AP Calculus AB : Functions, Graphs, and Limits

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Calculus AB

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Example Questions

Example Question #8 : Finding Definite Integrals

\(\displaystyle \int_2^5\sqrt{x}\text{ }{\mathrm{d} x}=?\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 2.59\)

\(\displaystyle 7.52\)

\(\displaystyle 9.34\)

\(\displaystyle 5.56\)

\(\displaystyle 1.89\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 5.56\)

Explanation:

Remember the fundamental theorem of calculus!

\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\int f(b){\mathrm{d} x}-\int f(a){\mathrm{d} x}\)

Since our \(\displaystyle f(x)=\sqrt{x}\), we can use the power rule, if we turn it into an exponent: 

\(\displaystyle f(x)=\sqrt{x}=x^{\frac{1}{2}}\)

This means that:

\(\displaystyle \int f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\int x^\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{2}{3}x^\frac{3}{2}+c\)

 

Remember to include the \(\displaystyle + c\) for any anti-derivative or integral taken!

Now we can plug that equation into our FToC equation:

\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(\frac{2}{3}b^\frac{3}{2}+c)-(\frac{2}{3}a^\frac{3}{2}+c)\)

Notice that the c's cancel out. Plug in the given values for a and b and solve:

\(\displaystyle \int_{2}^{5}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(\frac{2}{3}(5)^\frac{3}{2})-(\frac{2}{3}(2)^\frac{3}{2})\)

\(\displaystyle \int_{2}^{5}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}\approx(7.45)-(1.89)\)

\(\displaystyle \int_{2}^{5}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}\approx5.56\)

Example Question #1 : Finding Indefinite Integrals

What is the anti-derivative of \(\displaystyle 2x\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \frac{3}{2}x^2+c\)

\(\displaystyle 2\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}x^2+c\)

\(\displaystyle 2+c\)

\(\displaystyle x^2+c\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle x^2+c\)

Explanation:

To find the indefinite integral of our expression, we can use the reverse power rule.

To use the reverse power rule, we raise the exponent of the \(\displaystyle x\) by one and then divide by that new exponent.

First we need to realize that \(\displaystyle 2x=2x^1\). From there we can solve:

\(\displaystyle \int2x{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{2x^{1+1}}{1+1}+c\)

When taking an integral, be sure to include a \(\displaystyle +c\) at the end of everything. \(\displaystyle c\) stands for "constant". Since taking the derivative of a constant whole number will always equal \(\displaystyle 0\), we include the \(\displaystyle +c\) to anticipate the possiblity of the equation actually being \(\displaystyle x^2+5\) or \(\displaystyle x^2-100\) instead of just  \(\displaystyle x^2\).

\(\displaystyle \int2x{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{2x^{2}}{2}+c\)

\(\displaystyle \int2x{\mathrm{d} x}=x^2+c\)

Example Question #291 : Ap Calculus Ab

What is the indefinite integral of \(\displaystyle x^3+2\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{4}x^4+2x+c\)

\(\displaystyle 4x^4+2x\)

\(\displaystyle 3x^2\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}x^4+2+c\)

\(\displaystyle 6x+6+c\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{4}x^4+2x+c\)

Explanation:

To find the indefinite integral of our equation, we can use the reverse power rule.

To use the reverse power rule, we raise the exponent of the \(\displaystyle x\) by one and then divide by that new exponent.

Remember that, when taking the integral, we treat constants as that number times \(\displaystyle x^{0}\) since anything to the zero power is \(\displaystyle 1\). For example, treat \(\displaystyle 2\) as \(\displaystyle 2x^0\).

\(\displaystyle \int x^3+2{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{x^{3+1}}{3+1}+\frac{2x^{0+1}}{0+1}+c\)

When taking an integral, be sure to include a \(\displaystyle +c\) at the end of everything. \(\displaystyle c\) stands for "constant". Since taking the derivative of a constant whole number will always equal \(\displaystyle 0\), we include the \(\displaystyle +c\) to anticipate the possiblity of the equation actually being \(\displaystyle x^2+5\) or \(\displaystyle x^2-100\) instead of just  \(\displaystyle x^2\).

\(\displaystyle \int x^3+2{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{x^{4}}{4}+\frac{2x^{1}}{1}+c\)

\(\displaystyle \int x^3+2{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{1}{4}x^4+2x+c\)

Example Question #292 : Ap Calculus Ab

What is the indefinite integral of \(\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}x^2\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle x^3+c\)

\(\displaystyle 2x+3\)

\(\displaystyle x^2\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}x^3+c\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{9}x^3+c\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{9}x^3+c\)

Explanation:

To find the indefinite integral of our equation, we can use the reverse power rule.

To use the reverse power rule, we raise the exponent of the \(\displaystyle x\) by one and then divide by that new exponent.

\(\displaystyle \int \frac{1}{3}x^2{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{1}{3}*\frac{x^{2+1}}{2+1}+c\)

When taking an integral, be sure to include a \(\displaystyle +c\)\(\displaystyle c\) stands for "constant". Since taking the derivative of a constant whole number will always equal \(\displaystyle 0\), we include the \(\displaystyle +c\) to anticipate the possiblity of the equation actually being \(\displaystyle x^2+5\) or \(\displaystyle x^2-100\) instead of just  \(\displaystyle x^2\).

\(\displaystyle \int \frac{1}{3}x^2{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{1}{3}*\frac{x^{3}}{3}+c\)

\(\displaystyle \int \frac{1}{3}x^2{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{1}{9}x^3+c\)

Example Question #33 : Calculus Ii — Integrals

\(\displaystyle \int_{12}^{15}\ln(x){\mathrm{d} x}=?\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 8.7\)

\(\displaystyle 7.8\)

\(\displaystyle 71.12\)

\(\displaystyle 3.9\)

\(\displaystyle 10.8\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 7.8\)

Explanation:

Remember the fundamental theorem of calculus!

\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\int f(b){\mathrm{d} x}-\int f(a){\mathrm{d} x}\)

Since our \(\displaystyle f(x)=\ln(x)\), we can't use the power rule, as it has a special antiderivative:

\(\displaystyle \int f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\int \ln(x){\mathrm{d} x}=x\ln(x)-x+c\)

Remember to include the \(\displaystyle + c\) for any anti-derivative or integral taken!

Now we can plug that equation into our FToC equation:

\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(b\ln(b)-b+c)-(a\ln(a)-a+c)\)

Notice that the c's cancel out. Plug in the given values for a and b and solve:

\(\displaystyle \int_{12}^{15}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(15\ln(15)-15)-(12\ln(12)-12)\)

\(\displaystyle \int_{12}^{15}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}\approx(25.62)-(17.82)\)

\(\displaystyle \int_{12}^{15}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}\approx7.8\)

Example Question #51 : Comparing Relative Magnitudes Of Functions And Their Rates Of Change

\(\displaystyle \int_{\pi}^{2\pi}\sin(x){\mathrm{d} x}=?\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{2}\)

\(\displaystyle 1\)

\(\displaystyle 0\)

\(\displaystyle 2\pi\)

\(\displaystyle -2\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle -2\)

Explanation:

Remember the fundamental theorem of calculus!

\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\int f(b){\mathrm{d} x}-\int f(a){\mathrm{d} x}\)

Since our \(\displaystyle f(x)=\sin(x)\), we can't use the power rule, as it has a special antiderivative:

\(\displaystyle \int f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\int \sin(x){\mathrm{d} x}=-\cos(x)+c\)

Remember to include the \(\displaystyle + c\) for any anti-derivative or integral taken!

Now we can plug that equation into our FToC equation:

\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(-\cos(b)+c)-(-\cos(a)+c)\)

Notice that the c's cancel out. Plug in the given values for a and b and solve:

\(\displaystyle \int_{\pi}^{2\pi}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(-\cos({2\pi}))-(-\cos(\pi))\)

\(\displaystyle \int_{\pi}^{2\pi}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(-1)-(-(-1))\)

\(\displaystyle \int_{\pi}^{2\pi}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=-2\)

Example Question #294 : Ap Calculus Ab

\(\displaystyle \int_{\pi}^{2\pi}\cos(x){\mathrm{d} x}=?\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 0\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{2}\)

\(\displaystyle \pi\)

\(\displaystyle 2\)

\(\displaystyle 1\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 0\)

Explanation:

Remember the fundamental theorem of calculus!

\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\int f(b){\mathrm{d} x}-\int f(a){\mathrm{d} x}\)

Since our \(\displaystyle f(x)=\cos(x)\), we can't use the power rule, as it has a special antiderivative:

\(\displaystyle \int f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\int \cos(x){\mathrm{d} x}=\sin(x)+c\)

Remember to include the \(\displaystyle + c\) for any anti-derivative or integral taken!

Now we can plug that equation into our FToC equation:

\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(\sin(b)+c)-(\sin(a)+c)\)

Notice that the c's cancel out. Plug in the given values for a and b and solve:

\(\displaystyle \int_{\pi}^{2\pi}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(\sin({2\pi}))-(\sin(\pi))\)

\(\displaystyle \int_{\pi}^{2\pi}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=(0)-(0)\)

\(\displaystyle \int_{\pi}^{2\pi}f(x){\mathrm{d} x}=0\)

Example Question #4 : Finding Indefinite Integrals

What is the indefinite integral of \(\displaystyle x+18\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}x^2+18x+c\)

Undefined

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}x^3+18x^2+cx\)

\(\displaystyle 1\)

\(\displaystyle 2x^2+18x+c\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}x^2+18x+c\)

Explanation:

To find the indefinite integral of our equation, we can use the reverse power rule.

To use the reverse power rule, we raise the exponent of the \(\displaystyle x\) by one and then divide by that new exponent.

Remember that, when taking the integral, we treat constants as that number times \(\displaystyle x^{0}\), since anything to the zero power is \(\displaystyle 1\). Treat \(\displaystyle 18\) as \(\displaystyle 18x^0\).

\(\displaystyle \int x+18{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{x^{1+1}}{1+1}+\frac{18x^{0+1}}{0+1}+c\)

When taking an integral, be sure to include a \(\displaystyle +c\)\(\displaystyle c\) stands for "constant". Since taking the derivative of a constant whole number will always equal \(\displaystyle 0\), we include the \(\displaystyle +c\) to anticipate the possiblity of the equation actually being \(\displaystyle x^2+5\) or \(\displaystyle x^2-100\) instead of just  \(\displaystyle x^2\).

\(\displaystyle \int x+18{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{x^{2}}{2}+\frac{18x^{1}}{1}+c\)

\(\displaystyle \int x+18{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{1}{2}x^2+18x+c\)

Example Question #295 : Ap Calculus Ab

What is the indefinite integral of \(\displaystyle \sin(x)\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle -\cos(x)\)

\(\displaystyle \cos(x)\)

\(\displaystyle -\cos(x)+c\)

\(\displaystyle -\sin(x)+c\)

\(\displaystyle 2\sin(x^2)+c\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle -\cos(x)+c\)

Explanation:

\(\displaystyle \sin(x)\) is a special function.

The indefinite integral is \(\displaystyle \int \sin(x) {\mathrm{d} x}=-\cos(x)+c\).

Even though it is a special function, we still need to include a \(\displaystyle +c\)\(\displaystyle c\) stands for "constant". Since taking the derivative of a constant whole number will always equal \(\displaystyle 0\), we include the \(\displaystyle +c\) to anticipate the possiblity of the equation actually being \(\displaystyle x^2+5\) or \(\displaystyle x^2-100\) instead of just  \(\displaystyle x^2\).

Example Question #2221 : High School Math

What is the indefinite integral of \(\displaystyle 6x^2+8\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 12\)

\(\displaystyle 2x^3-8x-c\)

\(\displaystyle 12x\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{2}{3}x^3+8x+c\)

\(\displaystyle 2x^3+8x+c\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 2x^3+8x+c\)

Explanation:

To solve this problem, we can use the anti-power rule or reverse power rule. We raise the exponent on the variables by one and divide by the new exponent.

For this problem, we'll treat \(\displaystyle 8\) as \(\displaystyle 8x^0\) since anything to the zero power is one.

\(\displaystyle \int 6x^2+8{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{6x^{2+1}}{2+1}+\frac{8x^{0+1}}{0+1}+c\)

Since the derivative of any constant is \(\displaystyle 0\), when we take the indefinite integral, we add a \(\displaystyle c\) to compensate for any constant that might be there.

From here we can simplify.

\(\displaystyle \int 6x^2+8{\mathrm{d} x}=\frac{6x^{3}}{3}+\frac{8x^{1}}{1}+c\)

\(\displaystyle \int 6x^2+8{\mathrm{d} x}=2x^3+8x+c\)

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