Double Integral: Finding Area of Paraboloid Beneath z=2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area of a paraboloid defined by the equation z=x²+y² beneath the plane z=2. Participants are examining the setup of a double integral to compute this area.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up a double integral using polar coordinates, while others reference a different approach involving a single integral. There is questioning of the correctness of the transformations and the factors involved in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in verifying calculations and addressing discrepancies in the results. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correctness of the integrals, but there is no explicit consensus on the methods used or the final outcomes.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the transformations and factors in the integrals, as well as references to teaching assistant methods that may differ from the original poster's approach. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and attempts to clarify the setup of the problem.

quasar987
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It's about finding the area of the paraboloid z=x²+y² beneath z=2. The area integral is

[tex]\int\int_{\{(u,v): u^2+v^2<2\}}\sqrt{1+4(u^2+v^2)}dudv[/tex]

A polar change of variable seems to fits nicely:

[tex]=\int_0^{\sqrt{2}}\int_0^{2\pi}\sqrt{1+4r^2}rd\theta dr[/tex]

Then the change of variable [itex]\xi=1+4r^2[/itex] brings the area to

[tex]2\pi\int_1^9\sqrt{\xi}\frac{d\xi}{8}=\frac{2\cdot 2 \pi}{3 \cdot 8}[\xi^{3/2}]_1^9=\frac{13\pi}{3}[/tex]

Looks good?
 
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You got the right answer. However, you lost a factor of two on the last line of math and somehow gained that factor of two back again to get the correct answer. Those equalities are not equalities as written.
 
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My friends found the area by "setting" z=u²+v² and just evaluating

[tex]=\int_0^{2}\sqrt{1+4z}dz[/tex]

They found 13/3 (with no pi). I really can'T find any kind of justification for this integral but they say this is how the teaching assistant did a similar problem.

Any ways, thanks for confirming D H.

Btw - I think I just spotted a mistake in my OP. Instead of

[tex]2\pi\int_1^9\sqrt{\xi}\frac{d\xi}{8}=\frac{2\pi}{3 \cdot 8}[\xi^{3/2}]_1^9=\frac{13\pi}{3}[/tex]

it should be

[tex]2\pi\int_1^9\sqrt{\xi}\frac{d\xi}{8}=\frac{2\cdot 2 \pi}{3 \cdot 8}[\xi^{3/2}]_1^9=\frac{26\pi}{3}[/tex]

(I edited the OP)
 
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D H said:
You got the right answer. However, you lost a factor of two on the last line of math and somehow gained that factor of two back again to get the correct answer. Those equalities are not equalities as written.

Oh I see. Ok, we're back as 13/3, but with the right amount of two's in the last line.
 

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