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 correct limits of integration for a specific region defined by a circle, focusing on the upper half of the circle centered at (1,0). The conversation includes technical reasoning and mathematical transformations related to the integral setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the double integral setup and expresses confusion about the limits of integration.
  • Another participant describes the area of integration as the upper half of a circle and provides the polar coordinate representation, including the limits for r and θ.
  • Some participants question the origin of the point (1,0) and the equation r = 2cos(θ), seeking clarification on these transformations.
  • Several participants discuss the derivation of the circle equation from the original integral's upper limit and how it leads to the polar form.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the transformation process and expresses a desire to practice more double integrals in polar coordinates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the polar representation of the area of integration and the need for proper limits. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the transformation steps and the interpretation of the original integral's limits, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on specific mathematical transformations and assumptions about the region of integration. There are unresolved steps in the transformation process, particularly in how the original Cartesian limits relate to the polar coordinates.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in double integrals, polar coordinates, and the geometric interpretation of integrals may find this discussion beneficial.

harpazo
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Evaluate the double integral by converting to polar coordinates.

Let S S be the double integral symbol

S S xy dydx

Inner limits: 0 to sqrt{2x - x^2}

Outer limits: 0 to 2

The answer is 2/3.

I know that x = rcosϴ and y = rsinϴ.

S S rcosϴ*rsinϴ r drdϴ.

S S (r^3)cosϴ*sinϴ drdϴ.

I am stuck here.

I also need the correct limits of integration for this circle.

I just want the set up and explanation how to find the limits.

What must be done with the upper limit of integration for the inner integral?
 
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The area over which we are integrating is the upper half of the circle centered at $(1,0)$, which is described in polar coordinates by:

$$r=2\cos(\theta)$$ where $$0\le\theta\le\frac{\pi}{2}$$ and $$0\le r\le2\cos(\theta)$$. And so the integral becomes:

$$I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\int_0^{2\cos(\theta)} r^3\,dr\,d\theta$$

Iterating the above integral will give the desired result. :D
 
MarkFL said:
The area over which we are integrating is the upper half of the circle centered at $(1,0)$, which is described in polar coordinates by:

$$r=2\cos(\theta)$$ where $$0\le\theta\le\frac{\pi}{2}$$ and $$0\le r\le2\cos(\theta)$$. And so the integral becomes:

$$I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\int_0^{2\cos(\theta)} r^3\,dr\,d\theta$$

Iterating the above integral will give the desired result. :D

Where did the point (1,0) come from?

Where did r = 2cos(theta) come from?
 
Harpazo said:
Where did the point (1,0) come from?

Where did r = 2cos(theta) come from?

In the original integral, we have the inner upper limit of:

$$y=\sqrt{2x-x^2}$$

Squaring, we get:

$$y^2=2x-x^2$$

$$x^2-2x+y^2=0$$

$$x^2-2x+1+y^2=1$$

$$(x-1)^2+y^2=1^2$$

This is a circle centered at $(1,0)$, but we only want the upper half since in the original relation, $y$ is non-negative. To convert this to polar coordinates, let's return to:

$$y^2=2x-x^2$$

$$x^2+y^2=2x$$

$$r^2=2r\cos(\theta)$$

Divide through by $r$:

$$r=2\cos(\theta)$$

Notice that for $$\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}$$, we retain the solution $r=0$ that we lost when dividing by $r$. We also observe that for $$0\le\theta\le\frac{\pi}{2}$$, the upper half of the circle is traced out.
 
MarkFL said:
In the original integral, we have the inner upper limit of:

$$y=\sqrt{2x-x^2}$$

Squaring, we get:

$$y^2=2x-x^2$$

$$x^2-2x+y^2=0$$

$$x^2-2x+1+y^2=1$$

$$(x-1)^2+y^2=1^2$$

This is a circle centered at $(1,0)$, but we only want the upper half since in the original relation, $y$ is non-negative. To convert this to polar coordinates, let's return to:

$$y^2=2x-x^2$$

$$x^2+y^2=2x$$

$$r^2=2r\cos(\theta)$$

Divide through by $r$:

$$r=2\cos(\theta)$$

Notice that for $$\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}$$, we retain the solution $r=0$ that we lost when dividing by $r$. We also observe that for $$0\le\theta\le\frac{\pi}{2}$$, the upper half of the circle is traced out.

I now understand what I did wrong. I noticed that you completed the square after squaring the upper limit.
I kept getting r^2 = 2x but it didn't dawn on me to replace x with rcos(theta). It makes sense to work out several more double integrals in polar coordinates before moving on to the next section dealing with center of mass and inertia.
 

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