Can Area Under a Curve Be Negative?

The Area Under a Curve
Areas under the x-axis will come out negative and areas above the x-axis will be positive. This means that you have to be careful when finding an area which is partly above and partly below the x-axis.

Can the area be negative?

If ALL of the area within the interval exists below the x-axis yet above the curve then the result is negative . If MORE of the area within the interval exists below the x-axis and above the curve than above the x-axis and below the curve then the result is negative .

What does it mean when an integral is negative?

To sum it up, a negative definite integral means that there is "more area" under the x-axis than over it.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.