Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

AP Calculus BC guide to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (Parts 1 and 2), accumulation functions, and their applications.

# Fundamental Theorem of Calculus — AP Calculus BC

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC) connects differentiation and integration — two seemingly opposite operations. Both parts are essential for AP Calculus BC.

Key Concepts

FTC Part 1 (Derivative of an Integral)

If F(x)=∫axf(t) dtF(x) = \int_a^x f(t)\,dt, then: F′(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x)

With the chain rule (variable upper limit): ddx∫ag(x)f(t) dt=f(g(x))⋅g′(x)\frac{d}{dx}\int_a^{g(x)} f(t)\,dt = f(g(x)) \cdot g'(x)

FTC Part 2 (Evaluation)

If FF is an antiderivative of ff: ∫abf(x) dx=F(b)−F(a)\int_a^b f(x)\,dx = F(b) - F(a)

Accumulation Functions

F(x)=∫axf(t) dtF(x) = \int_a^x f(t)\,dt is called an accumulation function.

  • F′(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x) — the integrand is the derivative.
  • FF is increasing when f>0f > 0, decreasing when f<0f < 0.
  • FF has a local max where ff changes from positive to negative.

Net Change Theorem

∫abf′(x) dx=f(b)−f(a)\int_a^b f'(x)\,dx = f(b) - f(a)

The integral of a rate of change gives the net change.

Average Value of a Function

favg=1b−a∫abf(x) dxf_{\text{avg}} = \frac{1}{b-a}\int_a^b f(x)\,dx

Worked Example

Problem: Let F(x)=∫0x2sin⁡t dtF(x) = \int_0^{x^2} \sin t\,dt. Find F′(x)F'(x).

Solution: By FTC Part 1 with chain rule: F′(x)=sin⁡(x2)⋅2x=2xsin⁡(x2)F'(x) = \sin(x^2) \cdot 2x = 2x\sin(x^2)

Practice Questions

  1. 1. ddx∫1xet2 dt\frac{d}{dx}\int_1^x e^{t^2}\,dt

    ex2e^{x^2}.

    2. ∫03(2x+1) dx\int_0^3 (2x + 1)\,dx

    [x2+x]03=9+3=12[x^2 + x]_0^3 = 9 + 3 = 12.

    3. If v(t)v(t) is velocity and ∫05v(t) dt=20\int_0^5 v(t)\,dt = 20, what does this represent?

    The net displacement over [0,5][0, 5] is 20 units.

    4. Find the average value of f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [0,3][0, 3].

    13∫03x2 dx=13[x3/3]03=13(9)=3\frac{1}{3}\int_0^3 x^2\,dx = \frac{1}{3}[x^3/3]_0^3 = \frac{1}{3}(9) = 3.

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Summary

  • FTC Part 1: ddx∫axf(t) dt=f(x)\frac{d}{dx}\int_a^x f(t)\,dt = f(x).
  • FTC Part 2: ∫abf(x) dx=F(b)−F(a)\int_a^b f(x)\,dx = F(b) - F(a).
  • Net change: integral of a rate = total change.
  • Average value: 1b−a∫abf(x) dx\frac{1}{b-a}\int_a^b f(x)\,dx.

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