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Difference Between Indefinite and Definite Integrals

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How Do Definite Integrals Differ from Indefinite Integrals?

One of the most important areas of mathematics is calculus. Calculus is a methodical approach to problem-solving that typically entails using integrals and derivatives to pinpoint function attributes or values. The core ideas in calculus are differentiation and integration. The two ideas are diametrically opposed to one another. The differential is the opposite of differential, whereas differential is the opposite of integral. Based on the outcomes they generate, integrals are categorized as integral and definite integrals. At the end of this article, one will be able to differentiate between integral and definite integrals, and what is integral and definite integrals.


Category:

JEE Main Difference Between

Content-Type:

Text, Images, Videos and PDF

Exam:

JEE Main

Topic Name:

Difference Between Integral And Definite Integrals

Academic Session:

2026

Medium:

English Medium

Subject:

Mathematics

Available Material:

Chapter-wise Difference Between Topics


What is Definite Integrals?

A graph's curve's area can be determined using a definite integral. The start and endpoints are its boundaries, within which the area under a curve is determined. To select the area of the curve f(x), with respect to the x-axis, the limit points [a, b] can be used. The equivalent phrase for a definite integral is baf(x)dx.


Integration is the total of the areas, and the size inside bounds is determined using definite integrals.


Integration was first studied in the third century BC when it was used to calculate the areas of circles, parabolas, and ellipses. Let's find out more about definite integrals and their characteristics.


Properties of Definite Integral: 

If a function f is positive, then the definite integral ∫baf(x) dx can be represented as the area under the graph y=f(x), above the x-axis and between x=a and x=b.

This results in the following characteristics, which hold for integrable functions generally as well:


∫aaf(x) dx=0

(This is a vertical line segment's area with no width.)

∫baf(x) dx+∫cbf(x) dx=∫caf(x) dx

(In this case, the two nearby areas are added, and the result is expressed as a single definite integral.)


What is Integral?   

F'(x) = f(x) for all values of x in I. TF(x) is referred to as an antiderivative, Newton-Leibnitz integral, or primitive of a function f(x) on an interval I.


A region's area under a curve is represented by an integral. By drawing rectangles, we can roughly estimate an integral's true value. The area of the region enclosed by the graph of the supplied function between two points on the line can be used to illustrate a definite integral of a function. By dividing a region into small vertical rectangles and adding the lower and upper bounds, the size of the region may be calculated. Over an interval on which the integral is based, we provide an integral of a function.


Types of Integral: 

The following kinds of issues are resolved using integral calculus.


  1. A function must be found if its derivative is known.

  2. The issue of locating the region confined by the graph of a function under predetermined circumstances. Thus, there are two categories of integral calculus.


  • Integrals with definite values (whose values are known in advance)

  • Integrals with indefinite values (where C is a random constant and the value of the integral is undefined)


Method to Find Integral: 

The indefinite integrals can be found using a variety of techniques. The common techniques are:


  • Integrals can be found using the integration by substitution approach.

  • Using integration by parts to find integrals

  • Integrals can be found by integrating with partial fractions.


Key Concepts: 

  • The area above the x-axis less the area below the y-axis is known as the net signed area, and it may be calculated using the definite integral. 

  • Net signed area may be zero, negative, or positive.

  • The integrand, the integration variable, and the integration limits are the constituent elements of the definite integral.

  • Integrable continuous functions are those on a closed interval. Depending on the type of discontinuities, functions that are not continuous could nevertheless be integrable.

  • Integrals can be evaluated using the characteristics of definite integrals.

  • Many functions' areas under the curves can be determined using geometric formulas.

  • A function's average value can be determined using definite integrals.


Difference Between Integral and Definite Integrals:

The difference between the definite and indefinite integrals solutions is that, in the former, after integrating the given function, we simply obtain a number while, in the latter, we simply integrate the function and add an arbitrary constant. We can determine the value of that arbitrary constant and, thus, a suitable function, using beginning conditions.


Aspects 

Integral 

Definite integral

Definition

An integral represents the process of finding the antiderivative (indefinite integral) of a given function.

A definite integral calculates the net signed area between a function and the x-axis over a specified interval.

Notation

∫ f(x) dx

∫[a, b] f(x) dx

Integration interval 

The indefinite integral does not have specified integration limits and includes a constant of integration (C).

The definite integral has fixed integration limits, denoted by 'a' and 'b', and yields a specific numerical value.

Graphical meaning

The indefinite integral is represented as a family of curves, each differing by a constant 'C', which represents a whole class of antiderivatives.

The definite integral corresponds to the area between the curve and the x-axis over the given interval, and it represents a single numerical value.

Application

An indefinite integral gives a general solution, and additional information is required to find the particular solution.

A definite integral yields a precise numerical value that represents the accumulated area under the curve over the specified interval.


Summary

The differentiation of definite integrals is a significant concept in calculus, bridging the gap between integration and differentiation. Understanding this concept is crucial for aspiring mathematicians, scientists, engineers, and anyone working with complex mathematical models. By grasping the applications and techniques involved in differentiating definite integrals, one can unlock the full potential of calculus and apply it effectively to real-world problems. So, the next time you encounter a problem involving varying parameters, remember the power of differentiating definite integrals and its relevance in diverse fields.

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FAQs on Difference Between Indefinite and Definite Integrals

1. What is the difference between an integral and a definite integral?

The main difference between an integral and a definite integral is that a definite integral calculates a specific numerical value over a given interval, while an indefinite integral represents a general antiderivative with a constant of integration.

Key points:

  • Indefinite integral gives a family of functions (F(x) + C).
  • Definite integral evaluates the exact area under a curve between two limits [a, b].
  • Definite integral has upper and lower limits; indefinite does not.

2. What is an indefinite integral?

An indefinite integral represents the antiderivative of a function without specific limits.

  • It is written as ∫f(x) dx = F(x) + C, where C is the constant of integration.
  • It defines all possible functions whose derivative is f(x).
  • No numerical value is calculated in an indefinite integral.

3. What is a definite integral?

A definite integral finds the net area under a curve between two specific values.

  • It is represented as ∫ba f(x) dx, where 'a' is the lower limit and 'b' is the upper limit.
  • The result is a numerical value, not a function.
  • It is used to compute areas, displacement, and other quantities with fixed boundaries.

4. How are indefinite and definite integrals represented symbolically?

Indefinite and definite integrals use similar symbols but differ in limits.

  • Indefinite integral: ∫f(x) dx (no limits)
  • Definite integral:ba f(x) dx (with upper and lower limits 'b' and 'a')

5. What are some applications of definite integrals?

Definite integrals are commonly used to find areas, volumes, and accumulated values.

  • Calculate area under a curve between two points.
  • Find total distance, work done, or volume of solids of revolution.
  • Used in physics, engineering, and economics for quantities with fixed limits.

6. What is the main similarity between indefinite and definite integrals?

Both indefinite and definite integrals involve finding antiderivatives of a function.

  • They use the same integration rules and formulas.
  • Both help in reversing differentiation.
  • Integration is the fundamental process in each case; the difference is in the presence or absence of limits.

7. How do you evaluate a definite integral?

To evaluate a definite integral, find the antiderivative and subtract its value at the lower limit from its value at the upper limit.

  • Find F(x), the antiderivative of f(x).
  • Apply limits: F(b) - F(a).
  • The answer is a specific numerical value.

8. Why is a constant of integration not included in definite integrals?

A constant of integration is not shown in definite integrals because it cancels out during evaluation.

  • When calculating F(b) - F(a), the constant C is subtracted from itself.
  • This ensures the result is only based on the values at the limits.

9. Can indefinite and definite integrals be used to solve real-world problems?

Yes, both indefinite and definite integrals solve various real-life and mathematical problems.

  • Indefinite integrals help find general solutions to differential equations.
  • Definite integrals are used for precise calculations like area, volume, and accumulated change.

10. Give an example to illustrate the difference between indefinite and definite integrals.

An example shows the distinction between indefinite and definite integrals.

  • Indefinite: ∫x2 dx = (1/3)x3 + C
  • Definite:20 x2 dx = [ (1/3)x3 ]20 = (8/3) - 0 = 8/3

So, the indefinite integral gives a function, while the definite integral gives a value.