298 MATHEMATICS
(iii) When the variable of integration is denoted by a variable other than x, the integral
formulae are modified accordingly. For instance
41
1
41 5
y
y dy y
+
+
∫
7.2.3 Comparison between differentiation and integration
1. Both are operations on functions.
2. Both satisfy the property of linearity, i.e.,
(i)
[ ]
11 2 2 1 1 2 2
d d d
+= +
(ii)
11 2 2 11 22
k f x k f x dx k f x dx k f x dx
+ = +
Here k
1
and k
2
are constants.
3. We have already seen that all functions are not differentiable. Similarly, all functions
are not integrable. We will learn more about nondifferentiable functions and
nonintegrable functions in higher classes.
4. The derivative of a function, when it exists, is a unique function. The integral of
a function is not so. However, they are unique upto an additive constant, i.e., any
two integrals of a function differ by a constant.
5. When a polynomial function P is differentiated, the result is a polynomial whose
degree is 1 less than the degree of P. When a polynomial function P is integrated,
the result is a polynomial whose degree is 1 more than that of P.
6. We can speak of the derivative at a point. We never speak of the integral at a
point, we speak of the integral of a function over an interval on which the integral
is defined as will be seen in Section 7.7.
7. The derivative of a function has a geometrical meaning, namely, the slope of the
tangent to the corresponding curve at a point. Similarly, the indefinite integral of
a function represents geometrically, a family of curves placed parallel to each
other having parallel tangents at the points of intersection of the curves of the
family with the lines orthogonal (perpendicular) to the axis representing the variable
of integration.
8. The derivative is used for finding some physical quantities like the velocity of a
moving particle, when the distance traversed at any time t is known. Similarly,
the integral is used in calculating the distance traversed when the velocity at time
t is known.
9. Differentiation is a process involving limits. So is integration, as will be seen in
Section 7.7.