Double integrals using polar coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating a double integral using polar coordinates to find the area in the first quadrant between two circles defined by the equations x² + y² = 4 and x² - 2x + y² = 0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up the integral with bounds for theta and r based on the given equations, questioning the correctness of their setup and calculations.
  • Some participants clarify the concept of integrating 1 dA to find area and discuss the implications of using polar coordinates.
  • Questions arise regarding the reasoning behind integrating 1 dA and the relationship between the integral setup and the area calculation.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the transition from rectangular to polar coordinates and discussing the implications of the equations defining the area of interest. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the setup and interpretation of the integral.

popo902
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Homework Statement



Using polar coordinates, evaluate the integral which gives the area which lies in the first quadrant between the circles
x^2 + y^2 = 4
and
x^2 - 2x + y^2 = 0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



for my integral i got
0<= theta <=pi/2 for the theta bounds since it lies in the 1st quad
and i got
2costheta<= r <= 2 for the bounds of r because 2costheta is the polar version of
x^2 - 2x + y^2 = 0 and 2 is 'r' in the equation x^2 + y^2 = 4

and the equation that i integrated is (2- 2costheta)r
you add the extra r when turning the equation polar and the equation r=2 is over
r = costheta when i graphed it
and welll...
i got pi - 3 but it's wrong...

am i even setting up the equation right or am i just having problems with the math?
 
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This is a double integral, so what you want is this:
[tex]\int_{\theta = 0}^{\pi/2}~\int_{r = ?}^{?} r~dr~d\theta[/tex]

IOW, the limits of integration describe the region, and all you need for the integrand is 1dA. You seem to have a handle on how to describe the region, so use what you have found for the limits for r.

I get [itex]\pi/2 - 1/2[/itex] for the area.
 
r u serious??
why is it do i integrate 1dA?
i saw that in the book for finding the area of one of the clovers of a cosine function
but it didn't explain why i just integrate 1dA
 
Yes, I'm serious. For a region R, this double integral gives the area:
[tex]\int \int_R 1 dA[/tex]

In rectangular coordinates, the iterated integral will look something like this:
[tex]\int_{y = a}^b \int_{x = f(y)}^{g(y)} 1 dx~ dy[/tex]

and dA = dx dy or dA = dy dx. If you integrate in the reverse order, the limits of integration will be different.

In polar coordinates, dA = r dr d[itex]\theta[/itex]. That's where the r came from.
 
oh right. I'm looking for the area.
double integral of 1da gives the area and triple integral of 1 gives the volume of a 3d object.
thank you
 
popo902 said:
oh right. I'm looking for the area.
double integral of 1da gives the area and triple integral of 1 gives the volume of a 3d object.
thank you

double integral of 1dA gives the area and triple integral of 1dV gives the volume of a 3d object.
 

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