In this chapter you will study the second main branch of calculus. Using integral calculus, mathematicians find the lengths of curved paths, volumes of objects, hydrostatic pressures, centers of masses, and how much work has been performed. Scientists apply the same concepts to predict the future positions of moving bodies (i.e. space ships); to calculate voltages, and currents in electrical circuits; and to determine drug assimilation's. Economists use it to find out the present value of a continuous income flow and to predict production levels. Just about any phenomenon that concerns rates of change can be analyzed with the use of Integral calculus and, there in, lies its importance.
Integral calculus is a vast subject that is the natural extension of differential calculus. The goal of this chapter is to introduce the subject to you by discussing the topics listed in the side bar and demonstrating how LiveMath can help you understand these concepts as well as perform the calculations. After studying this chapter, you should have a pretty good grasp of the capabilities of LiveMath which, in turn, should give you a good background to use in the study of more advanced topics in calculus.
