Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An accumulation function, also known as an antiderivative or indefinite integral, represents the reverse process of differentiation. It calculates the original function when its derivative is given.
A definite integral calculates the accumulated area under a curve between two specified limits. It represents the total change or accumulation within a specific interval.
The fundamental theorem of calculus establishes a connection between differentiation and integration. It states that if F(x) is an antiderivative (accumulation function) of f(x), then ∫[a,b] f(x) dx = F(b) - F(a).
An initial condition refers to specifying a particular value for a variable at an initial point in time or space. In terms of accumulation functions, it helps determine the constant term added during integration to account for unknown values.