ECON 1111A/B Problem Set 2 Solutions

TA Notes

January 2026

How to compute (roadmap)

What method should I use?

1. If it is a polynomial / sum of powers: integrate term-by-term, then plug in bounds.

g ′ (x) R 1
2. If you see something like : try u = g(x) ⇒ becomes u du.
g(x)

3. If you see e(·) with derivative present: substitution.

4. If it is improper (infinite bound or division by 0): write it as a limit first.

R R
5. If it asks area bounded: be careful — geometric area is |f (x)| dx, not f (x) dx.

Fast check: Differentiate your antiderivative (or check sign/limits for improper integrals).

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Skill & Trick: Pairing (Mirror) Substitution on Symmetric In-

tervals
Skill & Trick
This trick is useful when:

• the integral bounds are symmetric like [0, a] or [0, 1];

• the integrand contains two complementary pieces that look like “x” and “a − x”
(or can be turned into those);

• the expression is hard to integrate directly, but looks structured.

Core idea (pairing points):

On [0, a], the mapping
x 7→ a − x
pairs each point x with its mirror point a − x around the midpoint a/2. A well-designed
integrand often satisfies a simple identity like

f (x) + f (a − x) = 1 or f (x) + f (a − x) = constant

How to execute (standard algorithm):

Ra
1. Name the integral I = 0 f (x) dx.

2. Compute the mirrored integrand f (a − x).

3. Try to simplify f (x) + f (a − x).

4. Use the fact that Z a Z a

f (a − x) dx = f (x) dx
0 0
because it is just a change of variable (mirror substitution).
Ra
5. Conclude 2I = 0 (f (x) + f (a − x)) dx, so I becomes easy.
Ra Ra
Why the equality 0 f (a − x) dx = 0 f (x) dx is true:
Let t = a − x. Then x = a − t and dx = − dt; bounds: x = 0 → t = a, x = a → t = 0.
Z a Z t=0 Z a Z a
f (a − x) dx = f (t)(− dt) = f (t) dt = f (x) dx
0 t=a 0 0

So mirroring does not change the integral value.

When to use the trick?

Goal of the trick: R
a
Turn a hard integral 0 f (x) dx into an easy one by pairing each x with its mirror point
a − x and proving a simple identity like

f (x) + f (a − x) = 1 or more generally f (x) + f (a − x) = constant

Then Z a

2I = f (x) + f (a − x) dx
0
becomes easy.

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Skill & Trick

1) Fast visual signals (the “smells like pairing” list):

1. Bounds are special: [0, a] or [0, 1].

2. Two “complementary” pieces appear: you see both x and something like a − x, or
expressions that can become a − x after substitution.

3. Denominator is a sum of two parts: forms like

g(x) g(x)
or where mirroring swaps g ↔ h
g(x) + g(a − x) g(x) + h(x)

4. Functional symmetry: you are given a condition like

1
f (x)f (1 − x) = 1 ⇒ f (1 − x) = ,
f (x)

which is a huge hint to try x 7→ 1 − x.

5. Absolute value centered at midpoint: |x − a/2| on [0, a] (stays unchanged under

x 7→ a − x).

2) Decide the mirror substitution (what to try first):

• If bounds are [0, a], try t=a−x .

• If bounds are [0, 1], try t=1−x .

3) What identity are you hoping to get? (Targets)

1. Target A (most common): f (x) + f (a − x) = 1.

• This usually happens when the integrand is one part of a sum:

Part 1 Part 2
f (x) = , f (a − x) =
Part 1 + Part 2 Part 1 + Part 2
Ra R a/2
2. Target B: f (x) = f (a − x) (then I = 0 f (x) dx = 2 0 f (x) dx).

3. Target C: f (x) + f (a − x) simplifies to something easy to integrate, even if not constant.

4) The 5-step pairing algorithm:

Ra
1. Let I = 0 f (x) dx.

2. Consider I again under the substitution t = a − x:

Z a
I= f (a − x) dx (same value)
0

3. Add the two forms: Z a

2I = f (x) + f (a − x) dx
0

4. Simplify f (x) + f (a − x) using algebra (and any functional condition given).

5. Evaluate the resulting easy integral and solve for I.

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Problem Set 2 (Questions + Detailed Guidance + Full Solutions)

Question
Z 12
7x2 + 5x dx.


1. Evaluate
10

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:

1. Recognize a polynomial inside a definite integral.

2. Find an antiderivative using the power rule.

3. Evaluate F (12) − F (10). Keep fractions exact.

4. Quick check: value should be positive because integrand is positive on [10, 12].

Solution (show steps)

7x3 5x2
Z
(7x2 + 5x) dx = + + C.
3 2
Thus
12
12
7x3 5x2
Z  
2
(7x + 5x) dx = +
10 3 2
10
Compute:

7 · 123 5 · 122 7 · 103 5 · 102

   
7000 7750
+ = 4032 + 360 = 4392, + = + 250 =
3 2 3 2 3 3

So
Z 12
7750 5426
(7x2 + 5x) dx = 4392 − =
10 3 3

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z 5
4x3 − 2x + 1 dx.


2. Evaluate
2

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:

1. This is still a polynomial (term-by-term).

2. Integrate to get F (x), then compute F (5) − F (2).

3. Quick check: integrand is mostly positive on [2, 5], answer should be positive and fairly
large.

Solution (show steps)

Step 1: Antiderivative.

x4 x2
Z
(4x3 − 2x + 1) dx = 4 · −2· + x = x4 − x2 + x
4 2

So take F (x) = x4 − x2 + x.
Step 2: Apply FTC.
Z 5
(4x3 − 2x + 1) dx = F (5) − F (2)
2

Step 3: Compute.

F (5) = 54 − 52 + 5 = 625 − 25 + 5 = 605, F (2) = 24 − 22 + 2 = 16 − 4 + 2 = 14

F (5) − F (2) = 605 − 14 = 591

Z 5
(4x3 − 2x + 1) dx = 591
2

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
1
ex
Z
3. Evaluate dx.
0 ex + e−x

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:

1. Spot that ex is everywhere; try u = ex .

2. Convert e−x into 1

ex = u1 .
u
R
3. Simplify to a standard form 1+u2
du.
R u 1 2
4. Use 1+u 2 du = 2 ln(1 + u ).

Solution (show steps)

Step 1: Substitution. Let

u = ex ⇒ du = ex dx.

Step 2: Convert the denominator.

Since u = ex , we have
1 1
e−x = x
=
e u
Step 3: Rewrite the integral in u.
Z 1 Z x=1 Z u=e
ex ex 1
x −x
dx = x −x
dx = 1 du
0 e +e x=0 e + e u=1 u + u

(We also changed bounds: x = 0 ⇒ u = 1; x = 1 ⇒ u = e.)

Step 4: Simplify the integrand.
1 1 u
1 = u2 +1
=
u+ u
u2 +1
u

So the integral becomes Z e

u
du
1 1 + u2
Step 5: Integrate.
Let w = 1 + u2 so dw = 2u du and u du = 12 dw:
Z Z
u 1 1 1 1
2
du = dw = ln |w| = ln(1 + u2 )
1+u 2 w 2 2
Step 6: Apply bounds.
Z e
u 1 e 1
du = ln(1 + u2 ) ln(1 + e2 ) − ln(1 + 12 )

2
=
1 1+u 2 1 2

Since 1 + 12 = 2:
1
ex 1 + e2
Z  
1
dx = ln
0 ex + e−x 2 2

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z 1
2
4. Evaluate I = xe−x dx.
0

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:

1. Notice exponent is −x2 and you have x dx.

2. Set u = x2 , then du = 2x dx.

3. Convert to e−u du and apply FTC.

R

Solution (show steps)

Step 1: Substitution. Let u = x2 . Then
1
du = 2x dx ⇒ x dx = du
2
Step 2: Change bounds.

x = 0 ⇒ u = 02 = 0, x = 1 ⇒ u = 12 = 1

Step 3: Rewrite integral.

Z 1 Z u=1 Z 1
−x2 −u 1 1
I= xe dx = e · du = e−u du
0 u=0 2 2 0

Step 4: Integrate and evaluate.

Z
e−u du = −e−u .

So
1  −u 1 1
1
I= −e 0
= (−e−1 ) − (−e0 ) = (1 − e−1 )
2 2 2
 
1 1
I= 1−
2 e

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z 2
√
2+x
5. Evaluate √ √ dx.
0 4−x+ 2+x

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute (the “pairing trick”):

1. This is not a standard substitution integral; it is designed for symmetry.

2. Define the integral as I.

3. Substitute x 7→ 2 − x to produce a second expression for I.

4. Add the two expressions: the numerators add to the denominator and become 1.
R2
5. Then 2I = 0 1 dx = 2 ⇒ I = 1.

Solution (show steps)

Let √
Z 2
2+x
I= √ √ dx
0 4−x+ 2+x
Step 1: Make the substitution t = 2 − x.
Then x = 2 − t and dx = − dt. When x = 0, t = 2; when x = 2, t = 0.
Step 2: Rewrite the integral in t.
Z 0 p Z 2 √
2 + (2 − t) 4−t
I= p p (− dt) = √ √ dt
2 4 − (2 − t) + 2 + (2 − t) 0 2+t+ 4−t

Step 3: Rename t back to x (dummy variable).

Z 2 √
4−x
I= √ √ dx
0 2+x+ 4−x
Step 4: Add the original I and the transformed I.
Original: Z 2 √
2+x
I= √ √ dx
0 4−x+ 2+x
Transformed: √
2
4−x
Z
I= √ √ dx
0 2+x+ 4−x
Add them: √ √
2 
4−x
Z
2+x
2I = √ √ +√ √ dx
0 4−x+ 2+x 2+x+ 4−x
Step 5: Combine inside parentheses.
√ √ √ √
2+x 4−x 2+x+ 4−x
√ √ +√ √ =√ √ =1
4−x+ 2+x 4−x+ 2+x 4−x+ 2+x
Therefore, Z 2
2I = 1 dx = [x]20 = 2 → I = 1
0

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

How to apply the trick to Q5 (mirror substitution x 7→ 2 − x)?

Apply to the question
Q5. Evaluate √
Z 2
2+x
I= √ √ dx
0 4−x+ 2+x
Step 1: Identify the symmetry.
The interval is [0, 2], so the mirror map is

x 7→ 2 − x

Look at the two pieces: √ √

2+x and 4−x
Under the mirror x 7→ 2 − x:
√ √
2 + x 7→ 2 + (2 − x) = 4 − x ⇒ 2 + x 7→ 4 − x,
√ √
4 − x 7→ 4 − (2 − x) = 2 + x ⇒ 4 − x 7→ 2 + x
So the mirror substitution swaps the two square roots. This is exactly what we want.
Step 2: Define the integrand as a function f (x).
Let √
2+x
f (x) = √ √
4−x+ 2+x
R2
Then I = 0 f (x) dx.
Step 3: Compute the mirrored function f (2 − x).
Replace x by 2 − x:
p √
2 + (2 − x) 4−x
f (2 − x) = p p =√ √
4 − (2 − x) + 2 + (2 − x) 2+x+ 4−x

Step 4: Add f (x) + f (2 − x) and simplify.

They have the same denominator:
√ √ √ √
2+x 4−x 2+x+ 4−x
f (x) + f (2 − x) = √ √ +√ √ =√ √ =1
4−x+ 2+x 4−x+ 2+x 4−x+ 2+x
So the key identity is:
f (x) + f (2 − x) = 1
Step 5: Integrate both sides on [0, 2].
Z 2

Z 2
f (x) + f (2 − x) dx = 1 dx = 2
0 0
But by the mirror-substitution lemma (proved above),
Z 2 Z 2
f (2 − x) dx = f (x) dx = I
0 0

So the left-hand side equals I + I = 2I. Therefore:

2I = 2 ⇒ I=1

9
ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Apply to the question

√
Intuition: At each x, the integrand√is “missing” the 4 − x part in the numerator; at the
mirror point 2 − x, it is missing the 2 + x part. Adding the two fills the denominator and
becomes 1.

10
ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z b Z a
6. Show that f (x) dx = − f (x) dx.
a b

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute / prove:
Rb
1. Use FTC: write a f (x) dx = F (b) − F (a).

2. Swap bounds and show it becomes F (a) − F (b).

3. Conclude one is the negative of the other.

Solution (show steps)

Let F ′ (x) = f (x). By FTC:
Z b Z a
f (x) dx = F (b) − F (a), f (x) dx = F (a) − F (b) = −(F (b) − F (a))
a b

Therefore,
Z b Z a
f (x) dx = − f (x) dx
a b

11
ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
7. Suppose f is nonnegative and continuous on (−∞, ∞), and f (x)f (1 − x) = 1. Evaluate
1 x − 12
Z
dx.
0 1 + f (x)

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute (functional equation + pairing trick):

1. Call the integral I.

2. Substitute x 7→ 1 − x to generate another expression for I.

3. Use f (x)f (1 − x) = 1 to replace f (1 − x) by 1/f (x).

4. Add the two integrals so the messy denominator cancels and you get:
Z 1
1
2I = x− dx.
0 2

5. Compute the absolute-value integral by symmetry around 1/2.

Solution (show steps)

Let
1 x − 12
Z
I= dx
0 1 + f (x)
Substitute t = 1 − x so dt = − dx:
1 t − 21
Z
I= dt
0 1 + f (1 − t)

Using f (t)f (1 − t) = 1, we have f (1 − t) = 1/f (t), so

1 t − 12 1 f (t) t − 12
Z Z
I= dt = dt
0 1 + 1/f (t) 0 1 + f (t)

Add this to the original I:

!
1 |x − 21 | f (x)|x − 21 | 1
Z Z
2I = + dx = |x − 12 | dx
0 1 + f (x) 1 + f (x) 0

Compute:
" #1
1 1 (x − 12 )2
Z Z
1
|x − 12 | dx = 2 1


x− 2 dx = 2 · =
0 1/2 2 4
1/2

Thus 2I = 14 , so
1
I=
8

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

How to apply the trick to Q7 (mirror substitution x 7→ 1 − x + functional

equation)
Apply to the question
Q7. Suppose f (x) ≥ 0 is continuous and satisfies

f (x)f (1 − x) = 1

Evaluate
1 x − 12
Z
I= dx
0 1 + f (x)
Step 1: Identify the symmetry.
The interval is [0, 1], so the mirror map is

x 7→ 1 − x

Also note the absolute value is symmetric about 1/2:

1 1 1
(1 − x) − = −x = x−
2 2 2

So the numerator is unchanged by mirroring.

Step 2: The key functional equation.
Given f (x)f (1 − x) = 1, we can rewrite it as:
1
f (1 − x) =
f (x)

This is the reason the mirror substitution is powerful here: it turns f (·) into its reciprocal.
Step 3: Start with I and mirror it.
Let
|x − 12 |
Z 1
I= dx
0 1 + f (x)

Make the substitution t = 1 − x (so dt = − dx; bounds swap 0 ↔ 1):

0 (1 − t) − 12 1 t − 12
Z Z
I= (− dt) = dt
1 1 + f (1 − t) 0 1 + f (1 − t)

Rename t → x:
1 x − 12
Z
I= dx
0 1 + f (1 − x)
Step 4: Use the functional equation to simplify the denominator.
Since f (1 − x) = 1/f (x),
x − 12
Z 1
I= 1 dx
0 1 + f (x)

Now simplify:
1 f (x) + 1 1 f (x)
1+ = ⇒ 1 = 1 + f (x)
f (x) f (x) 1 + f (x)
Thus the mirrored form of I becomes
1 f (x) x − 21
Z
I= dx
0 1 + f (x)

13
ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Apply to the question

Step 5: Add the original I and the mirrored I.
Original:
|x − 12 |
Z 1
I= dx
0 1 + f (x)
Mirrored:
1 f (x)|x − 12 |
Z
I= dx
0 1 + f (x)
Add:
!
1 |x − 12 | f (x)|x − 12 | 1 (1 + f (x))|x − 21 | 1
Z Z Z
2I = + dx = dx = |x − 12 | dx
0 1 + f (x) 1 + f (x) 0 1 + f (x) 0

Step 6: Compute the remaining absolute-value integral.

Split at x = 21 :
Z 1 Z 1/2 Z 1
1 1
|x − 2 | dx = ( 2 − x) dx + (x − 21 ) dx
0 0 1/2

Compute each:
1/2 1/2
x x2
Z 
1 1 1
( 12
− x) dx = − = − = ,
0 2 2 0 4 8 8
Z 1 1
x2 x
   
1 1 1
(x − 12 ) dx = − =0− − =
1/2 2 2 1/2 8 4 8
So Z 1
1 1 1
|x − 12 | dx = + =
0 8 8 4
Step 7: Finish.

1 1
2I = ⇒ I=
4 8

Intuition: The mirror substitution x 7→ 1 − x turns f (x) into 1/f (x), so the two denom-
inators 1 + f (x) and 1 + 1/f (x) are designed to “complete” each other. Adding the two
versions cancels the complicated part and leaves a simple absolute-value integral.

14
ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z ∞
8. Evaluate the improper integral x−5/3 dx.
1

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:
Rb
1. Because the upper bound is ∞, rewrite as a limit: limb→∞ 1.

2. Integrate x−5/3 using the power rule.

3. Evaluate at b and take b → ∞.

5
4. Quick check using p-test: here p = 3 > 1, so it should converge.

Solution (show steps)

Step 1: Rewrite as a limit.
Z ∞ Z b
−5/3
x dx = lim x−5/3 dx
1 b→∞ 1

Step 2: Antiderivative.

x−5/3+1 x−2/3
Z
3
x−5/3 dx = = = − x−2/3
−5/3 + 1 −2/3 2

Step 3: Evaluate from 1 to b.

Z b  b
−5/3 3 3 3
x dx = − x−2/3 = − b−2/3 + · 1−2/3
1 2 1 2 2

Since 1−2/3 = 1:
3 3
= − b−2/3 +
2 2
Step 4: Take the limit. Because b−2/3 → 0 as b → ∞,
Z ∞  
3 3 3
x−5/3 dx = lim − b−2/3 + =
1 b→∞ 2 2 2
Z ∞
3
x−5/3 dx = → (Convergent)
1 2

15
ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z ∞
1
9. Evaluate the improper integral dx.
0 x2

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:

1. There are two problematic points: 0 (division by zero) and ∞ (infinite bound).

2. Split at a safe point, e.g. 1: Z ∞ Z 1 Z ∞

= + .
0 0 1

3. Write each part as a limit and test convergence.

4. If any part diverges, the whole integral diverges.

Solution (show steps)

Split at 1: Z ∞ Z 1 Z ∞
1 −2
dx = x dx + x−2 dx
0 x2 0 1
Part A: near 0 (this is the problem).
Write it as a limit: Z 1 Z 1
x−2 dx = lim x−2 dx
0 ε→0+ ε
Antiderivative:
x−1
Z
1
x−2 dx = =−
−1 x
So
1
1 1
Z  
−2 1
x dx = − = −1 +
ε x ε ε
As ε → 0+ , 1ε → ∞, so this part diverges.
R1
Conclusion: since 0 x−2 dx diverges, the whole integral diverges:
Z ∞
1
dx diverges.
0 x2

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z ∞
1
10. Evaluate dx for p > 0. State when it converges.
1 xp

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:
Rb
1. Write as limb→∞ 1 x−p dx.

2. Do two cases: p ̸= 1 (power rule) and p = 1 (log).

3. Evaluate the limit and conclude convergence conditions.

4. Summarize in one sentence: converges iff p > 1.

Solution (show steps)

Z ∞ Z b
−p
x dx = lim x−p dx
1 b→∞ 1

If p ̸= 1:
b
x1−p b1−p − 1
Z  
b
x−p dx = =
1 1−p 1 1−p
If p > 1, then b1−p → 0 and Z ∞
1
x−p dx =
1 p−1
If 0 < p < 1, then b1−p → ∞ and it diverges. If p = 1:
Z b
1
dx = ln b → ∞,
1 x

so it diverges.
Z ∞
1 1
Converges iff p > 1, and then p
dx =
1 x p−1

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z ∞
11. Evaluate e−kx dx (k > 0).
0

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:
Rb
1. Write as a limit limb→∞ 0 e−kx dx.

2. Integrate: e−kx dx = − k1 e−kx .

R

3. Evaluate at b and 0, then take b → ∞.

4. Key idea: if k > 0, then e−kb → 0.

Solution (show steps)

Step 1: Rewrite as a limit.
Z ∞ Z b
−kx
e dx = lim e−kx dx
0 b→∞ 0

Step 2: Antiderivative. Z
1
e−kx dx = − e−kx
k
Step 3: Evaluate from 0 to b.
b
1 −kx b
Z  
−kx 1 1 1 1
e dx = − e = − e−kb + e0 = − e−kb +
0 k 0 k k k k

Step 4: Take the limit. Since k > 0, e−kb → 0 as b → ∞, so

Z ∞  
−kx 1 −kb 1 1
e dx = lim − e + =
0 b→∞ k k k
Z ∞
1
e−kx dx = (k > 0)
0 k

18
ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z 3
12. Evaluate |x| dx.
−2

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute:

1. Absolute value changes form at x = 0.

R0 R3
2. Split: −2 |x| dx + 0 |x| dx.

3. Replace |x| by −x on [−2, 0] and by x on [0, 3].

Solution (show steps)

Step 1: Split at the sign-change point x = 0.
Z 3 Z 0 Z 3
|x| dx = |x| dx + |x| dx
−2 −2 0

Step 2: Replace |x| piecewise. On [−2, 0], x ≤ 0 so |x| = −x. On [0, 3], x ≥ 0 so |x| = x.
Thus Z 0 Z 3
= (−x) dx + x dx
−2 0
Step 3: Integrate each part.

x2 x2
Z Z
(−x) dx = − , x dx =
2 2
Step 4: Evaluate bounds.
0 0
x2
Z   
4
(−x) dx = − =0− − =2
−2 2 −2 2

3 3
x2
Z 
9
x dx = =
0 2 0 2
Step 5: Add. Z 3
9 13
|x| dx = 2 + =
−2 2 2
Z 3
13
|x| dx =
−2 2

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
13. Find the area bounded by the curve y = x2 − 4x + 3 from x = 0 to x = 4.

(a) Show mathematically.

(b) Show graphically.

(c) Explain what you observe and how we should solve the problem.

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute (most important “area vs integral” question):

1. Step 1: Find where the curve crosses the x-axis (roots). Factor if possible.

2. Step 2: Draw a quick sketch (or sign chart) to see where f (x) is positive/negative.
R
3. Step 3: Signed integral is f (x) dx (can cancel).
R
4. Step 4: Geometric area bounded is |f (x)| dx.
R
5. Step 5: Compute |f | by splitting at the roots and flipping the negative part.

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ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Solution (show steps)

(a) Signed integral first (what you get if you forget absolute value).
3
An antiderivative is F (x) = x3 − 2x2 + 3x, hence
4
x3
Z    
2
4 64 4
(x − 4x + 3) dx = − 2x2 + 3x = − 32 + 12 =
0 3 0 3 3

4
So the signed result is .
3
(b) Graphical and sign changes.
Factor:
x2 − 4x + 3 = (x − 1)(x − 3),
so zeros are x = 1 and x = 3.
y

x
−0.5 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

−2

(c) Explanation + correct “area” computation.

The curve is above the axis on [0, 1] and [3, 4], and below on [1, 3]. So the geometric area is:
Z 4 Z 1 Z 3 Z 4
2
Area = |x − 4x + 3| dx = f (x) dx − f (x) dx + f (x) dx, f (x) = x2 − 4x + 3
0 0 1 3

x3
Use F (x) = 3 − 2x2 + 3x:
Z 1 Z 3 Z 4
4 4 4 4
f = F (1) − F (0) = , f = F (3) − F (1) = 0 − = − , f = F (4) − F (3) =
0 3 1 3 3 3 3

Hence
4 4 4
Area = + + =4
3 3 3

21
ECON 1111A/B Mathematical Methods in Economics II Problem Set 2 – Tutorial Notes

Question
Z 3p
14. Evaluate (x − 1)(3 − x) dx.
1

How to compute (roadmap)

How to compute (geometry recognition):

1. Multiply/simplify inside the square root: (x − 1)(3 − x) = −x2 + 4x − 3.

2. Complete the square: −x2 + 4x − 3 = 1 − (x − 2)2 .

p
3. Recognize 1 − (x − 2)2 as the upper semicircle of radius 1 centered at (2, 0).
πr2
4. So the integral equals the area of that upper semicircle: 2 with r = 1.

Solution (show steps)

Step 1: Expand.

(x − 1)(3 − x) = 3x − x2 − 3 + x = −x2 + 4x − 3

Step 2: Complete the square.

−x2 + 4x − 3 = −(x2 − 4x) − 3 = −(x2 − 4x + 4) + 4 − 3 = −(x − 2)2 + 1 = 1 − (x − 2)2

Step 3: Rewrite the integral.

Z 3p Z 3p
(x − 1)(3 − x) dx = 1 − (x − 2)2 dx
1 1

Step 4: Interpret
p geometrically.
The curve y = 1 − (x − 2)2 is the upper half of the circle

(x − 2)2 + y 2 = 1

(center (2, 0), radius 1). Over x ∈ [1, 3], we trace the entire upper semicircle. So the integral
equals the area of that upper semicircle:
1 1 π
Area = πr2 = π(1)2 =
2 2 2
Z 3p
π
(x − 1)(3 − x) dx =
1 2

22