Lesson 9: Area between Two Curves

Learning Objectives
1. Define the area between two curves
2. Find the area between two curves using integration

Discussion
Fundamental Theorem may be used in determining any plane area
bounded by the curves whose equation is given in rectangular coordinates.
The following are the procedures in solving areas between two curves:
1. Make a sketch of area to be determined
2. Draw a general vertical (or horizontal) rectangular element of area and
express it as function of x and dx (or y and dy)
3. Determine the limits of integration from the figure and integrate to
obtain the area.
4. Make a rough check of the results by estimating the area graphically.

There are actually two cases for area between two curves
Case I. The area between y = f(x) and y = g(x) on the interval [a,b], f(x) ≥
g(x).
Case II. The area between x = f(y) and x = g(y) on the
interval [c,d], f(y)≥g(y)

Examples:
1. Determine the area of the region enclosed by 𝑦 = √𝑥 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 .
2. Determine the area of the region bounded by 2
𝑦 = 𝑥𝑒 −𝑥 , 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 1,
𝑥 = 2 and y - axis
 1
3. Determine the area 𝑥 = 𝑦 2 − 3 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 1.
2

4. Determine the area of the region enclosed by

.