What is the solution to this volume integral problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a volume integral, with specific focus on determining the correct limits of integration based on a geometric interpretation involving a tetrahedron defined by a plane and coordinate axes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts various integration methods but arrives at conflicting results. Some participants question the validity of the upper limits of integration and suggest reevaluating them based on the geometric constraints of the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the limits of integration and their implications. One participant has provided guidance on the correct limits based on the geometry of the problem, while the original poster acknowledges understanding after this clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific bounds for the variables involved, as well as a reference to a graphical representation that may aid in understanding the problem setup. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly interpreting the limits based on the defined geometric shape.

johnwalton84
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I'm have trouble trying to evaluate the volume integral (shown in question.gif).

I've attempted integrating it a few different ways, either achieveing an answer of 3 or 5.75, and I'm not sure where I'm going wrong. (Some of what I've done is in attempted_solution.gif)

Any comments gratefully received...
 

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Your upper limits are not meaningful!
Let's look at this closely:
a) 0<=y<=3
These bounds should be obvious.
b) 0<=x and 0<=z
Okay?
c) Now, to the last limit indicated by the plane x+z=1
Since, by b) neither x or z can be negative, we can choose the following limits:
0<=x<=1
0<=z<=1-x

Okay with this?
 
arildno said:
Your upper limits are not meaningful!
Let's look at this closely:
a) 0<=y<=3
These bounds should be obvious.
b) 0<=x and 0<=z
Okay?
c) Now, to the last limit indicated by the plane x+z=1
Since, by b) neither x or z can be negative, we can choose the following limits:
0<=x<=1
0<=z<=1-x

Okay with this?

Since we're speaking about the triorthogonal tetrahedron determined by the intersection of the plane [itex]3x+y+3z=3[/itex] with the coordinate axes,maybe a graphical representation might help.
Chosing the integration limits correctly (the way Arildno showed you),u find after easy calculations that the integral should yield 1.
 
Yes, I've got it now. Thanks.

:smile:
 

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