Area of overlapping polar coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the overlapping area between the polar curves defined by the equations r=3sin(x) and r=1+sin(x). The intersection point is found at x=π/6, leading to the integration of the areas defined by these curves. The correct total overlapping area is determined to be π, contrasting with the initial calculations that yielded incorrect results. The discussion emphasizes the importance of graphing the functions to visualize the overlapping region and correctly set integration limits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their graphical representation
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, specifically in the context of area calculations
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their properties
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate mathematical expressions involving integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the area formula for polar coordinates
  • Learn how to graph polar equations using tools like Desmos or GeoGebra
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including integration by parts and substitution
  • Investigate the properties of cardioids and their applications in polar coordinate systems
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on polar coordinates, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to area calculations in polar systems.

ex81
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Homework Statement


find the over lapping area of the following equations

r=3sin(x)
r=1+sin(x)

Homework Equations



area =1/2 ∫ f(x)^2 dx

The Attempt at a Solution



first off I started by finding the intersecting angle by:
3sin(x)=1+sin(x)
2sin(x)=1
sin(x)=1/2
x=pi/6

and the peak is at pi/2

so I started with a = 2×1/2 ∫ (1+sin(x))^2 dx from pi/6 to pi/2

so (3/2)x-2cos(x) -1/4 sin(x) from pi/6 to pi/2
comes out to 2pi/4 + (7√3)/8

then I have the other segment

a= 2×1/2 ∫ (3sin(x))^2 dx from 0 to pi/6
(9/2)x-(9/2)sin(2x)

for which I get 3pi/4 - (9√3)/8

which totals up to 7pi/4 -(2√3)/8

and according to my professor's key the answer is pi

needless to say I am lost.
 
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You should always plot the graph to easily understand and deduce the limits. I have attached the graph and the overlapped area is shaded in blue.

You could use the formula for area of sector of a circle, but the problem will become longer than needed.

Calculating the half area on the right of the line ∏/2 using polar coordinates:
Half\; area\;=\int^{x=\pi /2}_{x=0} \int^{r=1+\sin x}_{r=0} rdrdx-<br /> \int^{x=\pi /6}_{x=0} \int^{r=1+\sin x}_{r=3\sin x} rdrdx<br /> Then, multiply by 2.

Now, using the method involving the formula for area of sector of a circle:

First, find the area from x = 0 to x=∏/2 inside the cardioid.
\frac{1}{2}\int^{x=\pi /2}_{x=0} (1+\sin x)^2dx
Then, you need to find the small area wedged between both graphs, in the interval x=0 and x=∏/6
\frac{1}{2}\int^{x=\pi /6}_{x=0} (1+\sin x)^2dx-\frac{1}{2}\int^{x=\pi /6}_{x=0} (3\sin x)^2dx
Finally, subtract area of wedge from cardioid, to get the half area, then multiply by 2 to get the total overlapping area.

There is still another way (a shorter version) of doing this problem using the area of sector formula:

First, find the area of sector inside cardioid from x=∏/6 to x=∏/2:
\frac{1}{2}\int^{x=\pi /2}_{x=\pi / 6} (1+\sin x)^2dx
Then, find the area inside circle from x=0 to x=∏/6:
\frac{1}{2}\int^{x=\pi /6}_{x=0} (3sin x)^2dx
Add them up and multiply by 2.
You could also write its equivalent in terms of polar coordinates. :smile:
 

Attachments

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Last edited:
Thanks but that is actually doing. I think I am messing up the integration somewhere. It is just hard to type this all out on a tablet.
 
ex81 said:
so I started with a = 2×1/2 ∫ (1+sin(x))^2 dx from pi/6 to pi/2

so (3/2)x-2cos(x) -1/4 sin(x) from pi/6 to pi/2
comes out to 2pi/4 + (7√3)/8
2\times \frac{1}{2}\int^{x=\pi /2}_{\pi /6} (1+\sin x)^2 \,.dx=\int^{x=\pi /2}_{\pi /6} (1+\sin x)^2 \,.dx=\int^{x=\pi /2}_{\pi /6} (1+2\sin x+\sin^2x) \,.dx=\frac{\pi}{2}+\frac{9\sqrt 3}{8}<br />
ex81 said:
then I have the other segment

a= 2×1/2 ∫ (3sin(x))^2 dx from 0 to pi/6
(9/2)x-(9/2)sin(2x)

for which I get 3pi/4 - (9√3)/8
\int^{x=\pi /6}_{x=0} (3\sin x)^2\,.dx=\int^{x=\pi /6}_{x=0} 9\sin^2x\,.dx=\frac{3\pi}{4}-\frac{9\sqrt 3}{8}
Adding them up, the total area is: \frac{5\pi}{4}
 
Last edited:
Thanks, so I did make at least one mistake :-D
 

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