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 MPP:

  1. At the main menu, either enter 3 or use the arrow keys to move to 3. Integral and press
  2. At the prompt, Interval of integration,type in -2 for a and 3 for b.
  3. At the prompt for function, type x^3-5x+7
  4. At the prompt, Method 1 type L
  5. At the prompt, Number of intervals, type 10
  6. Press to draw the graph.
  7. At this point, you will see the graph.

  8. Press and, at the prompt, Method 2 type L again.
  9. At the prompt, Number of intervals, type 50
  10. Press to draw the graph.