I know how to integrate, but I still never see any real world example of it, so it is difficult to understand. Why is it useful?

(In tandem with the whiteboard) Integration is a way of working out the total of something. An example of this is if you see a graph of velocity and time, the area under the graph is the total distance travelled. This makes sense if the velocity is constant, you don't need a complex mathematical process to see what the distance is. But how about if the velocity isn't constant?

Let's look at a simple example, which uses a little bit of physics. Let's examine the total force that water exerts on a wall. This will demonstrate the way to derive an indefinite integral from first principles and then apply it - it should then be more apparent what the purpose of integration is.

CM
Answered by Cain M. Maths tutor

3284 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Write down the coordinates of the centre and the radius of the circle with equation x^2+y^2-4x-8y+11=0


An open-topped fish tank is to be made for an aquarium. It will have a square base, rectangular sides, and a volume of 60 m3. The base materials cost £15 per m2 and the sides £8 per m2. What should the height be to minimise costs?


Find the derivative and following function and hence find the value of coordinates for when the function is at a stationary point:


Find the integral of y=6/(e^x+2) using calculus.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning