We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Calculus Terms

Get down with the lingo

Reimann Sum:

The Reimann Sum of a function f (x) over an interval [a, b] is defined as  where xi-1 < xi* < xi, and xi, and for i = 1,…n divides the interval [a, b] into n subintervals.

Left Hand Sum:

The Left-Hand Sum of a function f (x) over an interval [a, b] is defined as  where xi for i = 1,…,divides the interval [a, b] into n subintervals.

Right Hand Sum:

The Right-Hand Sum of a function f (x) over an interval [a, b] is defined as  where xi for i = 1,…,divides the interval [a, b] into n subintervals.

Midpoint Sum:

The Midpoint Sum of a function f (x) over an interval [a,b] is defined as  where , and xi for i = 1,…,n divides the interval [a, b] into n subintervals.

Trapezoid Sum:

Trapezoid sum is the average between the Left Hand and Right Hand Sum.

Average Value Of A Function:

The average value of a continuous function f on the closed interval [a, b] is defined as .

Concavity:

This describes whether the function is curving up, down or not curving at all.

Critical Point:

The derivative of the function at the critical point is 0.

Inflection Point:

The point (x-value) where the function changes concavity.

Secant Line:

The line joining two points on the graph of a function.

Tangent Line:

A line that touches the graph of a function f (x) at a point.

Differentiability:

If the limit exists, the function f (x) is differentiable at x = a.