Riemann Sums - Function Integration

The purpose of the applet below is to demonstrate how Riemann sums approximate the value of a definite integral. On every subinterval, one can choose either the left or right value of the function, the lower or the larger of the two, or the value at a random point on the interval, or at its midpoint. The applet displays both the definite integral as the function of its upper limit and its approximation by Riemann sums. The function itself can be easily modified by dragging the points on its graph up or down.

Note that in most cases random selection of points on subintervals gives a better approximation than other approaches. Note also how errors of approximation often cancel out to produce a decent final result.

Copyright © 1996-2009 Alexander Bogomolny