Area inside r = 2 cos(θ) but outside r = 1

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the area between the polar curves defined by r = 2 cos(θ) and r = 1 using double integrals. The correct approach involves determining the intersection points of the curves to establish appropriate limits for integration. The integral setup should be A = ∫(θ1 to θ2) ∫(r_inner to r_outer) 1 r dr dθ, where the limits of integration are derived from the intersection points of the two curves. The final area is confirmed to be π/3 + √3/2.

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  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their graphical representation
  • Familiarity with double integrals in calculus
  • Knowledge of finding intersection points of polar curves
  • Ability to convert polar equations to Cartesian form
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Homework Statement


Use double integrals to find the area inside the circle r = 2 cos(θ) and outside the circle r = 1.

Homework Equations


I figured this was too easy to require an graphic. If you can't picture the circles, imagine them in rectangular from:
r = 2 cos(θ) ==> y2+(x-2)2=1
r = 1 ==> y2+x2=1


The Attempt at a Solution


Both circles have a radius of 1 and you need to look at all 2\pi of the objects to see the full area of overlap. So this is what I tried:

\int\stackrel{2\pi}{0}\int\stackrel{0}{1} (2cos(θ)-r) drdθ

The book says the answer is but I can't get it:

\frac{\pi}{3}+\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}
 
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The integral to find area in polar coordinates is:
\iint_A r \, dr \, d\theta

Adjust the limits of integration to match the equations given. The actual contents of the integral (r \, dr \, d\theta) will remain the same.
 
You need to find the polar coordinates of the two curves intersections and use appropriate limits. Not everything goes from 0 to 2\pi or 0 to 1.

Generally to find an area using polar coordinate double integrals you need something like this:

A = \int_{\theta_1}^{\theta_2} \int_{r_{inner}}^{r_{outer}}1\ rdrd\theta

and you need to determine the correct limits from your formulas and picture.
 
Thanks, but that doesn't really get me any closer to an answer. Is the function I'm integrating correct? What are the ranges?
 
filter54321 said:
Thanks, but that doesn't really get me any closer to an answer. Is the function I'm integrating correct? What are the ranges?

I can't make much sense out of your integrals. To get area with a double integral, you integrate the function 1. You need to look at the graphs. Find the \theta's where they intersect by setting the r values equal.
 

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