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L8A: Net Change Theorem and Applications

Oct 13, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the Net Change Theorem, demonstrates its application in various problems, and distinguishes between displacement and total distance in integral calculus.

Net Change Theorem

  • The Net Change Theorem states: ∫ₐᵇ F'(t) dt = F(b) − F(a), where F'(t) is the derivative of F(t).
  • This represents the net change in a quantity F from time a to time b.
  • The definite integral of a rate of change over an interval gives the total accumulation over that interval.

Applications & Examples

Leaky Tank Example

  • Given a water leak rate r(t) = 18/(1 + t²), the total water leaked from t = 0 to t = 10 is ∫₀¹⁰ r(t) dt.
  • The integral evaluates to 18 [arctan(10) - arctan(0)] ≈ 26.48 gallons.

Displacement vs. Distance

  • Displacement: ∫ₐᵇ v(t) dt, where v(t) is velocity, gives net change in position (can be negative).
  • Distance: ∫ₐᵇ |v(t)| dt gives total path length traversed (always positive).
  • Example with v(t) = t² − 3t from t = 2 to t = 4:
    • Displacement = 2/3 meters.
    • Distance traveled = 3 meters (requires splitting integral and using absolute values).

Oscillating Mass Example

  • For v(t) = 2sin(t) + 2cos(t), from t = 0 to t = 2π:
    • Displacement: ∫₀²π v(t) dt = 0 (returns to start).
    • Distance: Add positive values over intervals split at zeros of v(t); total is 8√2.

Work Done by a Force

  • Work, W, done by force F(x) from x = a to x = b: W = ∫ₐᵇ F(x) dx.
  • Example: F(x) = x² + x − 2, from x = 2 to x = 8, compute W = ∫₂⁸ (x²+x−2) dx ≈ 168.375 units.

Reformulation of the Net Change Theorem

  • The quantity at time B: F(b) = F(a) + ∫ₐᵇ F'(t) dt.
  • This represents accumulation: start at F(a), add up all instantaneous changes.

Example with Abstract Function

  • Given F(1) = 3, F'(t) = 1/√t, find F(16).
  • Compute F(16) = 3 + ∫₁¹⁶ 1/√t dt = 3 + 6 = 9.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Net Change Theorem — The definite integral of a derivative over [a, b] equals F(b) - F(a).
  • Displacement — Net change in position; ∫ₐᵇ v(t) dt.
  • Distance — Total path length; ∫ₐᵇ |v(t)| dt.
  • Work — Total energy transferred; ∫ₐᵇ F(x) dx.
  • Antiderivative — Function whose derivative is the given function.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice solving definite integrals with and without absolute values.
  • Review homework problems involving accumulation and net change.
  • Read textbook sections on Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and applications.