Little Bit Of Math Help and Reference Links

Hello!!

I have a little math problem and i don't really know where to start.
It's a little nerdy, so bare with me here.

1(+ or -) Strength = 1 Cost

The Problem: -1 Strength for 5 seconds (+1 Strength after 5 seconds) but equals how much cost?

I came up with it being 0 but i am sure that does not make sense because of the initial negative effect for 5 seconds.

We know -1 Strength as a constant is worth 1 but how much is that when it's reduced only for 5 seconds during that span of time, if the variable is cost = 1?

Any links on this specific type of math for learning would be great.

Thanks a bunch!!!

http://imgur.com/1d6agUN.png

The type of math relevant to the question is integral calculus. It deals with the area formed by the graph of the function and the axis. If you graph position the area under the curve (integral calculus) is the displacement, and the slope of the curve (differential calculus) is the rate of displacement.

The graph shown above is piece-wise but is similar to the sin or cos function in that the integral over the period = 0

I don't know what the words mean, so I'm pretty sure you don't either. You can't do anything useful when you don't know what the words mean.