Problem:
Use Riemann sums to approximate the area bounded by the graph of

f(x) = x3 - 5x +7

the lines x = -2 and x = 3 and the x-axis. Use N left-hand endpoints for N = 10 and 50.

Visualization:
Using Microcalc:

  1. Choose Beginning Calculus from the initial menu and press .
  2. Use the arrow keys to move to the menu item Riemann Sums, press and .
  3. At the prompt F(x) =, enter the formula
    x^3-5x+7
  4. Enter the bounds at the prompts
    x_0 = -2
    x_1 = 3
  5. Using the arrow keys, move to F(Left Endpoint) and press
  6. (*) At the prompt for the number of subdivisions, N = , enter 10
  7. You will see the the graph of the function and the approximating rectangles:

  8. Hitting , you will see the calculations up to that point.
  9. Hit , again and use the arrow keys to move to Change N Only and press .
  10. Return to (*) and enter N = 50 and proceed as above to get the following.

  11. You will see the following table at some point: