In integration, what does the +c mean and why does it disappear if you have limits?

When you differentiate, the constant disappears, because it is not dependent of the variable. So when you integrate, you have to add the constant again. However, you can't know the vaulue of c without being further information.
When you integrate with limits, for example x^2+x with the limits of 1 and 4. Integration: 1/3x^3+0,5x^2 + c. 
with limits: 1/3(4)^3 + 0,5(4)^2 + c - 1/3(1)^3 + 0,5(1)^2 + c --> c-c --> the c disappears.

SK
Answered by Susanne K. Maths tutor

9989 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is 50 as a percentage of 20?


How can I find x and y?


work out: ( 4 × 10^3 )^2 + 3.5 × 10^7 and give your answer in standard form.


Prove that the square of an odd number is always 1 more than a multiple of 4


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning