What is an integral?
Q: What is an integral?
A: An integral is the space under a graph of an equation, also known as "the area under a curve". It is the reverse of a derivative and part of a branch of mathematics called calculus.
Q: What does the symbol for integration look like?
A: The symbol for integration in calculus looks like a tall letter "S": ∫ {\displaystyle \textstyle \int _{\,}^{\,}}.
Q: How are integrals related to derivatives?
A: Integrals and derivatives are linked by the fundamental theorem of calculus which states that an integral can be reversed by a derivative, similar to how an addition can be reversed by subtraction.
Q: When might one use integration?
A: Integration can be used when trying to multiply units into a problem or when finding the volume of a solid. It helps add two-dimensional slices together until there is width, giving the object three dimensions and its volume.
Q: How is integration similar to summation?
A: Integration is similar to summation in that it adds many tiny things together but with integration we have to add all decimals and fractions in between as well.
Q: What does Riemann sum mean?
A: A Riemann sum refers to adding small slices of the rate graph together until they add up to make up one whole equation.
