Double Integral in Polar Coordinates problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a double integral of the function sin(x^2 + y^2) over a specified region in polar coordinates. The region is defined by the inequalities 16 ≤ x^2 + y^2 ≤ 81, which translates to 4 ≤ r ≤ 9 and 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π in polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to convert the integral into polar coordinates and evaluates it, but questions the correctness of their approach after obtaining an unexpected result. Other participants provide insights into the correct form of the integral, suggesting that the argument of the sine function should be r^2 instead of r.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing clarifications on the integration process and the necessity of including the additional r factor in polar coordinates. There is a recognition of the need to adjust the integral based on the correct argument for the sine function.

Contextual Notes

Participants express curiosity about the reasoning behind the inclusion of the r factor in the polar coordinate transformation, indicating a desire for deeper understanding of the geometric and algebraic implications.

DieCommie
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I am having trouble with this seemingly easy problem.

Evaluate the double integral (sin(x^2+y^2)) , where the region is 16=<x^2+y^2=<81.

I find the region in polar coordinates to be 4=<r=<9 0=<theta=<2pi
I find the expression to be sin(rcos^2theta+rsin^2theta) r dr dtheta , which is equal to sin(r) r dr dtheta

Is what I have done right? I evaluate the integral, first with respect to r over using 4 and 9, then with respect to theta using 0 and 2pi. The answer I get is ~42.43989 but that is wrong :cry:

any ideas, hints would be greatly appreciated thanks :-p
 
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Ill try using this "tex" to make it more understandable

[tex]\int \int _R sin(x^2+y^2) dA[/tex] where R is the region [tex]16 \leq x^2 + y^2 \leq 81[/tex]

I transfer to polar coord. and get the region [tex]4 \leq r \leq 9[/tex] and [tex]0 \leq \theta \leq 2pi[/tex] and the integral [tex]\int^{2pi} _0 \int^9 _4 sin(r) r dr d\theta[/tex]

I solve the inner integral using the parts method and get [tex][-9cos(9)+sin(9)]-[-4cos(4)+sin(4)][/tex] then i solve the outer integral and get [tex]2\pi [[-9cos(9)+sin(9)]-[-4cos(4)+sin(4)]]\approx 42.44[/tex]
 
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DieCommie said:
Ill try using this "tex" to make it more understandable

[tex]\int \int _R sin(x^2+y^2) dA[/tex] where R is the region [tex]16 \leq x^2 + y^2 \leq 81[/tex]

I transfer to polar coord. and get the region [tex]4 \leq r \leq 9[/tex] and [tex]0 \leq \theta \leq 2pi[/tex] and the integral [tex]\int^{2pi} _0 \int^9 _4 sin(r) r dr d\theta[/tex]

I solve the inner integral using the parts method and get [tex][-9cos(9)+sin(9)]-[-4cos(4)+sin(4)][/tex] then i solve the outer integral and get [tex]2\pi [[-9cos(9)+sin(9)]-[-4cos(4)+sin(4)]]\approx 42.44[/tex]

The argument of your sin function is r^2, not r.

So you will need to integrate sin(r^2) r dr. Just define a new variable, say, t=r^2. Then r dr = dt/2 so you will integrate [itex]\int r dr sin(r^2) = {1 \over 2} \int sin(t) dt[/itex]...Simple, isn't?

Patrick
 
yes, very simple thank you.

Something I have been wondering about, that my teacher didnt go into much, is why do we add the extra [tex]r[/tex] in the integral after converting to polar coord.?
 
There are several ways of looking at it.

The geometric idea is that you're doing an area integral... so what is the area of the small region bounded by [itex]r \in [r_0, r_0 + \Delta r_0][/itex] and [itex]\theta \in [\theta_0, \theta_0 + \Delta \theta_0][/itex]?

Algebraically, it's just the chain rule, either via the Jacobian, or via arithmetic with differential forms.
 
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