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Multiple Choice
Evaluate the definite integral: .
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Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Recall the formula for evaluating a definite integral: \( \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx = F(b) - F(a) \), where \( F(x) \) is the antiderivative of \( f(x) \).
Step 2: Find the antiderivative of \( f(x) = x^2 - 3 \). The antiderivative of \( x^2 \) is \( \frac{x^3}{3} \), and the antiderivative of \( -3 \) is \( -3x \). Thus, \( F(x) = \frac{x^3}{3} - 3x \).
Step 3: Apply the limits of integration \( a = -2 \) and \( b = 3 \) to the antiderivative \( F(x) \). Compute \( F(3) \) and \( F(-2) \) separately.
Step 4: Substitute \( x = 3 \) into \( F(x) \): \( F(3) = \frac{3^3}{3} - 3(3) \). Then substitute \( x = -2 \) into \( F(x) \): \( F(-2) = \frac{(-2)^3}{3} - 3(-2) \).
Step 5: Compute the definite integral by subtracting \( F(-2) \) from \( F(3) \): \( \int_{-2}^{3} (x^2 - 3) \, dx = F(3) - F(-2) \).