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Suppose \(\int_0^6f(x)\,\text{d}x=24\). Interpret the value of the integral in each context.
a) The function \(f\) models the instantaneous rate of change of the number of bacteria in a petri dish, where \(x\) is measured in hours and \(f(x)\) is measured in millions of bacteria per hour.
b) The function \(f\) models the electrical power used by a factory, where \(x\) is measured in hours and \(f(x)\) is measured in megawatts.
c) A flat component is bounded by the x-axis, the lines \(x=0\) and \(x=6\), and the graph of \(f\). The graph lies above the x-axis on \([0,6]\), and both coordinates are measured in centimeters.
Hints
- Multiply the units of the function values by the units of the independent variable.
- Integrating a rate over time gives an accumulated change.
- Power integrated over time gives energy.
- A definite integral can represent geometric area when the graph lies above the axis.
Solution
1. a) The integral gives the net change in the bacteria population during the first \(6\) hours. The population increases by \(24\) million bacteria.
2. b) Integrating power over time gives energy. The factory uses \(24\,\text{MWh}\) during the \(6\)-hour period.
3. c) Because the graph is above the x-axis, the integral gives the geometric area of the component, which is \(24\,\text{cm}^2\).
Answer
a) The bacteria population increases by \(24\) million during the first \(6\) hours.
b) The factory uses \(24\,\text{MWh}\) of electrical energy.
c) The component has area \(24\,\text{cm}^2\).
