I keep getting “Definite integral” questions wrong in Integration. What's the trap?
ignoring that area below the x-axis counts as negative.
The usual trap: ignoring that area below the x-axis counts as negative. How to avoid it: split the interval at the roots if you need total (unsigned) area. Go back to the definition — the definite integral gives the (signed) area under a curve between two limits.
Key point
Definite integral
Common mistake
ignoring that area below the x-axis counts as negative.
Memory tip
split the interval at the roots if you need total (unsigned) area.
Tap to watch or see it right here — the app stays open (it only opens a quick search if nothing embeddable is found).