The function $y = x^3 + 1$ is graphed below, along with four left endpoint rectangles which approximate the area from $x = -2$ to $x = 2$.

1. Why does it look like there are only three rectangles?

   Hint (a):

   What happens if the left endpoint is on the $x$-axis?

   Answer (a):

   Since $f(-1) = 0$, the height of the rectangle is $0$.

2. Recall that area under the $x$-axis is negative, while that above the $x$-axis is positive. Approximate $A(y, −2 ≤ x ≤ 2)$ using these four rectangles.

   Hint (b):

   Sum the areas of all four rectangles together. Remember to treat a rectangle's area as negative if it is below the $x$-axis.