Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Definite Integral
A definite integral represents the signed area under a curve between two points on the x-axis. It is calculated using the integral symbol and provides a numerical value that corresponds to the total area, accounting for areas above and below the x-axis. In the context of area functions, it helps determine the accumulated area from a starting point to a variable endpoint.
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Area Function
An area function, such as A(x) or F(x), is defined as the integral of a function from a fixed point to a variable upper limit. It quantifies the area under the curve of the function from the lower limit to x. This concept is crucial for evaluating specific values of the area function, as it allows us to compute the total area accumulated up to a certain point.
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Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus links differentiation and integration, stating that if F is an antiderivative of f on an interval, then the integral of f from a to b is equal to F(b) - F(a). This theorem is essential for evaluating area functions, as it allows us to compute definite integrals by finding the difference of the antiderivative values at the endpoints.
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