Step 1: Identify the function to integrate, which is 3x^2 - 2.
Step 2: Find the antiderivative of the function. The antiderivative of 3x^2 is x^3, and the antiderivative of -2 is -2x. So, the antiderivative is x^3 - 2x.
Step 3: Evaluate the antiderivative from the lower limit (1) to the upper limit (2).
Step 4: Substitute the upper limit (2) into the antiderivative: (2^3) - 2(2) = 8 - 4 = 4.
Step 5: Substitute the lower limit (1) into the antiderivative: (1^3) - 2(1) = 1 - 2 = -1.
Step 6: Subtract the result of the lower limit from the result of the upper limit: 4 - (-1) = 4 + 1 = 5.
Definite Integral – The question tests the ability to evaluate a definite integral, which involves finding the antiderivative and applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Antiderivative Calculation – It requires knowledge of how to compute the antiderivative of a polynomial function.
Evaluation of Limits – The question assesses the skill of correctly substituting the upper and lower limits into the antiderivative.
