Math Vocab Help
The limit of Riemann's sum as the width of the rectangles underneath a curve approaches zero is called _____________.

a. an indefinite integral
b. a definite integral
c. a differential area
d. a derivative

Question

Math Vocab Help
The limit of Riemann's sum as the width of the rectangles underneath a curve approaches zero is called  _____________.

a. an indefinite integral
b. a definite integral
c. a differential area
d. a derivative

anonymous · Answer

c? I am assuming.

accessdenied · Answer

Riemann sums approximate the area under a curve.  The approximation is only as good as the number and width of rectangles you have, though.  As you make these widths super super small (the limit to zero), you are still estimating the area under the curve between two end points.  But your estimate becomes closer and closer to exact!

An indefinite integral is just the antiderivative and does not tell us an area.  The same is true about derivatives.  When you talk about differentials, you are not referring to a whole area but a tiny unit of area to sum with integration.

anonymous · Answer

So would it be the differential area then? :D

kc_kennylau · Answer

Definite integral

anonymous · Answer

oooh! I see now! Thank you! @kc_kennylau ♥!

kc_kennylau · Answer

no problem :)