Integral is a mathematical term that describes finding the area under a curve. It can also refer to an equation or formula used to calculate this area, as well as any number, function, or variable that is part of such an equation. Integrals are essential components in calculus and other advanced math topics because they provide information about areas between two points on a graph.

The concept behind integrals dated back centuries and was first developed by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz in the 17th century. An integral is another way of expressing something like “the total” – it determines the space between two given points on a graph (or surface). To do so, we need to find out what happens when we add all those little pieces together – this process produces what’s known as integration.

Integration helps us understand how physical phenomena work: for example, if you wanted to know how far your car had traveled over time, then you could use integration techniques; similarly, if you wanted to see the volume inside some container, then again integration would be helpful since it tells us exactly where each point lies relative from one another which allows us to calculate distances accurately without having to measure them directly with rulers, etc. There are many more applications for integrals, including calculating force vectors in physics problems, amongst others!

In conclusion, integral is an essential tool for mathematicians who want accurate answers regarding areas underneath curves or surfaces – whether these be physical objects like cars traveling through time or abstract concepts such as forces acting upon particles within specific environments – by using integration methods, we can gain insight into our world around us!