Double Integrals in Polar Coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a double integral by converting it to polar coordinates. Participants explore the setup and evaluation of the integral, considering both polar and Cartesian coordinate systems. The focus includes mathematical reasoning and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an iterated integral and attempts to convert it to polar coordinates, expressing uncertainty about the correctness of their setup.
  • Another participant provides a method for evaluating the inner integral in Cartesian coordinates and suggests continuing the integration without substitutions.
  • Several participants discuss transforming the iterated integral into a double integral over a circular region, specifying the limits for polar coordinates.
  • There is a mention of the geometric interpretation of the region of integration, describing it as a sector of a circle.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding LaTeX formatting and clarity in the presentation of mathematical expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches to the problem, with some preferring polar coordinates and others sticking to Cartesian coordinates. There is no consensus on the best method or the correctness of the initial setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the dependence on the geometric interpretation of the region of integration and the specific limits used in polar coordinates. There are unresolved issues regarding the clarity of mathematical expressions presented in LaTeX.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in double integrals, polar coordinates, and integration techniques in calculus may find this discussion beneficial.

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?
 
Last edited:
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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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