How Does the Trapezium Rule Apply to Unequal Widths in Integration?

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The discussion focuses on applying the trapezium rule to integrate the function e^{-x} over the interval from 0 to 1 using two trapezia of unequal widths. The user initially struggles with the correct formulation of the trapezium rule and attempts to derive the expression for the approximation. A diagram of the exponential curve is suggested to visualize the trapezoids and their areas, which helps clarify the problem. The user realizes they made an error in their diagram by incorrectly marking the x-coordinates. Ultimately, the correct approach involves properly identifying the bases of the trapezoids along the x-axis.
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[SOLVED] Help me with the trapezium rule please

Homework Statement


\int _{0} ^{1} e^{-x} dx
By using two trapezia of unequal width, with one width,h, and the other (1-h) show that
T\approx<br /> \frac{1}{2}(e^{-1}+h(1-e^{-1})+e^{-h}

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



So the sum is given by

\frac{1}{2}(e^h+1)h + \frac{1}{2}(e^{1-h}+e^h)(1-h)

= \frac{1}{2}(h+e^{1-h}+e^h-he^{1-h})

and here is where I can't show it.
 
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There may be a problem because this line should be

\frac{1}{2}(e^{-h}+1)h + \frac{1}{2}(e^{-h}+e^{-1})(1-h)

Draw a diagram of the exponential curve e^(-x), mark the points on the curve at x = h and x = 1, connect the dots from (0,1) to (h, e^(-h)) and from there to (1, e^(-1)), draw the trapezoids, and find their areas. (What the problem is calling the "widths" are the bases of the trapezoids along the x-axis.)
 
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ahhhh...dumb me... I drew the diagram correctly but instead of from 0 to 1, I drew from 0 to -1...and I used the wrong x-coordinate...I got it now thanks!
 
The working out suggests first equating ## \sqrt{i} = x + iy ## and suggests that squaring and equating real and imaginary parts of both sides results in ## \sqrt{i} = \pm (1+i)/ \sqrt{2} ## Squaring both sides results in: $$ i = (x + iy)^2 $$ $$ i = x^2 + 2ixy -y^2 $$ equating real parts gives $$ x^2 - y^2 = 0 $$ $$ (x+y)(x-y) = 0 $$ $$ x = \pm y $$ equating imaginary parts gives: $$ i = 2ixy $$ $$ 2xy = 1 $$ I'm not really sure how to proceed from here.
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