# Definite integral solving by graphical approach (step function)

Q) If for a real number y,[y] is the greatest integer less than or equal to y, then find the value of the integral $\int^{\frac{3\pi}{2}}_{\frac{\pi}{2}}\left[2sinx\right]dx$.

Attempt :

On adding up individual areas I'm getting sum = $\frac{7\pi}{6}$ whereas the answer is $\frac{-\pi}{2}$ . Where am i wrong ?

Im getting total area (taking modulus for -ve area) = $\frac{7\pi}{6}$ But without considering modulus of -ve part and just adding with im getting it correct $\frac{-\pi}{2}$ Im not able to understand this , will definite integral ever yield a -ve area ?

When $sin(x)>0$ we get $f=0$ whenever $0<x<\frac{\pi}{6}$ and $\frac{5\pi}{6}<x<\pi$.
But we get $f=1$ between $\frac{\pi}{6}<x<\frac{5\pi}{6}$. Since this interval is excluded, we have $f=1$ Whenever $sin(x)>0$
Do the similar partition for $sin(x)<0$
• Okay but for $sinx<0$ shouldn't i take the modulus of the area and add it with with the rest . – Sujith Sizon Sep 19 '15 at 9:21
• m getting total area (taking modulus for -ve area) = $\frac{7\pi}{6}$ But without considering modulus of -ve part and just adding with im getting it correct \$\frac{-\pi}{2} Im not able to understand this , will definite integral ever yield a -ve area ? – Sujith Sizon Sep 19 '15 at 9:35