Area Inside Lemniscate Vector Calculus

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area inside a lemniscate defined by the equation (x^2 + y^2) = 2a^2 (x^2 - y^2). Participants explore various approaches to convert the equation into a more manageable form, particularly using polar coordinates, and express confusion regarding the variable 'a' and the limits of integration necessary for calculating the area.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to start the problem and attempts to isolate 'a' from the original equation.
  • Another participant corrects the equation to (x^2 + y^2)^2 = 2a^2 (x^2 - y^2).
  • A suggestion is made to convert the equation into polar form to facilitate area calculation.
  • Participants discuss the meaning of the constant 'a' and its role in the equation, with some expressing confusion about its significance.
  • There is a proposal to sketch the lemniscate to determine the limits of integration, with one participant suggesting limits from -π/4 to π/4 for the right loop.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the integral should be computed with respect to θ, not 'a', and discusses the relationship between the integral and the area.
  • Some participants mention previous examples from class that involve double integrals, leading to questions about how to adapt the current problem to a double integral format.
  • Links to external resources are shared for further reference on lemniscates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the integration process and the role of 'a'. There is no consensus on how to proceed with the integration or the limits, indicating that multiple competing views remain on these aspects.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of information provided by their instructor about lemniscates, which contributes to their confusion. There are also unresolved questions about the correct limits of integration and how to transition from a single integral to a double integral.

braindead101
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Find the area inside the lemniscate ,which is described by the equation (x^2 + y^2) = 2a^2 (x^2 - y^2)

I have no idea where to start so I found out what a lemniscate is.. but this didn't help me much. I have rearranged the equation for a:

a = sqrt ( (x^2 + y^2)^2 / 2(x^2 - y^2) )
a = x^2 + y^2 / sqrt (2(x^2 - y^2))

How do I proceed from here?
 
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First, the equation should have been (x^2 + y^2)^2 = 2a^2 (x^2 - y^2).
 
oh yes, when i isolated for a i did remember the ^2
but i have no idea how to proceed from there
 
Hint: convert to Lemniscate equation into polar form and calculate area from there
 
what does the a even mean..
my prof did not say anything about a lemniscate, I am confused out of my mind
 
okay so i can only put it in polar coordinates, but where are the limits of integration in which i am suppose to integrate??

(r^2)^2 = 2a^2 (rcos^2theta - rsin^2theta) r
r^4 = 2a^2 (rcos^2theta - rsin^2theta) r
r^3 = 2a^2 (r^2cos^2theta - r^2sin^2theta)
r = 2a^2 (cos^2theta - sin^2theta)
r = 2a^2 (1-sin^2theta - sin^2theta)
r = 2a^2 (1-2sin^2theta)
Using half angle rule:
r = 2a^2 (1-2(1-cos^2theta / 2))
r = 2a^2 (1-(1-cos^2theta))
r = 2a^2 (cos^2theta)

i still do not know the meaning of a.. and the boundaries
 
should be r^2 = 2a^2 (cos^2theta);

sketch the curve to find the limits of intergration, I'd say for the right loop you integrate
from -pi/4 to pi/4.
Constant a controls the form of the curve.

Try sketching it here http://graph.seriesmathstudy.com/
 
so how do i get rid of the constant?
 
Well, you don't.
What is the integral of y = ax ? ax^2 / 2, right? Can you integrate r^2 = 2a^2 (cos^2theta) then, integrate wrt to theta not a?
 
  • #10
i was doing the same problem and i got 2a^2 as my answer


r^2 = 2a^2cos(2theta)

the integral of r^2 should be the area hence integrating the right side gives u an asnwer wrt a
 
  • #11
anyone know how to compute Integral 0 to 1 ; integral y to 1 (1+x^2)^(1/2) dxdy

its a double integral problem, I am stuck...
 
  • #12
wait its a^2 not 2a^2
 
  • #13
i found examples in class where it is integrating the double integral w.r.t dr dtheta
so do i rearrange for a to get rid of a... or do as u say and integrate w.r.t dtheta
i still have not found the limits of integration yet, i don't see how i am suppose to figure all this stuff out with no information and no knowledge of a lemniscate
 
  • #14
yeh hahaha ethans class
 
  • #15
i still need help on this,
anyone have any ideas?
is hanhan correct that r^2 is the area so u can integrate ??
 
  • #17
but i am learning about double integrals and it is only a single integration on the website link
 
  • #18
anyone know how i can change it into a double integral to solve for the area inside the lemniscate?
 

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