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Theorem 2: The Rectangle Property

THEOREM 2 (The Rectangle Property)

Suppose f is continuous and has minimum value m and maximum value M on a closed interval [a, b]. Then

04_integration-101.gif

That is, the area of the region under the curve is between the area of the rectangle whose height is the minimum value of f and the area of the rectangle whose height is the maximum value of f in the interval [a, b].

The Extreme Value Theorem is needed to show that the minimum value m and maximum value M exist. The rectangle of height m is called the inscribed rectangle of the region, and the rectangle of height M is called the circumscribed rectangle. From Figure 4.2.3, we see that the inscribed rectangle is a subset of the region under the curve, which is in turn a subset of the circumscribed rectangle. The Rectangle Property says that the area of the region is between the areas of the inscribed and circumscribed rectangles.

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Figure 4.2.3: The Rectangle Property

PROOF

By Theorem 1, any positive infinitesimal may be chosen for dx. Let us choose a positive infinite hyperinteger H and let dx = (b-a)/H. Then dx evenly divides b-a; that is, the interval [a, b] is divided into H subintervals of exactly the same length dx. Then

04_integration-103.gif

For each x, we have m ≤ f (x) ≤ M. Adding up and taking standard parts, we obtain the required formula.

04_integration-104.gif

One useful consequence of the Rectangle Property is that the integral of a positive function is positive and the integral of a negative function is negative:

04_integration-105.gif

The definite integral of a negative function f(x) = -g(x) from a to b is just the negative of the area of the region above the curve and below the x axis. This is because

f(x)dx = -g(x)dx,

04_integration-106.gif

(See Figure 4.2.4.)

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Figure 4.2.4


Last Update: 2006-11-05