What does 'c' represent in the integration expression y = ∫f(x) dx = F(x) + c?

In the context of integration, 'c' represents the constant of integration. When an indefinite integral is computed, the result is expressed as F(x) plus a constant 'c' because the process of differentiation eliminates any constant term. That is, if F(x) is an antiderivative of f(x), any constant added to F(x) will also be an antiderivative of f(x) since the derivative of a constant is zero.

This means that there are infinitely many antiderivatives of a function, differing only by a constant value. Therefore, 'c' encapsulates all possible vertical shifts of the function F(x) on the Cartesian plane. It is critical for fully defining the integral since it accounts for the complete set of functions that could derive to f(x).

Other options do not accurately reflect this concept; the term 'Constant of Differentiation' does not exist in the context of calculus. Similarly, 'Coefficient of Integration' and 'Constant of Function' are not standard terminologies used to describe the constant added in the process of indefinite integration. Thus, the constant of integration is an essential component when solving integrals to ensure that all potential functions that could lead back to the original function are included.