Double Integral Evaluation Using Polar Coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a double integral over the x,y plane, specifically the integral of the function e^{-\sqrt{x^{2}+4y^{2}}}. Participants are exploring the use of polar coordinates to simplify the evaluation process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to convert the integral into polar coordinates but express difficulty in simplifying the exponent. There are questions regarding the interpretation of the variable "r" and its relation to the original coordinates. Some participants suggest alternative approaches to handle the integral, including using specific substitutions and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on manipulating the integral and suggested ways to handle the complexity of the exponent. There is no explicit consensus yet, as different interpretations and methods are still being considered.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the use of polar coordinates and the definition of "r" in the context of the original integral. Participants are also navigating the challenge of simplifying the integral without clear identities to assist.

Chiborino
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Homework Statement


Evaluate over the x,y plane:
∫∫e^{-\sqrt{x^{2}+4y^{2}}}dxdy
And I know the answer SHOULD be \pi

Homework Equations


Polar-->rectangular identities maybe?
x--> rcos, y--> rsinθ, dxdy--> rdrdθ



The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using polar coordinates, but it doesn't simplify to something nice. When I did I got:
∫∫r*e^{-r*\sqrt{cosθ^{2}+4sinθ^{2}}}drdθ
But there isn't an identity that simplifies the exponent into something easier to handle
 
Last edited:
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Chiborino said:

Homework Statement


Evaluate over the x,y plane:
∫∫e^{-r*\sqrt{x^{2}+4y^{2}}}dxdy
And I know the answer SHOULD be \pi

Homework Equations


Polar-->rectangular identities maybe?
x--> rcos, y--> rsinθ, dxdy--> rdrdθ



The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using polar coordinates, but it doesn't simplify to something nice. When I did I got:
∫∫r*e^{-r*\sqrt{cosθ^{2}+4sinθ^{2}}}drdθ
But there isn't an that simplifies the exponent into something easier to handle

\displaystyle\sqrt{x^{2}+4y^{2}}=r\sqrt{\cos^{2}( \theta)+4sin^{2}(\theta)}

So that last integral should be \displaystyle\int\int r\, e^{r^2\sqrt{\cos^{2}( \theta)+4sin^{2}(\theta)}}dr\,d\theta
.
 
Since the original integral is in xy coordinates, is that "r" a variable or a constant? Is r just short for \sqrt{x^2+ y^2}?
 
HallsofIvy said:
Since the original integral is in xy coordinates, is that "r" a variable or a constant? Is r just short for \sqrt{x^2+ y^2}?

The r I put inthe original shouldn't be there, my apologies.
 
Chiborino;3602540I tried using polar coordinates said:
r*e^{-r*\sqrt{cosθ^{2}+4sinθ^{2}}}[/itex]drdθ
But there isn't an identity that simplifies the exponent into something easier to handle

What's with this something nice and easy to handle thing? That don't happen in the real world. Try and learn to muscle through things. Suppose I just write it as:

\int_0^{2\pi}\left(\int_0^{\infty}re^{-ar}dr\right)d\theta,\quad a>0

Can you do that part in parenthesis? Alright, then switch to:

a=\sqrt{\cos^2(t)+4\sin^2(t)}

and muscle through that one. We can get rid of one of them right?

\cos^2(t)+4\sin^2(t)=1+3\sin^2(t)

Then what about reducing it further with other trig identities?
 
Last edited:
jackmell said:
What's with this something nice and easy to handle thing? That don't happen in the real world. Try and learn to muscle through things. Suppose I just write it as:

\int_0^{2\pi}\left(\int_0^{\infty}re^{-ar}dr\right)d\theta,\quad a>0

Can you do that part in parenthesis? Alright, then switch to:

a=\sqrt{\cos^2(t)+4\sin^2(t)}

and muscle through that one. We can get rid of one of them right?

\cos^2(t)+4\sin^2(t)=1+3\sin^2(t)

Then what about reducing it further with other trig identities?

I ultimately wound up getting \int_0^{2\pi}\frac{1}{5-3cos(2\theta}d\theta

Upon evaluating the integral I got \frac{1}{2}arctan(2tan(\theta)), evaluated between 0 and 2\pi, which is 0. But after splitting the boundaries at \frac{\pi}{2} and \frac{3\pi}{2}, I got simply \pi for an answer.

Thank you for the help.
 

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