Definite integral gives you the area, and area can't be negative. But while doing exercises, i cam across a lot of definite integrals, which after integrating, were giving negative answers. Why is it so?

Question

amistre64 · Answer

Area in a direction can be negative; maybe

amistre64 · Answer

its either that or youve got your numbers backwards and are subtracting the smaller from the larger

amistre64 · Answer

15 - 3 = 12

3 - 15 = -12

angela210793 · Answer

well sometimes the area equals 0...so...that may b true...

anonymous · Answer

For example, when you integrate this definite integral, 
$$\int\limits_{-1}^{-3} (x-1)^{-3} dx$$
the answer is -3/32
is it so because of the negative limits?

anonymous · Answer

hullo?

amistre64 · Answer

You are simply on the "other side" of normal

anonymous · Answer

Ummm?

amistre64 · Answer

you can flip your bounds and it makes a (-) in front

amistre64 · Answer

it simply means that the area that you want is to the left of x=0

amistre64 · Answer

since you are working in a region that is "negative" to begin with, it gonne be a "negative" area

anonymous · Answer

Alright, thank you...

anonymous · Answer

Are you a teacher in some college?

amistre64 · Answer

nope...

anonymous · Answer

You're a student? Whoa, man than your genius.

amistre64 · Answer

:)

anonymous · Answer

then **

anonymous · Answer

No, really, are you a student?

amistre64 · Answer

I am a college student yes; 35 years old tho so that might account for some wits lol

anonymous · Answer

of which year then?

anonymous · Answer

then you must be a Master's student, Well anyways thank you. Take care.

anonymous · Answer

Well, I'm a 12th year student, just to tell you, by the way.

amistre64 · Answer

:)  youll grow into it