Double Integrals in Polar Coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating a double integral using polar coordinates. The integral is set up as \( I = \int_0^a y \int_0^{\sqrt{a^2-y^2}} dx dy \), which transforms into polar coordinates as \( I = \int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta) \int_0^a r^2 dr d\theta \). The correct evaluation leads to the result \( \frac{a^3}{3} \). Participants clarify the transformation process and confirm the setup for integration in polar coordinates.

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harpazo
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Evaluate the iterated integral by converting to polar coordinates.

Let S S = double integral symbol

S S y dx dy

The outer integral is from 0 to a.

The inner integral is from 0 to sqrt{a^2 - y^2}.

I started by letting y = r sin ϴ

S S r sinϴ dxdy.

I then let dxdy = r dr d ϴ

S S r sin ϴ rdr dϴ

S S r^2 sin ϴ dr dϴ

Is this correct so far?

If not, can someone set it up for me?

The answer is (a^3)/3.

What correct set up leads to the answer given here?
 
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What we have is:

$$I=\int_0^a y\int_0^{\sqrt{a^2-y^2}}\,dx\,dy$$

Evaluating the inner integral, we obtain:

$$I=\int_0^a y\sqrt{a^2-y^2}\,dy=-\frac{1}{2}\int_0^a \sqrt{a^2-y^2}(-2y)\,dy$$

Continue with the integration (no substitution needed) to get the result you posted. :)
 
MarkFL said:
What we have is:

$$I=\int_0^a y\int_0^{\sqrt{a^2-y^2}}\,dx\,dy$$

Evaluating the inner integral, we obtain:

$$I=\int_0^a y\sqrt{a^2-y^2}\,dy=-\frac{1}{2}\int_0^a \sqrt{a^2-y^2}(-2y)\,dy$$

Continue with the integration (no substitution needed) to get the result you posted. :)

I can integrate this double integral without using polar coordinates but how is it done using polar coordinates?
 
Harpazo said:
I can integrate this double integral without using polar coordinates but how is it done using polar coordinates?

Okay, our first step is to transform the iterated integral into a double integral:

$$I=\int_0^a y\int_0^{\sqrt{a^2-y^2}}\,dx\,dy=\iint\limits_{R}y\,dA$$

where $R$ is a sector of a circle with radius $a$. In polar coordinates, $R$ is the region between $r=0$ and $r=a$ for $$\theta\in\left[0,\frac{\pi}{2}\right]$$.

Since $y=r\sin(\theta)$, the double integral thus becomes:

$$I=\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta) \int_0^{a} r^2\,dr\,d\theta$$

Can you proceed?
 
MarkFL said:
Okay, our first step is to transform the iterated integral into a double integral:

$$I=\int_0^a y\int_0^{\sqrt{a^2-y^2}}\,dx\,dy=\iint\limits_{R}y\,dA$$

where $R$ is a sector of a circle with radius $a$. In polar coordinates, $R$ is the region between $r=0$ and $r=a$ for $$\theta\in\left[0,\frac{\pi}{2}\right]$$.

Since $y=r\sin(\theta)$, the double integral thus becomes:

$$I=\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta) \int_0^{a} r^2\,dr\,d\theta$$

Can you proceed?

Yes, I can. Thanks.
 
Notice that [math]x= \sqrt{4^2- y^2}[/math] is the right semi-circle of the circle [math]x^2+ y^2= 4[/math], the circle with center at (0, 0) and radius 2. Restricting y to lie between 0 and a means that we have the upper right quadrant of that circle. In polar coordinates, r will go from 0 to a while \theta goes from 0 to \pi/2. Since, as you say, in polar coordinates y= r sin(\theta) and dxdy= r dr d\theta, the integral becomes
[math]\int_0^a \int_0^{\pi/2} r^2 sin(\theta)d\theta dr= \left(\int_0^a r^2 dr\right)\left(\int_0^{\pi/2} sin(\theta)d\theta[/math]
 
HallsofIvy said:
Notice that [math]x= \sqrt{4^2- y^2}[/math] is the right semi-circle of the circle [math]x^2+ y^2= 4[/math], the circle with center at (0, 0) and radius 2. Restricting y to lie between 0 and a means that we have the upper right quadrant of that circle. In polar coordinates, r will go from 0 to a while \theta goes from 0 to \pi/2. Since, as you say, in polar coordinates y= r sin(\theta) and dxdy= r dr d\theta, the integral becomes
[math]\int_0^a \int_0^{\pi/2} r^2 sin(\theta)d\theta dr= \left(\int_0^a r^2 dr\right)\left(\int_0^{\pi/2} sin(\theta)d\theta[/math]

Your LaTex does not display clearly. LaTex hides behind your words.
 

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