Calc problem (area of parametric curves)

  • Thread starter Thread starter itzela
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curves Parametric
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area bounded by a parametric curve defined by the equations x=cos(t) and y=e^t for the interval 0 ≤ t ≤ π/2, along with the lines y=1 and x=0. Participants are exploring the correct formulation of the area integral and the appropriate bounds for the integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the area using an integral involving e^t and -sin(t), but expresses confusion about the steps leading to this formulation and the changes in bounds. Other participants suggest rewriting t in terms of x and using the area formula involving (y-1)dx, leading to further questions about the reasoning behind these transformations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning assumptions about the area calculation and the transformations of variables. Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between the functions involved and the setup of the integral, although explicit consensus on the final approach has not been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the assumptions made in setting up the area integral, particularly regarding the relationship between the parametric equations and the Cartesian representation of the area. Participants are also addressing the implications of changing the bounds during integration.

itzela
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
calc 2 problem (area bound by parametric eq.)

I'm having a problem with this question:
Find the area bounded by the curve [tex]x=cos{t}\ y= e^t[/tex],
[tex]0\geq t\leq\pi/2\[/tex],
and the lines [tex]y=1\ x=0[/tex]

... I came up with [tex]\int e^t(-sin{t})dt[/tex] from [tex]0\to\pi/2[/tex]

But apparently I'm missing steps... which I'm not aware of! Please help!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
try to write t in terms of x and then replace t with what you have found in the other equation...
 
What i did was i used the formula [tex]Area= \int f(t)g'(t)dt[/tex] and plugged in [tex]f(t) = e^t\ g'(t) = -sint[/tex],
which is how i came to the this: [tex]\int e^t(-sin{t})dt[/tex]
with a bound of [tex]0\to\pi/2[/tex]

Although I'm suppose to start of by
1. letting the Area [tex]= \int (y-1)dx[/tex]
with a bound of [tex]0\to1[/tex],
2. And then that would equal to [tex]\int (e^t - 1)(-sint)dt\[/tex]
with a bound of [tex]\pi/2\to 0[/tex]
3. Which would result in [tex]\int e^t sint - sint dt[/tex]
with a bound [tex]0\to\pi/2[/tex]

I don't get how the integral in 1. was reached :confused: or why bounds were changed in each step... any help would be appreciated
 
itzela said:
What i did was i used the formula [tex]Area= \int f(t)g'(t)dt[/tex] and plugged in [tex]f(t) = e^t\ g'(t) = -sint[/tex],
which is how i came to the this: [tex]\int e^t(-sin{t})dt[/tex]
with a bound of [tex]0\to\pi/2[/tex]

Although I'm suppose to start of by
1. letting the Area [tex]= \int (y-1)dx[/tex]
with a bound of [tex]0\to1[/tex],
2. And then that would equal to [tex]\int (e^t - 1)(-sint)dt\[/tex]
with a bound of [tex]\pi/2\to 0[/tex]
3. Which would result in [tex]\int e^t sint - sint dt[/tex]
with a bound [tex]0\to\pi/2[/tex]

I don't get how the integral in 1. was reached :confused: or why bounds were changed in each step... any help would be appreciated
I think the parametric equations are throwing you of think back to when you first did area problems. Think of y(x)=exp(Arccos(x))
to find the area bounded by x=0 y=1 and y=exp(Arccos(x)) do as you would do then
[tex]=\int_0^1 (y-1)dx[/tex]
or
[tex]=\int_0^1 (e^{{Arccos}(x)}-1)dx[/tex]
now do a change of variable
x=cos(t)
dx=-sin(t)dt
0<x<1
becomes
0<t<pi/2
this is how the bounds change
so we have
[tex]= \int_0^\frac{pi}{2} (e^t-1)(-sin(t))dt[/tex]
 
I'm so sorry... but I still don't understand why the area wouldn't be given by:
[tex]\int_0^\frac{pi}{2} e^t(-sin{t})dt[/tex]

How did arrive to [tex]= \int_0^1 (y-1)dx[/tex]
 
itzela said:
I'm so sorry... but I still don't understand why the area wouldn't be given by:
[tex]\int_0^\frac{pi}{2} e^t(-sin{t})dt[/tex]

How did arrive to [tex]= \int_0^1 (y-1)dx[/tex]
It is because you want the area between y and 1. Recall that to find the area between f(x) and g(x) where f(x)>g(x) and x=a, x=b you find

[tex]=\int_a^b (f(x)-g(x))dx[/tex]
This is the same, but in this example f(x)=y g(x)=1 a=0 b=1 so
[tex]=\int_0^1 (y-1)dx[/tex]
 
Thanks a bunch! That explanation really helped =) I can solve it from here on.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K