Module 3: Area Between Curves

In the previous module, we learned how to use Calculus, particularly, the def-
inite integral, to find the areas of nonstandard regions, such as the region shown
below:

Let f (x) be a nonegative and continuous on the closed interval [a, b]. The area
of the region bounded by the graph of f (x), the x-axis, and the lines x = a and
x = b is given by the definite integral.
Z b
f (x)dx
a

Note that the area measure is never negative.

ˆ^

1
Area Between a Curve and the x-axis
If a function f (x) positive and continuous over an interval [a, b], then the area
bounded by the graph of f (x) and the x-axis on the interval [a, b] is given by
Z b
f (x)dx
a

If a function f (x) is negative and continuous over an interval [a, b], then the
area bounded by the graph of f (x) and the x-axis on the interval [a, b] is given by
Z b
[−f (x)]dx
a

In the figure below, we have:

Z c Z b
Area A = [−f (x)]dx and Area B = f (x)dx
a c

2
Example 1
Find the area of the region bounded by the parabola f (x) = 6x − x2 , the x-axis
y = 0, the lines x = 1 and x = 5.

Solution
The graph of the curve is shown below. We want to find the area of the shaded
region.

Then, Z 5 Z 5
Area = f (x)dx = (6x − x2 )dx
1 1
5
x3 

2
= 3x −
3 1
53 13
   
2 2 92
= 3(5) − − 3(1) − =
3 3 3

3
Example 2
Find the area of the region bounded by the parabola f (x) = x2 −2x and the x-axis
over the interval [−1, 1].

Solution
The graph of the function is given below with the required region shaded.

Z 0 Z 1
Area = f (x)dx + [−f (x)]dx
−1 0
Z 0 Z 1
2
= (x − 2x)dx − (x2 − 2x)dx
−1 0
0 1
x3 2x2 
 3
2x2 

x
= − − −
3 2 −1 3 2 0
 3
(−1)3
    3   3 
0 2 2 1 2 0 2
= −0 − − (−1) − −1 − −0
3 3 3 3
4 2
= + =2
3 3

4
Area Between Two Curves

We want to find the area A of the region bounded by two curves y = f (x) and
y = g(x) for a ≤ x ≤ b, as shown in the figure below.

Theorem. If f (x) ≥ g(x) over the interval [a, b], then the area bounded by
y = f (x) and y = g(x) for a ≤ x ≤ b is given by
Z b Z b Z b
A= f (x)dx − g(x)dx = [f (x) − g(x)]dx
a a a

.
The theorem applies if the function f (x) is above g(x).

5
Remarks:

1. When applying the formula, it is helpful to graph the curves. The graph will
show which curve is the upper curve f (x) and which is the lower curve g(x).

2. We may need to determine where the two curves intersect to determine the
limits of integration, and this may involve solving the equation f (x) = g(x)
for values of x.

Example 3
Find the area of the region between the graphs of the functions

y = f (x) = 2 − x2 and y = g(x) = x

.
Solution
This graph is shown below.

6
 Since the limits of integration a and b are not given, we need to compute for
them by finding the points of intersection of the two graphs. To do this, equate
the two functions and solve for x.

f (x) = g(x)

2 − x2 = x

x2 + x − 2 = 0

(x + 2)(x − 1) = 0

x = −2, x = 1

Note that the graph of f (x) lies above the graph of g(x) for all x in the interval
[−2, 1]. Z 1 Z 1
2
Area = (2 − x )dx − xdx
−2 −2
Z 1
= [(2 − x2 ) − x] dx
−2
1
x2 x2 

9
= 2x − − =
3 2 −2 2


7
Try this:

Find the area of the shaded region.

1. f (x) = x2 + 2x + 1, g(x) = 3. f (x) = 2x, g(x) = x2 − 4x

2x + 5

2. f (x) = ex − 1, g(x) = 0 4. g(x) = x2 − 6x, g(x) = 0