Double Integral Confusion: How Do I Handle Boundaries with U-Substitution?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of a double integral, specifically ʃʃ cos(x+2y)dA over the region R = [0,pi]x[0,pi/2]. Participants express confusion regarding the necessity of changing boundary conditions when applying u-substitution, similar to single integrals. There is also mention of another double integral involving (xe^x)/y, raising similar questions about boundary conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Assumption checking, Problem interpretation, Exploratory

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of u-substitution and whether boundary conditions need to be adjusted. Some suggest using trigonometric identities or the sum formula for cosine as alternative approaches. Others express uncertainty about the correctness of their results and seek verification.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the validity of their methods. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to change limits based on variable substitution, but there is no explicit consensus on the specific approaches to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding when to change limits in the context of u-substitution and the implications of variable changes on boundary conditions. There are references to different methods of integration and their respective outcomes, highlighting the complexity of the topic.

magnifik
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i am confused about the double integral ʃʃ cos(x+2y)dA, where R = [0,pi]x[0,pi/2]
i realize for the integral that i must do u-substitution. when i do this, however, do i also have to change the boundary conditions as in a single integral?

i got -8 without changing the boundary conditions, but I'm not sure if that's right.
i will show my work if anyone wants to check how i got there
 
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The u-substitutions you have to do are pretty easy. But I don't get -8. Maybe you'd better show how you did it.
 
magnifik said:
i am confused about the double integral ʃʃ cos(x+2y)dA, where R = [0,pi]x[0,pi/2]
i realize for the integral that i must do u-substitution. when i do this, however, do i also have to change the boundary conditions as in a single integral?

i got -8 without changing the boundary conditions, but I'm not sure if that's right.
i will show my work if anyone wants to check how i got there

I did this out quickly using \cos u ={{{\rm e}^{{\rm j} u} + {\rm e}^{-{\rm j} u}}\over{2}}, and didn't get -8 either. It's probably just a simple error in the substitution process.
 
stevenb said:
I did this out quickly using \cos u ={{{\rm e}^{{\rm j} u} + {\rm e}^{-{\rm j} u}}\over{2}}, and didn't get -8 either. It's probably just a simple error in the substitution process.

Why not just use the sum formula for cosine?

cos(A + B) = cosAcosB - sinAsinB.
 
Raskolnikov said:
Why not just use the sum formula for cosine?

cos(A + B) = cosAcosB - sinAsinB.

Just used the first thought that came to my mind. It is so simple by either method, and I didn't bother to consider all methods to find the best. I just wanted to get a number to help the OP know if he was right or wrong. Actually, Dick beat me too it, so I just provided a second verification.
 
hm, it seems no one answered my question: do i have to change the boundary conditions when doing the u-substitution?
 
yes, you do. out of curiosity, which u substitution did you use?
 
magnifik said:
hm, it seems no one answered my question: do i have to change the boundary conditions when doing the u-substitution?

Integrate dx first and dy second, if that's your choice of order. You'll need a u-substitution for each, and yes, you may need a change of limits. Depending on how you do it. It's kind of useless to debate this until you show how you arrived at the wrong answer.
 
using the sum formula for cosine i got -2?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
magnifik said:
using the sum formula for cosine i got -2?

That looks correct
 
  • #11
on a somewhat unrelated note, is ln2 the correct answer for ʃʃ (xe^x)/y dydx for R = [0,1]X[1,2]? i did integration by parts for the xe^x part but had the same issue of whether or not to change the start/end point.
 
  • #12
magnifik said:
on a somewhat unrelated note, is ln2 the correct answer for ʃʃ (xe^x)/y dydx for R = [0,1]X[1,2]? i did integration by parts for the xe^x part but had the same issue of whether or not to change the start/end point.

Looks correct to me.
 
  • #13
magnifik said:
... but had the same issue of whether or not to change the start/end point.

Yes, this seems to be a question in your mind. The simple rule is that you only need to change limits if you have a substitution that results in a change of variables. If your functions are still using x and y, and your integration is still over dx and dy, then there is no need to think about changing limits. However, if you change variables, such as u=2x, and/or w=sin(y), then you will generally need to change the limits.
 
  • #14
stevenb said:
Yes, this seems to be a question in your mind. The simple rule is that you only need to change limits if you have a substitution that results in a change of variables. If your functions are still using x and y, and your integration is still over dx and dy, then there is no need to think about changing limits. However, if you change variables, such as u=2x, and/or w=sin(y), then you will generally need to change the limits.

thank you
 

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