Math Problem Statement

Let f be a continuous function on the interval [0, 8]. If we use the Trapezoidal Rule with n = 4 to approximate the integral \( \int_0^8 f(x) \, dx \), which of the following is the required approximation?

Solution

To solve the given problem using the Trapezoidal Rule with n=4n = 4, let's break it into steps:


Step 1: Interval and Subintervals

The interval is [0,8][0, 8], and n=4n = 4. The width of each subinterval (hh) is:

h=ban=804=2h = \frac{b-a}{n} = \frac{8-0}{4} = 2

Subinterval points are: x0=0,x1=2,x2=4,x3=6,x4=8x_0 = 0, \, x_1 = 2, \, x_2 = 4, \, x_3 = 6, \, x_4 = 8


Step 2: Trapezoidal Rule Formula

The Trapezoidal Rule formula is:

abf(x)dxh2[f(x0)+2f(x1)+2f(x2)+2f(x3)+f(x4)]\int_a^b f(x) \, dx \approx \frac{h}{2} \left[ f(x_0) + 2f(x_1) + 2f(x_2) + 2f(x_3) + f(x_4) \right]

Here, we need f(x)f(x) evaluated at these points. However, the problem might expect an expression or provided function values at specific points.


Step 3: Approximating the Integral

To approximate the integral, plug in the values of f(x0),f(x1),f(x2),f(x3),f(x_0), f(x_1), f(x_2), f(x_3), and f(x4)f(x_4) as provided or as symbolic representations.

If specific function values f(x)f(x) were not listed in the problem, it would indicate the task is for conceptual understanding rather than computation.


Would you like me to continue with a hypothetical example or assist further if additional information is provided?

Here are related queries for deepening your understanding:

  1. How does the Trapezoidal Rule compare to Simpson’s Rule?
  2. Can the Trapezoidal Rule be derived geometrically?
  3. How does increasing nn improve accuracy in the Trapezoidal Rule?
  4. What are the error bounds for the Trapezoidal Rule?
  5. How can f(x)f(x) values influence numerical integration?

Tip: Always ensure subintervals are of equal width in numerical methods for accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Numerical Integration
Trapezoidal Rule

Formulas

h = (b - a) / n
Trapezoidal Rule: \( \int_a^b f(x) \, dx \approx \frac{h}{2} [f(x_0) + 2f(x_1) + 2f(x_2) + ... + 2f(x_{n-1}) + f(x_n)] \)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12