Section 7.

5
The Area Between Two Curves
If and g are continuous functions and for in then the area between
and g from to is given by
Find the area bounded by and
 The graph of these 4 equations are shown below. A rough sketch of the functions gives us idea about where
these functions intersect and which function is greater between the intersections.
 We can find the point of intersections of two curves by solving the equations simultaneously .
= i.e.
This equations has no real roots. So there is no point of intersections. Since the parabola is opening
downwards that does not cross the line , the parabola must be under the line. Thus g for in .
 The area is given by =
= = 15 sq units.
Ex: Find the area bounded by

To find point of intersection: Set

Only solutions : and
Area = = =
Note: As long as for in then the area between the graphs from to is .
Ex: Find the area of the region enclosed by on [0,4]

Point of intersection: i.e. and

Area =

= + =
 Area Between Curves With Multiple Points of Intersection

If and g have more than one point of intersection, then we break the
area into two pieces, one on either side of the point at which the
graphs cross and then compute each area separately.

To do this, we need to know exactly where that crossing point is by

solving the equation: for .

Ex: Find the area of the region that is enclosed by the – axis,
over the interval .
Ex: Find the area of the region that is enclosed by the – axis, over the interval .

Soln: Point of intersection: , y

y = x2 - 4

The graph crosses the – axis at and .

The total area is the sum of the areas:
and . y=0
-1 2 3 x

sq units.