integration
In mathematics, a method in calculus of determining the solutions of definite or indefinite integrals. An example of a definite integral can be thought of as finding the area under a curve (as represented by an algebraic expression or function) between particular values of the function's variable. In practice, integral calculus provides scientists with a powerful tool for doing calculations that involve a continually varying quantity (such as determining the position at any given instant of a space rocket that is accelerating away from Earth). Its basic principles were discovered in the late 1660s independently by the German philosopher Leibniz and the British scientist Newton.
integration
| Merger of two firms. Vertical integration occurs if the two firms are at different stages of the production process. Forward integration occurs when a firm takes over a company which buys its products, such as a car manufacturer taking over a car dealership. Backward integration occurs when one firm takes over another which supplies it, such as a car manufacturer taking over a car components company. Horizontal integration occurs if the two firms are at the same stage of the production process, such as one car manufacturer merging with another car manufacturer. |
