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Multiple Choice
Suppose the graph of a continuous function is shown below, and the area between the graph of and the -axis from to is (above the -axis), and from to is (below the -axis). What is the value of the definite integral ?
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Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Recall the definition of a definite integral. The definite integral \( \int_a^b f(x) \, dx \) represents the net area between the graph of \( f(x) \) and the x-axis over the interval \([a, b]\). Areas above the x-axis contribute positively, while areas below the x-axis contribute negatively.
Step 2: Identify the given information. From x = 0 to x = 2, the area above the x-axis is 3. From x = 2 to x = 4, the area below the x-axis is 2. This means the integral from x = 0 to x = 2 contributes \(+3\), and the integral from x = 2 to x = 4 contributes \(-2\).
Step 3: Break the integral \( \int_0^4 f(x) \, dx \) into two parts using the property of definite integrals: \( \int_0^4 f(x) \, dx = \int_0^2 f(x) \, dx + \int_2^4 f(x) \, dx \).
Step 4: Substitute the values of the areas into the equation. From the given information, \( \int_0^2 f(x) \, dx = 3 \) and \( \int_2^4 f(x) \, dx = -2 \).
Step 5: Add the two results together to find the net area: \( \int_0^4 f(x) \, dx = 3 + (-2) \). This gives the value of the definite integral.