Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Riemann Sums
Riemann sums are a method for approximating the definite integral of a function over an interval. They involve partitioning the interval into smaller subintervals, calculating the function's value at specific points within these subintervals, and summing the products of these values and the widths of the subintervals. The midpoint Riemann sum specifically uses the midpoint of each subinterval to evaluate the function, providing a more accurate approximation than using left or right endpoints.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Riemann Sums
Sigma Notation
Sigma notation is a concise way to represent the sum of a sequence of terms. It uses the Greek letter sigma (Σ) to indicate summation, along with an index of summation that specifies the starting and ending values. For Riemann sums, sigma notation allows us to express the sum of function values multiplied by the width of the subintervals in a compact form, making it easier to manipulate and evaluate mathematically.
Recommended video:
Theorem 5.1 (Fundamental Theorem of Calculus)
Theorem 5.1, often referred to as the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, establishes a connection between differentiation and integration. It states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval, then the definite integral of the function can be computed using its antiderivative. This theorem allows us to evaluate Riemann sums by finding the antiderivative of the function and applying the limits of integration, thus simplifying the process of calculating the area under the curve.
Recommended video:
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1