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Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

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Introduction to Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Before proceeding to the fundamental theorem, know its connection with calculus. There are 2 primary subdivisions of calculus i.e. – differential calculus and integral calculus. Both are inter-related to each other, even though the former evokes the tangent problem while the latter from the area problem. However, what creates a link between the two of them is the fundamental theorem of calculus (FTC). The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus denotes that differentiation and integration makes for inverse processes.

\[\int_{a}^{b} f(x) dx = F(x)|_{a}^{b} = F(b) - F(a)\]


Importance of Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in Mathematics

Until the inception of the fundamental theorem of calculus, it was not discovered that the operations of differentiation and integration were interlinked. And as discussed above, this mighty Fundamental Theorem of Calculus setting a relationship between differentiation and integration provides a simple technique to assess definite integrals without having to use calculating areas or Riemann sums.            

               

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus: Integrals & Anti Derivatives

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus theorem that shows the relationship between the concept of derivation and integration, also between the definite integral and the indefinite integral— consists of 2 parts, the first of which, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1, and second is the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2.


  1. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1

Part 1 of Fundamental theorem creates a link between differentiation and integration.

By that, the first fundamental theorem of calculus depicts that, if “f” is continuous on the closed interval [a,b] and F is the unknown integral of “f” on [a,b], then

\[\int_{a}^{b} f(x) dx = F(x)|_{a}^{b} = F(b) - F(a)\].

This typically states the definite integral over an interval [a,b] is equivalent to the antiderivative calculated at ‘b’ minus the antiderivative assessed at ‘a’. This provides the link between the definite integral and the indefinite integral (antiderivative).

This outcome, while taught initially in primary calculus courses, is literally an intense outcome linking the purely algebraic indefinite integral and the purely evaluative geometric definite integral.

Given f is

  • continuous on interval [a, b]

  • F is any function that satisfies F’(x) = f(x)

Then


\[\int_{a}^{b} f(X)dx = F(b) - F(a)\]

  1. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 2

Within the theorem the second fundamental theorem of calculus, depicts the connection between the derivative and the integral— the two main concepts in calculus. The part 2 theorem is quite helpful in identifying the derivative of a curve and even assesses it at definite values of the variable when developing an anti-derivative explicitly which might not be easy otherwise.

The theorem bears ‘f’ as a continuous function on an open interval I and ‘a’ any point in I, and states that if “F” is demonstrated by

 F(x) = \[\int_a^{x} f(t)dt\],

then

 F'(x)=f(x) at each point in I.

The above expression represents that The fundamental theorem of calculus by the sides of curves shows that if f(z) has a continuous indefinite integral F(z) in an area R comprising of parameterized curve gamma:z=z(t) for alpha < = t < = beta, then

\[\int_\gamma f(z)dz = F(z(\beta))-F(z(\alpha))\].

\[\frac{d}{dx} \int_{a}^{x} f(t)dt = f(x)\]

  • Derivative of an integral.

  • Derivative matches the upper limit of integration.

  • Lower limit of integration is a constant.


Practice Problem

Using First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1 Example

Problem

Two jockeys—Jessica and Anie are horse riding on a racing circuit. They are riding the horses through a long, straight track, and whoever reaches the farthest after 5 sec wins a prize. If Jessica can ride at a pace of f(t)=5+2t  ft/sec and Anie can ride at a pace of  g(t)=10+cos(π²t)  ft/sec. Find out who is going to win the horse race?


Solution

First, you need to combine both functions over the interval (0,5) and notice which value is bigger. For Jessica, we want to evaluate;-

∫50 (5+2t)dt.

Executing the power rule, we have

∫50[5+2t]dt=[5t+t2]∣∣50=[25+25]=50.

Thus, Jessica has ridden 50 ft after 5 sec.

 Now moving on to Anie, you want to evaluate

∫50(10) + cos(π²t)dt.

You recognize that sin ‘t’  is an antiderivative of cos, so it is rational to anticipate that an antiderivative of  cos(π²t)  would include  sin(π²t).  That said, when we know what’s what by differentiating sin(π²t),  we get  π²cos(π²t)  as an outcome of the chain theory, so we need to take into consideration this additional coefficient when we combine them. We have:

∫50 (10) + cos[π²t]dt=[10t+2πsin(π²t)]∣∣50=[50+2π]−[0−2πsin0]≈50.6.

Anie has ridden in an estimate 50.6 ft after 5 sec. Anie wins the race, but narrowly.


Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Using First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1 Example

Problem

A ball is thrown straight up from the 5th floor of the building with a velocity v(t)=−32t+20ft/s, where t is calculated in seconds. identify, and interpret, ∫10v(t)dt.


Solution

Executing the Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, we see

∫10v[t]dt=∫10 [−32t+20]dt=[]10=4.

Therefore, if a ball is thrown upright into the air with velocity

v(t)= 4

The height of the ball, 1 second later, will be 4 feet high above the original height. Bear in mind that the ball went much farther. It traveled as high up to its peak and is falling down, still the difference between its height at t=0 and t=1 is 4ft.


Fun Facts

ü  And if you think Greeks invented calculus? No, they did not.

ü  Greeks created spectacular concepts with geometry, but not arithmetic or algebra very well.

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FAQs on Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

1. What is the main statement of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus as per the CBSE Class 12 Maths syllabus?

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus states that if a function f(x) is continuous on a closed interval [a, b] and F(x) is any antiderivative of f(x), then the definite integral of f(x) from a to b is given by F(b) – F(a). This connects the process of integration with differentiation, making definite integrals easier to evaluate in board exams.

2. How are the two parts of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus different and why is each important for board exams?

The theorem is split into two parts:

  • Part 1 allows you to evaluate a definite integral using an antiderivative, replacing lengthy area calculations with the shortcut F(b) – F(a).
  • Part 2 tells us that the derivative of the integral from a constant to x of f(t) dt is simply f(x), showing that integration and differentiation are inverse operations. Both are vital for efficiently solving integration and application problems in the CBSE 2025–26 syllabus.

3. What are the essential conditions required to apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in CBSE board questions?

To apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus,

  • f(x) must be continuous on the interval [a, b].
  • An antiderivative F(x) should exist on the same interval.
  • The limits of integration a and b must be properly specified. Failing these can lead to incorrect solutions in board exams.

4. Why is the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus considered a pivotal result for students preparing for the Class 12 Maths board exams?

This theorem bridges differentiation and integration, two major concepts in calculus. It simplifies evaluating definite integrals and solves real-world accumulation problems, making it a crucial part of the CBSE Class 12 Maths exam as per the latest syllabus.

5. How do you apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus stepwise when evaluating a definite integral in board questions?

Follow these steps:

  • Find the antiderivative F(x) of the function f(x).
  • Apply the limits: Calculate F(b) - F(a) according to the required interval.
  • Interpret the answer in the context of the given problem.
This method ensures clarity and accuracy in step-marking for the CBSE 2025–26 examination.

6. What are typical mistakes students make when using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and how can these be avoided in exams?

Common errors include:

  • Forgetting to substitute both upper and lower limits.
  • Ignoring the requirement that f(x) is continuous.
  • Calculating the antiderivative incorrectly.
  • Mixing up the limits or making sign errors.
  • Omitting units when solving applied problems.
Always check continuity, apply both limits, and verify each calculation to secure full marks.

7. How does choosing the correct limits of integration impact the accuracy of your answer in CBSE board assessments?

The limits of integration [a, b] define the interval over which the area is calculated. A mistake in these limits will result in the wrong value for the definite integral, directly lowering your marks in the board exam.

8. Can the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus be used to solve real-life application problems? Give an example relevant to Class 12 CBSE exams.

Yes, it can. For example, if the velocity of an object is known as a function of time, the distance traveled over a period can be found by integrating velocity using the theorem. This approach is often required in physics and engineering problems in the CBSE Class 12 curriculum.

9. What is a conceptual misconception about the inverse relationship between integration and differentiation, and how does the theorem clarify it?

Students may think integration and differentiation always simply reverse each other. In reality, this holds only under specific conditions (like continuity on [a, b] and correctly applied limits). The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus precisely defines when these processes are inverses, helping avoid mistakes in exam solutions.

10. In what ways does the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus save time compared to area approximation methods in examinations?

Instead of approximating the area under a curve with Riemann sums or rectangles, you use the antiderivative and apply F(b) – F(a) for an exact answer, which is faster and more accurate—especially important in time-limited CBSE board exams.

11. How would your approach change if the function is not continuous on the given interval while applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus?

If f(x) is not continuous on [a, b], the theorem cannot be directly applied. In such cases, you may need to split the integral at points of discontinuity, or check if the integral exists using limits. Recognizing this is vital for answering HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions in CBSE exams.

12. Compare the evaluation of definite and indefinite integrals using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

For indefinite integrals, you find the general antiderivative (including the constant of integration). For definite integrals, you apply specific limits using F(b) – F(a), getting a numerical result without the constant. This distinction is key for board answer accuracy.