine bounds
    • Simplify if possible
    • Consider substitution
    • Check complexity
  3. Evaluate

    • Choose technique
    • Watch for special cases
    • Verify units
    • Check reasonableness

Example Walkthrough

Find length of y = x² from x = 0 to x = 1

  1. Find f'(x):
    • f'(x) = 2x
  2. Set up integral:
    • L=011+4x2dxL = \int_0^1 \sqrt{1 + 4x^2}dx
  3. Evaluate:
    • Use substitution
    • u = 2x
    • Result involves ln

5. Integration Applications

Understanding Integration Applications

Integration has various applications in calculus. Think of it as:

  • Solving problems
  • Finding areas
  • Calculating volumes
  • Modeling real-world scenarios

Common Applications

  1. Area Between Curves
    • A=abf(x)g(x)dxA = \int_a^b |f(x) - g(x)|dx
  2. Volume of Revolution
    • V=πab[f(x)]2dxV = \pi\int_a^b [f(x)]^2dx
  3. Average Value
    • fˉ=1baabf(x)dx\bar{f} = \frac{1}{b-a}\int_a^b f(x)dx
  4. Cross Sections
    • A=abf(x)dxA = \int_a^b f(x)dx

Example Walkthrough

Find area between y = x² and y = x from x = 0 to x = 1

  1. Graph curves:
    • y = x is linear
    • y = x² is parabola
    • x intersects at 0, 1
  2. Compare functions:
    • x > x² on (0,1)
    • x is upper curve
  3. Set up integral:
    • A=01(xx2)dxA = \int_0^1 (x - x^2)dx
  4. Evaluate:
    • =[x22x33]01= [\frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{x^3}{3}]_0^1
    • =(1213)= (\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{3})
    • =16= \frac{1}{6}

📝 AP-Style Examples

Example 1: Area Between Curves

Find area between y=x2y = x^2 and y=xy = \sqrt{x} from x = 0 to x = 1

Solution:

  1. Compare functions:
    • x>x2\sqrt{x} > x^2 on (0,1)
    • x\sqrt{x} is upper curve
  2. Set up integral:
    • A=01(xx2)dxA = \int_0^1 (\sqrt{x} - x^2)dx
  3. Evaluate:
    • =[2x3/23x33]01= [\frac{2x^{3/2}}{3} - \frac{x^3}{3}]_0^1
    • =2313=13= \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3}

Example 2: Volume of Revolution

Find volume when y=sinxy = \sin x is rotated about x-axis from x = 0 to x = π

Solution:

  1. Choose method:
    • Rotating around x-axis
    • Use disk method
  2. Set up integral:
    • V=π0π[sinx]2dxV = π\int_0^π [\sin x]^2dx
  3. Evaluate:
    • =π0π1cos(2x)2dx= π\int_0^π \frac{1 - \cos(2x)}{2}dx
    • =π[x2sin(2x)4]0π= π[\frac{x}{2} - \frac{\sin(2x)}{4}]_0^π
    • =π22= \frac{π^2}{2}

Example 3: Average Value

Find average value of f(x)=cosxf(x) = \cos x on [0,π2][0,\frac{π}{2}]

Solution:

  1. Apply formula:
    • fˉ=2π0π/2cosxdx\bar{f} = \frac{2}{π}\int_0^{π/2} \cos x dx
  2. Evaluate:
    • =2π[sinx]0π/2= \frac{2}{π}[\sin x]_0^{π/2}
    • =2π= \frac{2}{π}

💡 Success Strategies

1. Setting Up Integrals

  • Draw and label diagrams
  • Identify correct bounds
  • Choose appropriate method
  • Verify integrand

2. Common Mistakes

  • Wrong integration method
  • Incorrect bounds
  • Missing absolute value
  • Function order confusion

3. Calculator Tips

  • Graph to verify regions
  • Check intersections
  • Confirm reasonableness
  • Use numerical integration

🔍 AP Exam Focus

Free Response Tips

  1. Show all work:

    • Draw and label diagrams
    • Write correct integrals
    • Show evaluation steps
    • State final answer
  2. Common Questions:

    • Area between curves
    • Volume of revolution
    • Average value
    • Cross sections

Multiple Choice Strategy

  1. Analyze the Problem:

    • Read carefully
    • Draw quick sketch
    • Consider all methods
    • Look for patterns
  2. Check Answer:

    • Reasonable magnitude
    • Correct sign
    • Appropriate units
    • Matches graph

📊 Quick Reference

Area Formulas

  1. Between curves: abf(x)g(x)dx\int_a^b |f(x) - g(x)|dx
  2. With respect to y: cdh(y)k(y)dy\int_c^d |h(y) - k(y)|dy

Volume Formulas

  1. Disk Method: πab[f(x)]2dxπ\int_a^b [f(x)]^2dx
  2. Washer Method: πab[R(x)2r(x)2]dxπ\int_a^b [R(x)^2 - r(x)^2]dx
  3. Shell Method: 2πabxf(x)dx2π\int_a^b xf(x)dx

Other Applications

  1. Average Value: 1baabf(x)dx\frac{1}{b-a}\int_a^b f(x)dx
  2. Arc Length: ab1+[f(x)]2dx\int_a^b \sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2}dx

💡 Pro Tip: Always sketch the region first - it helps identify the correct integration method and bounds!

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