Calculus 3 (Integral where z is in terms of two functions)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the mass and center of mass of a solid defined by a parabolic cylinder and two planes, with a constant density function. The solid is bounded by the equations z = 1 - y^2 and x + z = 1, along with the planes x = 0 and z = 0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of integration bounds and the choice of variables for integration. There is uncertainty about comparing the bounding equations for z and whether it is appropriate to use two functions of unrelated variables for bounds.
  • Some participants suggest re-evaluating the integration order and bounds based on the geometry of the solid, noting that the "roof" of the solid consists of two distinct parts.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the limits for z and seeks clarification on whether their reasoning is correct.
  • Another participant reflects on their understanding of the shape of the solid and questions their interpretation of the z limits.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's attempts to set up the problem correctly. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration order and the interpretation of the bounds, but there is no explicit consensus on the final setup yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of the solid's geometry on the integration limits, particularly concerning the relationship between the variables involved in the bounding equations. There is an acknowledgment of the need for multiple integrals to fully capture the mass and center of mass calculations.

Chantry
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Homework Statement


Find the mass and center of mass of the solid E with the given density function p.

38. E is bounded by the parabolic cylinder z = 1 - y^2 and the planes x + z = 1, x = 0, z = 0; p(x,y,z) = 4.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I've been trying to find a solution to this all morning.

I graphed it on paper in 3 dimensions and also graphed the zx, zy, and xy planes. The zx plane had equation z = 1-x, the zy had z = 1 - y^2, and the xy had two lines y = 1 and y = -1.

The bounds that I came up with were {-1 <= y <= 1, 0 <= x <= 1, 1-x<=z<=1-y^2}

This is where I had difficulty. The bounds I reasoned for z came from not being able to directly compare the equations z = 1-y^2 and x + z = 1. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to bound one of the axis in integration with two functions of unrelated variables. I guess you could argue that x and y are in both equations, except they're zero, but I have a feeling that's wrong.

Anyway, I solved the integral:
[tex] \int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\int_{1-x}^{1-y^{2}}4dzdxdy[/tex]

Which came out to 16/3. This seems reasonable, but I thought I'd see what you guys had to say about it.

I know how to find the center of mass. I just don't know if I'm setting up the integral correctly.

Any help would be greatly appreciated :).

Chantry
 
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Chantry said:

Homework Statement


Find the mass and center of mass of the solid E with the given density function p.

38. E is bounded by the parabolic cylinder z = 1 - y^2 and the planes x + z = 1, x = 0, z = 0; p(x,y,z) = 4.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I've been trying to find a solution to this all morning.

I graphed it on paper in 3 dimensions and also graphed the zx, zy, and xy planes. The zx plane had equation z = 1-x, the zy had z = 1 - y^2, and the xy had two lines y = 1 and y = -1.

The bounds that I came up with were {-1 <= y <= 1, 0 <= x <= 1, 1-x<=z<=1-y^2}

This is where I had difficulty. The bounds I reasoned for z came from not being able to directly compare the equations z = 1-y^2 and x + z = 1. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to bound one of the axis in integration with two functions of unrelated variables. I guess you could argue that x and y are in both equations, except they're zero, but I have a feeling that's wrong...

While it is true that the xy domain is a square, choosing to integrate in the z direction first is a poor choice. The reason is that the "roof" of this solid consists of two separate parts; part of the roof is on the curved parabola shape and part is on the slanted plane. So if you wish to integrate in the z direction first you have to do two separate integrals. The best thing is to set it up again integrating either dx or dy first. You will see that one triple integral will work and the outer two limits will be easy from your picture.

And of course this integral only calculates the mass and you need an additional integral to do the center of mass, but you probably knew that.
 
Thanks a lot. I really appreciate the help.

Alright, so I tried setting the bounds like this:

{-1 <= y <= 1, 1 - y^2 <= z <= 1, 0 <= x <= 1-z}

I integrated using 2 multiplied by the integral with bounds for y of 0 <= y <= 1,
and I got a result of 4/5.

I'm hoping I've finally wrapped my head around this.
Do those bounds sound right to you?
 
Chantry said:
Thanks a lot. I really appreciate the help.

Alright, so I tried setting the bounds like this:

{-1 <= y <= 1, 1 - y^2 <= z <= 1, 0 <= x <= 1-z}

I integrated using 2 multiplied by the integral with bounds for y of 0 <= y <= 1,
and I got a result of 4/5.

I'm hoping I've finally wrapped my head around this.
Do those bounds sound right to you?

I don't like your z limits. z is never larger than 1 - y2.
 
The way my drawing looks is I essentially have a -y^2 parabola starting at z = 1 on the yz plane.

So the way I thought about it was that on the z-axis it's at a maximum of 1, and then falls down on each side as y increases.

What's my error in thinking there?
 
Nevermind. I get it.

It would be 0 <= z <= 1-y^2, because it's bounded by the equations z = 0, and z = 1-y^2.

Right?
 
Chantry said:
Nevermind. I get it.

It would be 0 <= z <= 1-y^2, because it's bounded by the equations z = 0, and z = 1-y^2.

Right?

Yes.
 
Thank you! :)
 

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