194
Section 14
Numerical Integration
Many problems in mathematics, science, and
engineering require calculating the definite
integral of a function. If the function is
denoted by
f(x)
and the interval of integration
is
a
to
b,
the integral can be expressed
mathematically as
.
)
(
dx
x
f
I
b
a
The
quantity
I
can
be
interpreted
geometrically as the area of a region bounded by the graph of
f(x),
the
x
-axis, and the limits
x
=
a
and
x
=
b.
*
When an integral is difficult or impossible to evaluate by analytical
methods, it can be calculated using numerical techniques. Usually, this can
be done only with a fairly complicated computer program. With your
HP-15C, however, you can easily do numerical integration using the
f
(integrate) key.
†
Using
f
The basic rules for using
f
are:
1. In Program mode, key in a subroutine that evaluates the function
f(x)
that
you want to integrate. This subroutine must begin with a label
instruction (
´b
label
) and end up with a value for
f(x)
in the X-
register.
*
Provided that
f(x)
is nonnegative throughout the interval of integration.
†
The
f
function does not use the imaginary stack. Refer to the
HP-15C Advanced Functions Handbook
for information about using
f
in Complex mode.
Summary of Contents for HP-15C
Page 1: ...HP 15C Owner s Handbook HP Part Number 00015 90001 Edition 2 4 Sep 2011 ...
Page 17: ...Part l HP 15C Fundamentals ...
Page 64: ......
Page 65: ...Part ll HP 15C Programming ...
Page 118: ...118 ...
