The Area Under the Curve Calculator determines the area associated with a function over a chosen interval. For a continuous function, a definite integral gives the signed area between the graph and the x-axis.
Integral used for area
For f(x) from x = a to x = b, the signed area is β«βα΅ f(x) dx. Regions below the x-axis contribute negative values. If you need total geometric area, those regions must be treated separately or the absolute value of the function must be integrated.
Worked example
For f(x) = x from 0 to 2, the integral is β«βΒ² x dx = [xΒ²/2]βΒ² = 2. The graph forms a triangle with base 2 and height 2, whose geometric area is also 2 square units.
Using the calculator
- Enter the function.
- Set the lower and upper limits.
- Calculate the definite integral.
- Check whether the interval contains portions below the x-axis.