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Mathematics — Class 12 — L31: Definite Integrals

NIOS Code 311 · Module 8 · Calculus

Notes extracted from NIOS Mathematics Course (311), Lesson 31 — Definite Integrals (ilovepdf_merged (6).pdf). Content covers sections 31.1–31.x.
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Overview — Definite Integrals (L31)

The definite integral ∫_a^b f(x) dx equals F(b)−F(a) when F′=f (Fundamental Theorem), and represents net signed area under y=f(x) from a to b.

∫_a^b f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a)
F any antiderivative of f
area ≈ ∫ y dx
Definite integral as net signed area

31.1 Properties

  • ∫_a^b = −∫_b^a; ∫_a^a = 0.
  • ∫_a^b (f+g) = ∫f + ∫g; constants factor out.
  • ∫_a^b f(x)dx = ∫_a^b f(a+b−x)dx (useful substitution).

31.2 Area

Area between curve and x-axis may need absolute value if f changes sign. Area between two curves: ∫ |f−g| over the interval of intersection projections.

Net vs total area: Definite integral gives signed area; total geometric area uses |f| or split intervals.

MCQ Quiz — L31 Definite Integrals

0 / 10 correct

Flashcards — L31

1 / 14

Golden Rules — L31 Definite Integrals

Most exam-important points from this chapter:

Know the definitions of L31

Start every answer with the key definition or standard form from Definite Integrals.

Write the formula first

Copy the formula, then substitute values; never jump to the number alone.

Watch conditions

Check domain, quadrant, non-zero denominators, and applicability of the theorem.

Master result 1

Memorise and apply: = 0 if f is an odd function of x.

Master result 2

Memorise and apply: 31.1 DEFINITE INTEGRAL AS A LIMIT OF SUM

∫_a^b f = F(b)−F(a)
Properties
∫_a^b f = −∫_b^a f
Even/odd
Area
FTC

1. Formulas & Definitions

Full Ch 31 — Definite Integrals study guide: definitions, derivations, why each formula works, history, deep understanding, pencil diagrams, step-by-step use, and 4-level solved examples.

∫_a^b f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a)

Definition: Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (evaluation).

Derivation

If F'=f continuous on [a,b].

Variables

F any antiderivative · a,b limits

Why it works

Net accumulation from a to b equals change in antiderivative.

Historical context

Newton–Leibniz formula.

Deep understanding

Constant C cancels: F(b)−F(a) independent of C.

2. Diagrams & Visuals

∫_a^b f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a) Area under curve F(b)−F(a) FTC

Pencil sketch · labelled · step-by-step breakdown below

  1. Find antiderivative F
  2. Evaluate F(b)−F(a)
  3. No +C needed
  4. Watch absolute values carefully

3. Solved Examples

Basic

Q: ∫_0^1 2x dx

Solution: x² from 0 to 1 = 1

Answer: 1

Intermediate

Q: ∫_0^{π/2} cos x dx

Solution: sin=1

Answer: 1

Advanced

Q: ∫_1^e (1/x) dx

Solution: ln e − ln 1 = 1

Answer: 1

Exam

Q: State FTC evaluation.

Solution: F(b)−F(a)

Answer: F(b) − F(a)

∫_a^b f = − ∫_b^a f

Definition: Reversing limits changes sign.

Derivation

From F(b)−F(a) = −(F(a)−F(b)).

Variables

Oriented integral

Why it works

Definite integral is signed; direction of limits matters.

Historical context

Property of oriented intervals.

Deep understanding

∫_a^a f = 0.

2. Diagrams & Visuals

∫_a^b f = − ∫_b^a f Swap limits → minus Oriented ∫_a^a=0

Pencil sketch · labelled · step-by-step breakdown below

  1. If limits swapped, put minus
  2. Or swap back
  3. Use with substitution carefully
  4. Combine intervals additively

3. Solved Examples

Basic

Q: ∫_1^0 1 dx

Solution: −1

Answer: −1

Intermediate

Q: ∫_2^2 f

Solution: 0

Answer: 0

Advanced

Q: ∫_0^1 f + ∫_1^3 f = ∫_0^3 f

Solution: Additivity

Answer: True

Exam

Q: ∫_a^b + ∫_b^a = ?

Solution: 0

Answer: 0

Area = ∫_a^b |f(x)| dx (or split zeros)

Definition: Geometric area between curve and x-axis uses absolute value / splitting.

Derivation

Signed integral undercounts if f changes sign.

Variables

Find zeros to split

Why it works

Integral gives net signed area; absolute area needs pieces.

Historical context

Application of definite integrals in NIOS.

Deep understanding

Area between curves ∫|f−g|.

2. Diagrams & Visuals

Area = ∫_a^b |f(x)| dx (or split zeros) Signed vs geometric Split at roots Sum areas

Pencil sketch · labelled · step-by-step breakdown below

  1. Find where f≥0 / f<0
  2. Split integral
  3. Sum absolute contributions
  4. Units if given

3. Solved Examples

Basic

Q: Area y=x on [0,2]

Solution: ∫x=2

Answer: 2

Intermediate

Q: Area y=x on [−1,1]

Solution: ∫|x|=1

Answer: 1

Advanced

Q: Area y=sin x on [0,π]

Solution: 2

Answer: 2

Exam

Q: Why not raw ∫ if sign changes?

Solution: Cancellation

Answer: Use |f| or split

5. Special Features & Extras

Complete study guide — exam tips, common mistakes, memory aids, and quick reference.

Exam Tips & Tricks

  • No +C in definite evaluation.
  • Sketch to see sign changes.
  • Use symmetry even/odd.

Common Student Mistakes

  • Keeping +C in definite
  • Ignoring negative areas when area asked
  • Wrong limit order

Memory Aids & Mnemonics

FTC: top minus bottom of antiderivative.
Swap limits flip sign.

Which Formula When?

  • Net accumulation → F(b)−F(a)
  • Geometric area → |f| pieces
  • Swap bounds → minus

Quick reference box

• F(b)−F(a) · reverse limits − · area with |f|

PYQ — Previous Year Questions

English questions from NIOS Mathematics (311) public / sample papers (Sample 2024, Apr 2024, Oct 2024, Apr 2025; board-style where scanned papers had no extractable text). Mapped exclusively to this chapter — no cross-chapter duplicates. Use Model Answer for the marking key and Explanation for working.

L31 — Definite Integrals

4 question(s) · Sources: Board-style, Board-style FTC, Board-style property, Board-style reverse limits

PYQ1. Evaluate ∫_0^2 3x² dx.

1 mark(s) · SA · Board-style FTC

Model Answer

1)  8

Explanation

1)  [x³]_0^2 = 8.

PYQ2. Evaluate ∫_0^π sin x dx.

2 mark(s) · SA · Board-style

Model Answer

1)  2

Explanation

1)  [−cos x]_0^π = −(−1) − (−1) = 1+1=2.

PYQ3. Show that I = ∫_0^{π/2} [sin x /(sin x + cos x)] dx equals π/4.

2 mark(s) · SA · Board-style property

Model Answer

1)  I = π/4

Explanation

1)  Using x → π/2−x gives I=∫ cos/(sin+cos). Adding: 2I=∫_0^{π/2}1 dx=π/2

2)  I=π/4.

PYQ4. If ∫_1^4 f(x) dx = 7, find ∫_4^1 f(x) dx.

1 mark(s) · SA · Board-style reverse limits

Model Answer

1)  −7

Explanation

1)  ∫_a^b = −∫_b^a.

Problem Solving — L31 Definite Integrals

10 English exam-style problems for this chapter (NIOS Mathematics 311). Each question states the formula, gives full step-by-step working with the final answer, plus formal/easy explanations. English only.

Question 1 of 10FTC

Evaluate ∫_0^2 (3x²) dx.

∫_a^b f = F(b)−F(a)

1)  F=x³; F(2)−F(0)=8−0=8.

Answer:  8

Formula used

∫_a^b f = F(b)−F(a)

Textbook formal language

Fundamental theorem with antiderivative x³.

Easy language (same calculation)

Cube of 2 is 8.

Why this formula

Lower limit 0 vanishes.

Exam tip

3x² → x³ not 3x³.

Common mistakes

  • 6
  • 4
Question 2 of 10swap

If ∫_1^4 f = 7, find ∫_4^1 f.

∫_a^b = −∫_b^a

1)  ∫_4^1 f = −7.

Answer:  −7

Formula used

∫_a^b = −∫_b^a

Textbook formal language

Reversing limits multiplies by −1.

Easy language (same calculation)

Swap ends, put a minus.

Why this formula

Independent of the path of f as long as integrable.

Exam tip

Do not keep +7.

Common mistakes

  • 7
  • 0
Question 3 of 10area

Compute ∫_0^π sin x dx.

Signed vs total

1)  [−cos x]_0^π = −cosπ − (−cos0) = −(−1) + 1 = 2.

Answer:  2

Formula used

Signed vs total

Textbook formal language

Net area under one arch of sine from 0 to π is 2.

Easy language (same calculation)

−cos at π is +1; minus −1 at 0 gives 2.

Why this formula

Total geometric area same here since sin≥0 on [0,π].

Exam tip

Careful with −(−cos0).

Common mistakes

  • 0
  • 1
Question 4 of 10property

Using the property, show I=∫_0^{π/2} sin x /(sin x + cos x) dx equals π/4.

∫_a^b f(x)dx=∫_a^b f(a+b−x)dx

1)  I=∫_0^{π/2} sin x/(sin x+cos x) dx.

2)  Also I=∫_0^{π/2} cos x/(sin x+cos x) dx by x→π/2−x.

3)  Add: 2I=∫_0^{π/2} 1 dx=π/2 ⇒ I=π/4.

Answer:  π/4

Formula used

∫_a^b f(x)dx=∫_a^b f(a+b−x)dx

Textbook formal language

The substitution x→a+b−x symmetrises sine and cosine.

Easy language (same calculation)

Two expressions for I add to the integral of 1.

Why this formula

Classic NIOS/board trick for this integrand.

Exam tip

Limits 0 to π/2 are essential for the swap.

Common mistakes

  • π/2
  • 1
Question 5 of 10linear

Evaluate ∫_1^2 (2x + 3) dx.

Split integrals

1)  [x² + 3x]_1^2 = (4+6) − (1+3) = 10−4=6.

Answer:  6

Formula used

Split integrals

Textbook formal language

Antiderivative x²+3x evaluated between limits.

Easy language (same calculation)

At 2:10; at 1:4; difference 6.

Why this formula

Can split as 2∫x + 3∫1.

Exam tip

Arithmetic at the bounds.

Common mistakes

  • 7
  • 5
Question 6 of 10absolute area

Find the total area between y=x and the x-axis from x=−1 to x=2.

Split at zero

1)  ∫_−1^0 (−x)dx + ∫_0^2 x dx = [−x²/2]_−1^0 + [x²/2]_0^2 = (0−(−1/2)) + (2−0) = 0.5+2=2.5.

Answer:  5/2 (or 2.5)

Formula used

Split at zero

Textbook formal language

Total area uses |x|, splitting at the root x=0.

Easy language (same calculation)

Triangle areas 1/2 + 2 = 2.5.

Why this formula

Net ∫_−1^2 x dx = 1.5 would be wrong for total area.

Exam tip

Split where the function changes sign.

Common mistakes

  • 3/2
  • 2
Question 7 of 10FTC

Evaluate ∫_1^4 2x dx.

∫_a^b f = F(b)−F(a)

1)  F=x²; F(4)−F(1)=16−1=15.

Answer:  15

Formula used

∫_a^b f = F(b)−F(a)

Textbook formal language

Fundamental theorem of calculus.

Easy language (same calculation)

Antiderivative x² from 1 to 4.

Why this formula

No +C needed.

Exam tip

Check each algebraic step carefully.

Common mistakes

  • 8
  • 16
Question 8 of 10Area

Find the area under y = x from x = 0 to x = 3.

Positive integrand

1)  ∫_0^3 x dx = [x²/2]_0^3 = 9/2.

Answer:  9/2

Formula used

Positive integrand

Textbook formal language

Definite integral of a non-negative function is area.

Easy language (same calculation)

Triangle area ½·3·3=9/2.

Why this formula

Geometry checks the integral.

Exam tip

Check each algebraic step carefully.

Common mistakes

  • 3
  • 9
Question 9 of 10Properties

If ∫_0^2 f(x) dx = 7, find ∫_2^0 f(x) dx.

∫_a^b = −∫_b^a

1)  Reversing limits changes sign: −7.

Answer:  −7

Formula used

∫_a^b = −∫_b^a

Textbook formal language

Orientation of the interval.

Easy language (same calculation)

Swap bounds ⇒ minus.

Why this formula

Same integrand.

Exam tip

Check each algebraic step carefully.

Common mistakes

  • 7
  • 0
Question 10 of 10Even

Evaluate ∫_−1^1 x² dx.

∫_−a^a even = 2∫_0^a

1)  x² even: 2∫_0^1 x² dx = 2[x³/3]_0^1 = 2/3.

Answer:  2/3

Formula used

∫_−a^a even = 2∫_0^a

Textbook formal language

Even function property on symmetric interval.

Easy language (same calculation)

Or direct: [x³/3]_−1^1 = 1/3 − (−1/3)=2/3.

Why this formula

Odd integrands over symmetric limits give 0.

Exam tip

Check each algebraic step carefully.

Common mistakes

  • 0
  • 1/3