Limits When Determining Area between two Graphs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area between two graphs, specifically focusing on determining the limits of integration based on the points of intersection. Participants explore different methods for solving the problem, including using the quadratic formula and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially presents a straightforward example of finding the area between the graphs of y=x^2 and y=2x, successfully identifying the intersection points at x=0 and x=2.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in finding the area between the graphs of y=2-x^2 and y=x, indicating confusion about the intersection points.
  • Subsequent replies clarify that the intersection points can be found by setting the equations equal and using the quadratic formula, with one participant identifying x=1 as an intersection point.
  • Further discussion reveals that the intersection points are -2 and 1, with participants suggesting graphing the functions to visualize the area.
  • One participant proposes a method of splitting the area into integrals to compute the total area between the curves, providing specific integral expressions for calculation.
  • Another participant asserts that the area can be calculated as 4.5 units, while a different participant mentions arriving at an area of 9/2, indicating a potential discrepancy in the results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the final area calculation, as participants report different results (4.5 units vs. 9/2). The discussion includes multiple approaches to finding the area and points of intersection, with some participants agreeing on the intersection points while others focus on different methods of integration.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the use of the quadratic formula and integration techniques without resolving the specifics of the calculations or addressing potential errors in the area results. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and approaches to the problem.

Struggling
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Hi all having a little problem with finding the limits on the area between 2 graphs.

i can find the easy one such as:

Find the area between y=x^2 and y = 2x
which is:
x^2 = 2x
x^2 - 2x = 0
x(x-2) = 0

x = 0 & 2

but when i have a question like:
Find the area between y=2-x^2 & y =x

i can't work it out i got to x(1+x)= 2

but I am sooo lost
any help appreciated
 
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Nvermind, I understand what your saying. To find the points of intersection between those two graphs, set them equal to each other.

[tex]2-x^2 = x[/tex]

[tex]x^2 + x = 2[/tex]

An obvious one is x=1.

Try quadratic formula.
 
Last edited:
sorry whozum i don't think i explained the question well, i need to work out the points of intersection i have no problems working out the area.

yeh I've already got 1. so using the quadratic formula i should be able to find the points out?
 
so the intersecting points are -2 & 1?
 
There you go. Graph it to make sure.
 
hello there

well first of all you need to find where both functions actually intersect this is done by making 2-x^2=x then using the quadratic formulae to find where they intersect, and so you will find that they will intersect at 1 and at -2 now if you want to find the area between these functions its best that you graph it and then split up the area which should correspond to the addition to a couple of integrals
[tex]\int_0^1 2-x-x^2 dx+\int_{-\sqrt{2}}^0 2-x^2+x dx-\int_{-2}^{-\sqrt 2} x -2+x^2 dx[/tex]
by integrating you will be able to find the area between those two functions?
by the way y=2-x^2 has roots at +/-sqrt{2}
the area is 2.5 units hopefully without any small errors
 
Last edited:
thanks guys!
 
steven187 said:
hello there

well first of all you need to find where both functions actually intersect this is done by making 2-x^2=x then using the quadratic formulae to find where they intersect, and so you will find that they will intersect at 1 and at -2 now if you want to find the area between these functions its best that you graph it and then split up the area which should correspond to the addition to a couple of integrals
[tex]\int_0^1 2-x-x^2 dx+\int_{-\sqrt{2}}^0 2-x^2+x dx-\int_{-2}^{-\sqrt 2} x -2+x^2 dx[/tex]
by integrating you will be able to find the area between those two functions?
by the way y=2-x^2 has roots at +/-sqrt{2}
the area is 2.5 units hopefully without any small errors

Why in the world should one do such a thing? For all x between -2 and 1, 2- x2 is larger than x so 2-x2- x is positive and is the "height" of a thin rectangle between the two. The area is
[tex]\int_{-2}^1 2- x- x^2 dx= \frac{9}{2}= 4.5[/tex].
 
yeh that's tha answer i got 9/2
 

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