MODULE 1

THE DEFINITE INTEGRAL

I. INTRODUCTION

Before we start we will first do some recap on our finished discussions before the lockdown. First, we
learned what integration or antidifferentiation is all about. We familiarized ourselves with different types
of differential functions. We studied the indefinite integral and learned the different formulas and
methods of finding it. We had been good at it but so far we have not put any meaning on it. We learned
no more than the process but as to how and where to apply it we do not have an idea yet (or you do
already have an idea after more than a month of being locked home? I hope you do find a time of making
yourself erudite).

In our current lesson we will be dealing with the definite integral. We have to learn this first
before we can apply integration to engineering problems. In this module you will notice that the
discussion and examples in our book are almost exactly presented here. It is done for the benefit of those
who do not have any textbook or any reference. Explanation and some examples were added in hope
that the readers would easily grasp and enrich their understanding of the underlying principles. For those
who have books I advised you to read the full text of every topic that is presented here. Please find time
also to study the topic Even and Odd Functions in chapter 8 and the derivation of Wallis’ formula in
chapter 21.

II. OBJECTIVE
1. After completing this module, the student should be able to evaluate the definite integral of
different functions.
2. The student should be able to relate the lessons learned to the previously discussed topics.

III. DISCUSSION AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The Definite Integral

Let 𝑓(𝑥) be a given continuous function, 𝐹(𝑥) an integral of 𝑓(𝑥), and 𝑥 = 𝑎 and 𝑥 = 𝑏 two given
values of 𝑥. The change in the value of the integral 𝐹(𝑥) as 𝑥 changes from 𝑎 to 𝑏, that is, the quantity
𝐹(𝑏) − 𝐹(𝑎), is called the definite integral of 𝑓(𝑥) between the “limits” 𝑎 and 𝑏, or simply the definite
𝑏
integral from 𝑎 to 𝑏, and is denoted by the symbol ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥. It is called definite integral because its
value is independent of the constant of integration.

The numbers 𝑎 and 𝑏 are called the lower limit and the upper limit, respectively. Thus the definite
integral is the value of the indefinite integral at the upper limit, minus its value at the lower limit. The
𝑏
symbol [𝐹(𝑥)] means 𝐹(𝑏) − 𝐹(𝑎):
𝑎
𝑏 𝑏
(1) ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = [𝐹(𝑥)] = 𝐹(𝑏) − 𝐹(𝑎).
𝑎
Since the constant of integration disappears, there is no object in writing it at all.

**Continuity is very important in the evaluation of integral. The assumption of continuity is introduced
here temporarily for simplicity. Consider the following examples:
 1 1 8 1 7
(𝑥+1)3
Example (a). ∫0 (𝑥 + 1)2 𝑑𝑥 = [ ] = − =
0 3 3 3
3

𝑎 𝑎 1 1 4
Example (b). ∫−𝑎(𝑎2 − 𝑡 2 )𝑑𝑡 = [𝑎2 𝑡 − 13𝑡 3] = 𝑎3 − 𝑎3 − (−𝑎3 + 𝑎3 ) = 𝑎3
−𝑎 3 3 3
4
𝑎 (𝑎2 −𝑧 2 ) 𝑎 𝑎8 𝑎8
Example (c). ∫0 𝑧(𝑎2 − 𝑧 2 )3 𝑑𝑧 = − [ ] = − [0 − ] =
8 0 8 8

The variable whose differential occurs--respectively 𝑥, 𝑡, 𝑧, in the examples--is called the variable
of integration.

*The definite integral is independent of the constant of integration. So in the evaluation of the
indefinite integral, 𝐹(𝑥), no need to add C, it will just cancel out anyway.

General Properties of Definite Integrals

𝑏 𝑎
(1) ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = − ∫𝑏 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥;
Interchanging the limits changes the sign of the integral.

𝑏 𝑐 𝑏
(2) ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 ;
The interval of integration may be broken up into any number of subintervals, and the integration
performed over each interval separately. This is true whether or not 𝑐 lies between 𝑎 and 𝑏.

𝑏 𝑎
(3) ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = − ∫𝑏 𝑓(𝑧)𝑑𝑧.

It makes no difference what letter is used for the variable of integration; that is, the definite
integral of a given integrand is independent of the variable of integration.

Other examples:
𝜋
Example (d). Evaluate ∫03 𝑥 sin 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Solution:

Employing integration by parts,

[∫ 𝑢 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑢𝑣 − ∫ 𝑣 𝑑𝑢]

let 𝑢=𝑥 𝑑𝑣 = sin 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥 𝑣 = − cos 𝑥

𝜋 𝜋
3 𝜋 3
∫ 𝑥 sin 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = [−𝑥 cos 𝑥] 3 + ∫ cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
0 0 0
𝜋
𝜋 𝜋
= − ( cos − 0) + [sin 𝑥] 3
3 3 0
 𝜋 𝜋
= − + sin − 0
6 3
√3 𝜋
= − = 0.342 Ans.
2 6

2 𝑥
Example (e). Evaluate ∫1 𝑑𝑥
𝑥+1

Solution:
2 2 (𝑥
𝑥 + 1) − 1
∫ 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑑𝑥
1 𝑥+1 1 𝑥+1
2
1
= ∫ (1 − ) 𝑑𝑥
1 𝑥+1
2
= [𝑥 − ln(𝑥 + 1)]
1
= 2 − ln 3 − (1 − ln 2)
= 1 + ln 2 − ln 3 = 1 + ln 23 Ans.

Change of Limits with Change of Variable

𝑏
In the definite integral ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 it is implied that 𝑎 and 𝑏 are the limiting values of the variable of
integration 𝑥. Changing the variable of integration by the method of substitution

𝑥 = 𝜑(𝑧)
bring us two options, either return to the original variable before substituting the limits, or change the
limits to correspond with the change of variable. The latter method is usually preferable.
𝑎 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥
Example (f). Evaluate ∫0 3
(𝑎2 +𝑥 2 )2

Put 𝑥 = 𝑎 tan 𝜃, it follows that 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑎 sec 2 𝜃𝑑𝜃;

0
when 𝑥 = 0, tan 𝜃 = , 𝜃 = Arctan 0 = 0
𝑎
𝑎 𝜋
and when 𝑥 = 𝑎, tan 𝜃 = , 𝑎
𝜃 = Arctan 1 =
4

*When evaluating inverse trigonometric function using your calculator, be sure the mode is set to radian.
𝜋
𝑎
𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥 4 𝑎3 tan3 𝜃 𝑎 sec 2 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
∫ 3 =∫ 3
0 (𝑎2 + 𝑥 2 )2 0 (𝑎2 + 𝑎2 tan2 𝜃)2
𝜋
𝑎3 tan3 𝜃 𝑎 sec2 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
= ∫04
𝑎3 sec3 𝜃
𝜋
sin3 𝜃
= 𝑎 ∫04 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
cos3 𝜃
 𝜋
sin 𝜃(1−cos2 𝜃)
= 𝑎 ∫04 𝑑𝜃
cos2 𝜃
𝜋
sin 𝜃
= 𝑎 ∫04 ( − sin 𝜃) 𝑑𝜃
cos2 𝜃

1 𝜋
= 𝑎[ + cos 𝜃] 04
cos 𝜃

1 1
= 𝑎[ + cos 𝜋4 −( + cos 0)]
cos 𝜋
4
cos 0

√2
= 𝑎 (√2 + − 1 − 1)
2
𝑎
= (3√2 − 4) Ans.
2

4
Example (g). Evaluate ∫1 √√𝑥 − 1 𝑑𝑥. Solve in two ways.

Put √𝑥 = 𝑦 2 + 1 or 𝑥 = (𝑦 2 + 1)2 , then 𝑑𝑥 = 4(𝑦 2 + 1)𝑦𝑑𝑦.

When 𝑥 = 4, 𝑦 = 1, and when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 = 0.

4 1
∫ √√𝑥 − 1 𝑑𝑥 = 4 ∫ √𝑦 2 + 1 − 1 (𝑦 2 + 1)𝑦 𝑑𝑦
1 0
1
= 4 ∫0 (𝑦 2 + 1)𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
1
= 4 ∫0 (𝑦 4 + 𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦

𝑦5 𝑦3 1
= 4[ + ]
5 3 0

15 13 8 32
= 4( + − (0)) = 4 ( ) = Ans.
5 3 15 15

**Reminder: Don’t ever substitute the original limits to the new variable. Here, 4 and 1, are the upper
and lower limits, respectively, that correspond to the variable 𝑥. If you opt to use these original limits,
evaluate the indefinite integral of the transformed integrand and return to the original variable.

Our second solution:

considering the above transformation,

= 4 ∫ √𝑦 2 + 1 − 1 (𝑦 2 + 1)𝑦 𝑑𝑦
= 4 ∫(𝑦 2 + 1)𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
= 4 ∫(𝑦 4 + 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦
𝑦5 𝑦3
= 4[ + ]
5 3
4 3
= 𝑦 (3𝑦 2 + 5) factored form
15
From the relation between our original and new variable, √𝑥 = 𝑦 2 + 1, we have 𝑦 2 = √𝑥 − 1
 3
and 𝑦 3 = (√𝑥 − 1)2 ; the above integral becomes
We can now use our
4 3 4 original limits
= (√𝑥 − 1)2 [3(√𝑥 − 1) + 5]
15 1
3 3
4
= {(√4 − 1)2 [3(√4 − 1) + 5] − (√1 − 1)2 [3(√1 − 1) + 5]}
15
4 3 3
= {(1)2 [3(1) + 5] − (0)2 [0 + 5]}
15

4 32
= (8) = Ans.
15 15

* Which one is a better solution? Compare and judge.

Wallis’ Formula
𝜋
2
∫ sin𝑚 𝑥 cos 𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 =
0

2 2
[(𝑚 − 1)(𝑚 − 3) ⋯ or] [(𝑛 − 1)(𝑛 − 3) ⋯ or]
= 1 1 ∙ 𝛼,
2
(𝑚 + 𝑛)(𝑚 + 𝑛 − 2) ⋯ or
1
in which
𝜋
𝛼= , if 𝑚 and 𝑛 are both even,
2
𝛼 = 1, otherwise.

If either 𝑚 or 𝑛 is unity, the integral can be evaluated at once by the power formula. If either 𝑚 or 𝑛 is
zero, the integral can be evaluated using the rule below.

RULE. If the first factor in any of the products to be formed in applying Wallis’ formula, for 𝑚, 𝑛 ≥ 0, is
less than one, replace the product by unity.
𝜋
Example h. Evaluate ∫02 sin8 𝑥 cos 4 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Solution:
By Wallis’ formula,
𝜋
2 (7 ∙ 5 ∙ 3 ∙ 1)(3 ∙ 1) 𝜋 7𝜋 7𝜋
∫ sin8 𝑥 cos 4 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∙ = 11 =
0 12 ∙ 10 ∙ 8 ∙ 6 ∙ 4 ∙ 2 2 2 2048

𝜋
Example i. Evaluate ∫02 sin5 𝑥 cos 6 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Solution:
By Wallis’ formula,
 𝜋
2 (4 ∙ 2)(5 ∙ 3 ∙ 1) 4∙2 8
∫ sin5 𝑥 cos 6 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∙1= =
0 11 ∙ 9 ∙ 7 ∙ 5 ∙ 3 ∙ 1 11 ∙ 9 ∙ 7 693

𝜋
Example j. Evaluate ∫02 sin6 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Solution:
By Wallis’ formula, and by using the rule stated above,
𝜋
2 (5 ∙ 3 ∙ 1)(1) 𝜋 5𝜋 5𝜋
∫ sin6 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∙ = 5=
0 6∙4∙2 2 2 32

*Note that since 𝑛 = 0, its corresponding product in the numerator is replaced by 1. In the denominator,
the starting factor is 6 + 0 = 6. Note also that 6 and 0 are both even numbers, hence, 𝛼 = 𝜋/2.

𝜋
The integral ∫02 sin𝑚 𝑥 cos 𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 in which 𝑚 and 𝑛 are positive integers arises over and over again in
elementary applications. Fortunately, it can be evaluated simply by using Wallis’ formula. To appreciate
the power and importance of the formula, try solving these last three examples using the long method.

IV. EVALUATION

Evaluate the following definite integrals:

2 𝑑𝑥 3 𝑥 3 −2𝑥
1. ∫0 6. ∫2 𝑑𝑥
(3+𝑥)2 𝑥−1
𝜋
2
2. ∫1 (3𝑥 − 7) (𝑥 − 3)𝑑𝑥 7. ∫03 cos 3 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝜋
4 (1−𝑦)
3. ∫1 𝑑𝑦 8. ∫02 sin4 𝑥 cos 7 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
√𝑦
2𝜋 𝜋
4. ∫𝜋3 csc 𝑥 cot 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 9. ∫04 sin2 2𝜃 cos 2 2𝜃 𝑑𝜃
3

1 𝑑𝑧 1
5. ∫−1 √4−𝑧 2 10. ∫0 √1 − √𝑢 𝑑𝑢

SUBMISSION: Not later than 10:00 PM, April 30, 2020

V. REFERENCE

1. Love, C.E., Rainville, E.D., Differential and Integral Calculus, 6th ed., New York: The Macmillan
Company, Inc., 1981.