Another simple double integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a double integral involving the area of integration defined by the curves y=4, y=x², and y=(x-2)², with the function |x-1|. Participants are exploring the setup for integrating with respect to dx first.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration and the need to correctly identify the lower limit for dx. There is a division of the function |x-1| into two parts based on the value of x. Some participants express confusion about the correct interpretation of the boundaries and the square root involved in the integration limits.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exchange about the correct limits of integration and the order of integration. Some participants suggest that integrating with respect to y might simplify the problem, while others are focused on the current approach. Clarifications about the negative square root and the implications for the limits are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment that specifies the need to calculate a double integral, with some confusion about the order of integration and the setup of limits. The original poster references previous problems, indicating a continuity in the learning process.

WrongMan
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Homework Statement


So i think i got this straight since my last question. let's see :)
So my area of integration is: y=4 ; y=x2 and y=(x-2)2
the function is |x-1|
i must integrate with respect to dx first.

The Attempt at a Solution


So i sketched the area (see attatchment graphs should be cross at x=1 sorry for my bad sketch xD) and found that the upper limit for dx is x2 (so y½) and the lower is (x-2)(so y½-2)2
then noticed that since the function is the absolute value of x-1 i can divide it up into 2 functions
-x+1 (for x<1) and x-1 (for x>1) and with that in mind in my sketch i drew the line x=1 so my integrals are:
y½-21(-x+1) dx (this integral is from y½-2 to 1)
and ∫1y½(x-1)dx (this integral is from 1 to y½)
and then integrate all this with respect to y from 0 to 4.
 

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On your dx lower limit, try recomputing it. You need to take the negative sqrt of (x-2)^2. (The x-2 for the left half of the parabola is negative.)
 
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Charles Link said:
On your dx lower limit, try recomputing it. You need to take the negative sqrt of (x-2)^2. (The x-2 for the left half of the parabola is negative.)
oh right it is (sqrt(y) + 2) damn my distractions
that is what you meant right?
 
WrongMan said:
oh right it is (sqrt(y) + 2) damn my distractions
that is what you meant right?
No. -sqrt(y)+2 .i.e. ## -y^{1/2}+2 ## (You also needed a +2, but you need the minus sqrt.)
 
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Charles Link said:
No. ## -y^{1/2}+2 ##
say whaaaat? XD

so (x-2)2=y <=> x-2=y½ <=> x= y½ +2
no?
 
WrongMan said:
say whaaaat? XD

so (x-2)2=y <=> x-2=y½ <=> x= y½ +2
no?
When you take the sqrt, there are are two solutions. You want the left one because your boundary is on the left side of this parabola. The left one is the negative sqrt. e.g. sqrt(4)=+/- 2. In this case you want "-2". When y=4, x-2=-2 ==>> x=0 is the root you are looking for.
 
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Charles Link said:
When you take the sqrt, there are are two solutions. You want the left one because your boundary is on the left side of this parabola. The left one is the negative sqrt. e.g. sqrt(4)=+/- 2. In this case you want "-2". When y=4, x-2=-2 ==>> x=0 is the root you are looking for.
ohhhh i get it. thanks!
 
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WrongMan said:

Homework Statement


So i think i got this straight since my last question. let's see :)
So my area of integration is: y=4 ; y=x2 and y=(x-2)2
the function is |x-1|
i must integrate with respect to dx first.

The Attempt at a Solution


So i sketched the area (see attatchment graphs should be cross at x=1 sorry for my bad sketch xD) and found that the upper limit for dx is x2 (so y½) and the lower is (x-2)(so y½-2)2
then noticed that since the function is the absolute value of x-1 i can divide it up into 2 functions
-x+1 (for x<1) and x-1 (for x>1) and with that in mind in my sketch i drew the line x=1 so my integrals are:
y½-21(-x+1) dx (this integral is from y½-2 to 1)
and ∫1y½(x-1)dx (this integral is from 1 to y½)
and then integrate all this with respect to y from 0 to 4.

Why must you integrate with respect to x first? Did somebody order you to do that? The problem is a lot easier if you integrate first with respect to y.
 
Ray Vickson said:
Why must you integrate with respect to x first? Did somebody order you to do that? The problem is a lot easier if you integrate first with respect to y.
This is from the same set of problems from yesterday.
here is what it says:
calculate ∫∫Df(x,y) dxdy where:
then i get like 10 different values for f(x,y) and D
 
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WrongMan said:
This is from the same set of problems from yesterday.
here is what it says:
calculate ∫∫Df(x,y) dxdy where:
then i get like 10 different values for f(x,y) and D

I do not see anywhere a statement to the effect that you must integrate first with respect to x. It is perfectly legitimate to interchange the order of integration (first x, then y, or first y, then x), and the notation ##dx \, dy## has nothing to do with it. I really hope you do not think otherwise.

There may be reasons to do x first, then y, if the point of the exercise is to make you practice setting up integration limits, etc., but if the aim of the exercise is to simply compute an integral, you can use any order you want, and do whichever is easier. You might even learn something by doing the same problem two different ways.
 

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