An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is used to calculate the total value of a function over a given interval.
There are two main types of integrals: definite and indefinite. A definite integral has specific upper and lower limits, while an indefinite integral does not have limits and represents a general solution.
An integral is calculated using the process of integration, which is the inverse operation of differentiation. This involves finding the antiderivative of a function and evaluating it at the upper and lower limits.
Integrals are used in many areas of mathematics and science to solve problems involving continuous quantities, such as distance, volume, and area. They are also used to model and analyze real-world situations.
Integrals have various applications in physics, engineering, economics, and statistics. Some common examples include calculating work done by a force, finding the center of mass of an object, and determining the area under a probability curve.