Steply

Find d/dx ∫ from 1 to x^2 of t^2 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 1 to x² of t² dt.

ddx∫ from 1 to x² of t2 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)

2 Put the top in place of t

The top is not just x: it is x².

Call it u.

Its slope is u′.

top: u = x2, u′ = 2x

The chain rule: put u in place of t, then multiply by u′.

ddx∫ from 1 to x² of t2 dt = f(u) × u′

Put x² in place of t, times 2x.

= x4 × 2x

Careful!

Do not stop at f of u.

The top is x², so we must multiply by its slope, 2x.

Careful: not x4 ✗

Multiply it out: 2 x⁵.

= 2x5

3 Check

Let's check at x = 2.

Our answer gives 64.

answer at x = 2: 64

Now the slope of the area function F between x = 2 and 2.001, with a calculator: about 64.08.

The same!

Right!

F(2.001) − F(2)0.001 ≈ 64.08

Let's look back.

First: the rule.

Then: put the top in place of t.

Last: check.

Answer
= 2x5

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

ddx∫ from 2 to x² of 3t2 dt
Show the answer
6x5

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The whole lesson: The Fundamental Theorem, part 1 →