Double integral problem, conceptual help.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the volume of a prism defined by the planes x + z = 1, x - z = 1, y = 2, y = -2, and the yz-plane. The user correctly identifies the triangular region in the xy-plane and establishes integration bounds from 0 to 1 for x and from 0 to z = 1 - x for z. By integrating and applying symmetry, the user concludes that the total volume is 4, confirming the accuracy of their approach and calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double integrals in calculus
  • Familiarity with geometric interpretations of volume
  • Knowledge of symmetry in three-dimensional shapes
  • Ability to sketch and analyze regions in the xy-plane
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of double integrals in calculating volumes of various solids
  • Explore the concept of symmetry in multi-dimensional calculus
  • Learn about different methods of setting up integration bounds for complex shapes
  • Investigate the use of triple integrals for volumes in three-dimensional space
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, particularly those studying multivariable calculus, educators teaching volume calculations, and anyone interested in geometric applications of double integrals.

RJLiberator
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Homework Statement


Find the volume: Prism formed by x+z=1, x-z=1, y=2, y=-2, and the yz-plane.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, so I sketched the drawing and I found that I could take the upper region of the xy-plane with respects to x and z and a triangle was formed.
The bounds were from 0 to 1 with respects to x and from 0 to z=1-x with respects to z.
So i integrated dzdx and got the answer of 1/2 for the triangle.

I then multiplied the triangle area by 2, since we have to take the volume of above the xy-plane and below the xy-plane which due to symmetry, I assume this works.

I then multiplied by 4 as y=-2 and y=2 distance results in 4 units.

So my answer came to be "4".

This seems a bit too...easy, however, I can't find anything conceptually wrong with my procedure.

Did I perform this operation correct?
 
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If y = f(x, z) ≡ 2 & by only calculating the part of the prism in one octant then multiplying by 4 (symmetry) I got ##4\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1-x} f(x, z) dz\,dx = 4\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1-x} 2\,dz\,dx = 4##. That's the same as I got by just doing (length)x(width)x(height)/2 so it seems right...
 
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Oh wow, that is awesome. It made sense to me in my head, but it seemed like I was missing something. I'm glad we got the same answer. Thank you for checking.
 

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