Another useful identity,sin t = 2v/(1+v²)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area bounded by polar curves and the length of a parametric curve. The subject area includes polar coordinates and parametric equations in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the area between two polar curves and the length of a parametric curve, detailing their integration process and expressing uncertainty about their results.

Discussion Status

Some participants affirm the original poster's calculations for the area, while others suggest a substitution method for the arc length integral. There is an exploration of the appropriateness of using trigonometric substitutions in the context of the integral.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that their answer for the area does not match any provided choices, indicating potential discrepancies in their calculations or assumptions. Additionally, there is a discussion about the conditions under which trigonometric substitutions can be applied.

MercuryRising
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a) find the area bounded by the polar curves r=3sinx, r=1+sinx

first i find the points of intersection, x=pi/6, and x=5pi/6
so to find the area i set up the integral
A= 1/2 integral from pi/6 to 5pi/6 [(3sinx)^2 - (1+sinx)^2]dx

using trig identities, it simplifies to

1/2 the integral from pi/6 to 5pi/6 [3 -4cos2x - 2sinx] dx

integrate and i get 1/2[3x - 2sin2x + 2cosx] from pi/6 to 5pi/6

which the sqrt 3's cancel out so i get (1/2)[ 5pi/2 - pi/2 ] = pi

i think this is correct but my answer is not on any of the answer choices
can someone please check what i did wrong?



b) find the length of the curve from t=0 to t=2pi given the curve has parametric equation
x= t- sint
y= 1 - cost

since the arc length ds is integral of sqrt[ (dx/dt)^2 + (dy/dt)^2]

dx/dt = 1 - cost
dy/dx = sint

thus ds = integral from 0 to 2 pi sqrt[(1-cost)^2 + (sint)^2]

which simplifies to integral from 0 to 2pi sqrt[ 2-2cost]
i couldn't integrate sqrt[ 2-2cost], or did i do something wrong in the steps prior to integration?

thanks
 
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a) I don't see anything wrong with your working or result. I get the same.

b) You're correct up to where you last got to. The integral is doable.
Use the substutution: v = tan(t/2) and it will come out.
 
are you suggesting trig substitutions?
i thought you can only do that when the integral is in the form A^2 + V^2
 
You can use trig substitutions at most anytime.

v = tan(t/2)
dv = (1/2)sec²(t/2) dt
2 dv = (1+v²) dt
dt = 2/(1+v²) dv
=============

Also,

cos t = (1- v²)/(1+v²)
=================
 

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