Steply

Find d/dx ∫ from 0 to x of √(1 + t^3) dt

Step by step, with the reason for every step · The Fundamental Theorem, part 1 · Calculus 1

Step by step

The question

Question: find the derivative of ∫ from 0 to x of √(1 + t³) dt.

ddx∫ from 0 to x of √1 + t3 dt =

1 The rule

The rule: the derivative of the area from a to x is the function at x.

Just put x in place of t.

ddx∫ from a to x of f(t) dt = f(x)

Why?

Look at the area under f from 0 to x.

Move x a tiny bit to the right.

The area grows by a thin strip.

Its height is f(x).

So the area grows at the rate f(x).

2 Put x in place of t

Put x in place of t.

So the derivative is √(1 + x³).

ddx∫ from 0 to x of √1 + t3 dt = √1 + x3

Careful!

There is nothing to take away.

The derivative of the area is just f at x.

The bottom number 0 does not matter.

Careful: not √1 + t3 − f(0) ✗

3 Check

Let's check at x = 1.

Our answer gives 1.4142.

answer at x = 1: 1.4142

Now the slope of the area function F between x = 1 and 1.001, with a calculator: about 1.415.

The same!

Right!

F(1.001) − F(1)0.001 ≈ 1.415

Let's look back.

First: the rule.

Then: put x in place of t.

Last: check.

Answer
Careful: not √1 + t3 − f(0) ✗

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

ddx∫ from 0 to x of √7 + t3 dt
Show the answer
√7 + x3

More from The Fundamental Theorem, part 1

The whole lesson: The Fundamental Theorem, part 1 →