Skip to content
← All questions

How do you evaluate the definite integral of sqrt(x) from 2 to 3?

To evaluate ∫23xdx\int_2^3 \sqrt{x} dx, first find the antiderivative 23x3/2\frac{2}{3}x^{3/2}. Then, apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus by subtracting the value of the antiderivative at the lower bound from its value at the upper bound: [23x3/2]23=23(3)3/2−23(2)3/2\left[\frac{2}{3}x^{3/2}\right]_2^3 = \frac{2}{3}(3)^{3/2} - \frac{2}{3}(2)^{3/2}. Simplify the terms to get 23−4232\sqrt{3} - \frac{4\sqrt{2}}{3}.

Conditions

  • The integral is ∫23xdx\int_2^3 \sqrt{x} dx.
  • The antiderivative is 23x3/2\frac{2}{3}x^{3/2}.
  • The bounds are 2 and 3.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the antiderivative of x\sqrt{x} as 23x3/2\frac{2}{3}x^{3/2}.
  2. Evaluate the antiderivative at the upper bound x=3x=3: 23(3)3/2\frac{2}{3}(3)^{3/2}.
  3. Simplify 33/23^{3/2} to 333\sqrt{3}, so the term becomes 23(33)=23\frac{2}{3}(3\sqrt{3}) = 2\sqrt{3}.
  4. Evaluate the antiderivative at the lower bound x=2x=2: 23(2)3/2\frac{2}{3}(2)^{3/2}.
  5. Simplify 23/22^{3/2} to 222\sqrt{2}, so the term becomes 23(22)=423\frac{2}{3}(2\sqrt{2}) = \frac{4\sqrt{2}}{3}.
  6. Subtract the lower bound value from the upper bound value: 23−4232\sqrt{3} - \frac{4\sqrt{2}}{3}.
  7. State the final result.

Example

The script states: 'Evaluating at 3 and 2 gives 23−42/32\sqrt{3}-4\sqrt{2}/3.'

Common misconceptions

  • Adding the values instead of subtracting them.
  • Incorrectly simplifying fractional exponents.
  • Forgetting to multiply by the coefficient 2/32/3.

Watch the explanation

Connected concepts

Explore next

Related questions

Know when to use it

↗
Meet the concept

↗
Find a method

↗
Understand why

↗
Find a method

↗

Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.