Approximate Calculus: Area Under a Curve
Is it possible to calculate the area under a curve with any degree of accuracy? If we have a strong mathematical background, we may say, "Oh, that's easy. It's a matter of calculus." But what if you didn't take calculus? In fact, what if you never even attended high school? Is it possible to achieve an answer? Is it possible to use reason to come up with the principles of calculus? The answer is, indeed it is. I met a man who did just that. He asked me how I would figure the area under a curve. But he did more. He wanted to show how me how he had succeeded in solving the matter himself on his job in construction work. I was so impressed I exclaimed, "You've just…