Study of the apprehensions in the graphic register and instrumental genesis of the definite integral

The main objective of this research study was to analyze how university students apprehend the concept of definite integral, mediated by GeoGebra. Then, they use the concept as an instrument to determine the area of a region limited by the continuous function graph and the X axis in a given interval. The theoretical framework applied included the instrumental approach to study the transformation process of the symbolic artifact definite integral in an instrument. The theoretical framework also included the theory of semiotic representation records to identify the apprehensions in the graphic register developed by students. The students’ actions showed evidence of the creation of utilization schemes such as summation and limit, typical of the definite integral concept. Students also had pertinence to make transformations to the graph of a function (operative apprehensions) to determine the area. It is concluded that GeoGebra usage favored student in generating intuitive notions about the definite integral.