This is an introductory lesson to help students learn approximation techiniques for definite integrals. Left, Right, and Midpoint Riemann sums are included, as well as the Trapezoidal rule. Students are initially given functional values in chart form, then later provided three functions to evaluate in completing charts prior to approximating integrals. Students will also use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate integral in order to compare exact values to approximated values and draw conclusions regarding over and under approximations based on whether the function is increasing or decreasing and its concavity on a given interval.

Follow-up lesson => Applications of Approximation Techniques for Definite Integrals