What defines a definite integral?

A definite integral is defined as the integral of a function evaluated between two specific limits or bounds. This concept is fundamental in calculus, particularly when it comes to determining the net area under a curve represented by a function within a given interval.

When you see a definite integral, it is typically expressed in the form ∫[a, b] f(x) dx, where 'a' and 'b' are the lower and upper limits of integration, respectively. This integral calculates the signed area under the curve of the function f(x) from the point x = a to x = b.

The defining property of a definite integral is its focus on calculating the exact area between the curve and the x-axis over the specified interval, which can yield a positive, negative, or zero value depending on the function's behavior between those bounds. This makes option C—the calculation of area under a curve between specified bounds—the accurate definition of a definite integral.

In contrast, an indefinite integral, as suggested in one of the other options, does not have limits and represents a family of functions, providing a general form of the antiderivative rather than a specific numeric area. Options discussing limits or numerical estimates of area are less precise in defining what a definite