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Exercise 9.10 · Q2

Q.The value of ∫−12∣x∣ dx\displaystyle\int_{-1}^2 |x|\,dx is

(1) 12\dfrac12
(2) 32\dfrac32
(3) 52\dfrac52
(4) 72\dfrac72
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✓ Free question

The absolute-value integrand forces a split at its sign-change point x=0x=0: ∣x∣=−x|x|=-x for x<0x<0 and ∣x∣=x|x|=x for x≥0x\ge0, so the integral breaks into two elementary pieces that are then added.

Step 1. Split the interval at x=0x=0.

∫−12∣x∣ dx=∫−10(−x) dx+∫02x dx.\int_{-1}^2|x|\,dx=\int_{-1}^0(-x)\,dx+\int_0^2 x\,dx.

Step 2. Evaluate the first piece.

∫−10(−x) dx=[−x22]−10=0−(−(−1)22)=0−(−12)=12.\int_{-1}^0(-x)\,dx=\left[-\frac{x^2}{2}\right]_{-1}^0=0-\left(-\frac{(-1)^2}{2}\right)=0-\left(-\frac12\right)=\frac12.

Step 3. Evaluate the second piece.

∫02x dx=[x22]02=42−0=2.\int_0^2 x\,dx=\left[\frac{x^2}{2}\right]_0^2=\frac{4}{2}-0=2.

Step 4. Add the two pieces.

∫−12∣x∣ dx=12+2=52.\int_{-1}^2|x|\,dx=\frac12+2=\frac52.

Step 5. Match to the printed options. 52\dfrac52 is option (3).

✓Final answer

Option (3): 52\dfrac52.

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