What does it mean when I get a negative value when I do a definite integral?

The definite integral gives the value of the area bounded between the curve at the given limits, and the x-axis (if we are integrating with respect to x!) If this value is negative, it means that the area underneath the x-axis is greater than the area above the x-axis beween those two limits. Or it could just mean you've got your limits the wrong way round!

Answered by Callum L. Maths tutor

12311 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The line AB has equation 3x + 5y = 7 (a. Find the gradient of AB)


Showing all your working, evaluate ∫(21x^6 - e^2x- (1/x) +6)dx


Question shown in the answer section as a hyperlinked link.


Simplify ln(e^2) - 4ln(1/e)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences