Why is the maximum width of the partition essential for the Riemann sum to approach the definite integral?
Conditions
- The function is continuous on the closed interval [a, b].
- The partition is refined such that the maximum subinterval width tends to zero.
Reasoning, step by step
- Define the Riemann sum as the sum of areas of rectangles with height f(ξᵢ) and width Δxᵢ.
- Identify the maximum width of the partition as the largest Δxᵢ.
- Explain that if the maximum width does not tend to zero, some rectangles remain wide, causing approximation errors.
- State that as the maximum width approaches zero, the sum of rectangle areas approaches the exact area under the curve.
- Conclude that the limit of the Riemann sum is the definite integral .
Example
The script states: 'Refine the partition until its maximum width tends to zero. The sum approaches . The maximum width is essential: merely increasing the number of pieces is not enough.'
Common misconceptions
- Believing that adding more rectangles always improves the approximation, regardless of their widths.
- Confusing the number of subintervals with the fineness of the partition.
- Thinking that the limit exists if the number of rectangles goes to infinity, even if some rectangles stay wide.
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