Change to polar coordinates integration Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves integrating the function y/(x^2+y^2) over a specified region defined by the inequalities x^2+y^2<1 and y>1/2, utilizing a change of variables to polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to transform the variables into polar coordinates and expresses the integral accordingly. Some participants question the choice of expressing the limits in terms of cos(z) instead of sin(z), suggesting a potential simplification. Others discuss the implications of the inequality y > 1/2 in the context of the polar transformation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing feedback and suggestions for refinement. There is acknowledgment of progress made by the original poster, indicating that some guidance has been helpful, though no consensus on the solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of integrating in polar coordinates and the need to carefully consider the limits of integration based on the given inequalities. There is an emphasis on the relationship between the variables and the geometric interpretation of the region of integration.

Delphi27
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Homework Statement



Integrate y/(x^2+y^2) for x^2+y^2<1 and y> 1/2 ; use change of variables to polar coordinates

Homework Equations



THe above



The Attempt at a Solution



the variables transform as

y=rsinz
x=rcosz, where z is an angle between pi/6 and 5*pi/6 = which is the ArcSin of 1/2

That is sinz > 1/2 means pi/6 < z < 5*pi/6,

The Integral in polar coordinates becomes

Integral of [ r*sinz / { (r*sinz)^2 + (r*cosz)^2 } ] * r drdz

This simplifies to

Integral of [r*sinz / { r^2 * 1 } ]*r drdz, or

=Integral [ sinz drdz ]

Now y > 1/2 means that r must be between [ (1/2)^ + (cosz)^2 ] ^ (1/2) and 1

by the Pythagorean Theorum.

So i end up with the double integral

Integral rsinz dz evaluated at r = 1, minus same evaluated at
r = [ (1/2)^ + (cosz)^2 ] ^ (1/2)

So I then get Integral [ 1 - [ (1/2)^ + (cosz)^2 ] ^ (1/2) ] * sinz dz.

The book gives the answer (sqrt 3 ) - pi/3, that is after evaluating what I would think would be the above from z = pi/6 to 5*pi/6.

The integral I came up with after substituting the range of r stated as functions of z, does not seem to integrate and must be wrong -

Can anyone tell me where I went off track ?

Would be much appreciated - hours on this, and cannot get it.
 
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Hello Delphi27. Welcome to PF !

Delphi27 said:

Homework Statement



Integrate y/(x^2+y^2) for x^2+y^2<1 and y> 1/2 ; use change of variables to polar coordinates

Homework Equations



THe above

The Attempt at a Solution



the variables transform as

y=rsinz
x=rcosz, where z is an angle between pi/6 and 5*pi/6 = which is the ArcSin of 1/2

That is sinz > 1/2 means pi/6 < z < 5*pi/6,

The Integral in polar coordinates becomes

Integral of [ r*sinz / { (r*sinz)^2 + (r*cosz)^2 } ] * r drdz

This simplifies to

Integral of [r*sinz / { r^2 * 1 } ]*r drdz, or

=Integral [ sinz drdz ]

Now y > 1/2 means that r must be between [ (1/2)^ + (cosz)^2 ] ^ (1/2) and 1
Why not express this in terms of sin(z), rather than cos(z) ?

You know that y = r sin(z), right?

So y = 1/2 becomes r sin(z) = 1/2.

by the Pythagorean Theorum.

So i end up with the double integral

Integral rsinz dz evaluated at r = 1, minus same evaluated at
r = [ (1/2)^ + (cosz)^2 ] ^ (1/2)

So I then get Integral [ 1 - [ (1/2)^ + (cosz)^2 ] ^ (1/2) ] * sinz dz.

The book gives the answer (sqrt 3 ) - pi/3, that is after evaluating what I would think would be the above from z = pi/6 to 5*pi/6.

The integral I came up with after substituting the range of r stated as functions of z, does not seem to integrate and must be wrong -

Can anyone tell me where I went off track ?

Would be much appreciated - hours on this, and cannot get it.
 
[itex]y > \frac {1} {2}[/itex] means [itex]r sin z > \frac {1} {2}[/itex]
 
Volko and SammyS --- thanks so much - you guys got me on the right track !
 
Delphi27 said:
Volko and SammyS --- thanks so much - you guys got me on the right track !
You're very welcome !
 

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