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
The constant of integration is a constant value that appears when an indefinite integral is evaluated. It represents the 'starting point' or initial condition of the function being integrated.
Related terms
Indefinite Integral: This is the antiderivative, or reverse process, of differentiation. It's called 'indefinite' because it includes a constant term whose value isn't specified.
Definite Integral: This is an integral with specific start and end points. Unlike an indefinite integral, it doesn't include a constant of integration because its value depends only on these two points.
Initial Condition: In calculus, this refers to the known value of a function at a specific point in time or space. It's used along with differential equations to find particular solutions.