The Trapezoidal Rule (HSC SSCE Mathematics Advanced): Flashcards

Approximate definite integrals using trapezium shapes

$\int_a^b f(x)\,dx \approx \frac{b-a}{2}(f(a) + f(b))$

When function is linear (straight line)

Overestimate (chord above curve)

Underestimate (chord below curve)

$h = \frac{b-a}{n}$

Curve is concave up

Curve is concave down

First and last once, middle terms twice

No simple antiderivative or only experimental data