Integrating with Double Limits: X or Y? Calculating the Correct Integral

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The discussion revolves around the confusion of selecting the correct limits for integration when calculating the area between the functions x = y² - 4, y = 0, and x = 5. Participants clarify that the choice of integrating first over x or y affects the limits and the resulting integral. The correct limits for y are from 0 to √(4 + x), while for x, they range from -4 to 5. Discrepancies in results, such as obtaining 65.7 versus 383.4, highlight the importance of proper limit selection and integration order. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the integration process and the defined area.
MisterP
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Homework Statement
Hello. I have this double integral I have to calculate.
Relevant Equations
Shown below
242015

So i drew sketch.

242016


And I do not understand, how to write integral for calculation, which I should use, X or Y on limit?
242017

Is one of them right?
First answer gives me 65,7
Second 383,4
 
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Hi P,

For which variable are the limits you write ?
What is the first variable you integrate over ?

As long as interchanging integration variables does not give you the same result, please post a bit more of your work...:rolleyes:
 
I wrote that integral for area I need to calculate.. the are between functions x=y^2-4; y = 0 and x=5

First, I integrate (x+2y)
 
How ?
BvU said:
As long as interchanging integration variables does not give you the same result, please post a bit more of your work...:rolleyes:
 
X as constant
 
BvU said:
What is the first variable you integrate over ?
MisterP said:
First, I integrate (x+2y)
x+2y is the integrand (the function to integrate)

You have to integate over an area. The shaded area in your picture
You can choose to integrate first over x and then over y, or vice versa.
 
MisterP said:
X as constant
Ok, so you first integrate over y. What are the bounds ?
 
Bounds are limits? English is not my native..
 
I know how to integrate, I just got confused on which should be as a limit, x = or y = . I have test closing in 15min
 
  • #10
Yes limits
 
  • #11
X limits are from -4 to 5 and Y limits are from 0 to sqrt(4+x)?
 
  • #12
Yes. To answer your original question: the second is correct. For an integration over y you need a limit that is a function of x
 
  • #13
and 65,7 is not the right answer :D
 
  • #14
The result of integrating over y is a function of x only. Then you integrate that over x
 
  • #15
I do not get it, why is 65,7 wrong?
I got the same result as calculator and it says it is wrong (online test)
 
  • #16
Beats me. I find ##\ (xy+y^2) \Big |_0^\sqrt{x+4} = x\sqrt{x+4}+x+4 \ ## Integrate that from -4 to 5 (I use a calculator too) gets same answer as you.

Now the hammer: If we do the integration over x first, the limits are ##y^2-4## and 5

I find ##\ ({1\over 2}x^2+2xy) \Big |_{y^2-4}^5 = 12.5 + 10 y - {1\over 2} (y^2-4)^2 - 2y (y^2-4) \ ##
Integrate that from 0 to 3 using the tool again gets me the same answer again.

(after I found and fixed my own mistake o:) ) :smile:

All I can conclude is: there is something wrong with the test answer
 
  • #17
By the way: #16 is an example of what I mean when I ask
BvU said:
please post a bit more of your work...:rolleyes:
 
  • #18
MisterP said:
X limits are from -4 to 5 and Y limits are from 0 to sqrt(4+x)?
There is no indication in post #1 that ##y \ge 0##. Based on that post, the region you are integrating over should extend down below the x-axis.
 
  • Like
Likes BvU
  • #19
o:)o:)o:)
 
  • #20
Mark44 said:
There is no indication in post #1 that ##y \ge 0##. Based on that post, the region you are integrating over should extend down below the x-axis.
Like this.
242024


242025
 
  • #21
Yes, so it looks like it was just all times 2 :)
 
  • #22
MisterP said:
Yes, so it looks like it was just all times 2 :)
Be Careful about such a leap.

Added in Edit:
I should have said:
No. It's definitely not as simple as multiplying by 2.
 
Last edited:

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