Basic very simple explanation of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus using a worked example

Question

Hi,

Can any point me to a very simple basic explanation of the fundamental theorem of calculus with a worked example showing all the workings. I would like to be able to follow the numbers through to see how both are equal. With abstract explanations and notation, I get lost very easily.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer 1

What the Fundamental Theorem of Integral Calculus says in its most simplistic form is that differentiation and integration are inverse operations. You can think of it this way: f(y)=∫f'(y) dy. Now there are a lot complex stipulations involved and I don't want you to think that this explanation is entirely correct...you need to go back to your textbook and understand all the exact wording etc.

Example:

∫2x dx = x² + C