Double Integrals using Polar Coordinates

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a double integral using polar coordinates, specifically the integral ∫∫R arctan(y/x) dA, where the region R is defined by the inequalities 1 ≤ x² + y² ≤ 4 and 0 ≤ y ≤ x. Participants are exploring the transformation of Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates and the implications for setting up the limits of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the range of r and express uncertainty about how to express the angle θ in terms of the given inequalities. There are suggestions to visualize the region geometrically and to consider the implications of the inequalities on the limits of θ.

Discussion Status

Some participants have drawn the region to better understand the limits of integration and have identified that θ ranges from 0 to π/4. There is acknowledgment of the established limits for r, but no consensus on the complete setup of the integral has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of visualizing the region defined by the inequalities to clarify the integration limits. The discussion includes considerations of how the angle θ relates to the geometry of the region described.

ThiagoG
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


∫∫Rarctan(y/x) dA, where R={(x,y) | 1\leqx2+y2\leq4, 0\leqy\leqx


Homework Equations


x=rcos(θ)
y=rsin(θ)
x2+y2=r2


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the range of r is 1 to 2 but I can't figure out how to change the second part into θ. If I change y and x to rsin(θ) and rcos(θ), respectively, I'm not sure what to do after this point. How would I get the theta by iteslf?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The limits or intervals of integration are sometimes easier to see if you look directly at the geometry of the region, as opposed to its algebraic representation in terms of coordinate equations.
Can you sketch the region of points that solves the pair of inequalities represented by 0 ≤ y ≤ x ? How would you describe the region you sketched in terms of r and θ ?
Remember the intuitive descriptions of r and θ that lead to the definition of the equations you cited. θ is meant to denote the counterclockwise angle between the point's radius (or position vector) and the positive x-axis. r is just meant to be the distance between the point and the origin, or the length of the point's position vector.
In the region described by those two inequalities, what is the minimum possible value of θ ? The maximum ? Is r restricted in any way ?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
ThiagoG said:

Homework Statement


∫∫Rarctan(y/x) dA, where R={(x,y) | 1\leqx2+y2\leq4, 0\leqy\leqx


Homework Equations


x=rcos(θ)
y=rsin(θ)
x2+y2=r2


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the range of r is 1 to 2 but I can't figure out how to change the second part into θ. If I change y and x to rsin(θ) and rcos(θ), respectively, I'm not sure what to do after this point. How would I get the theta by iteslf?

Draw a picture of the region. Think of a windshield wiper cleaning the region. What values of ##\theta## would it sweep through?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
ThiagoG said:

Homework Statement


∫∫Rarctan(y/x) dA, where R={(x,y) | 1\leqx2+y2\leq4, 0\leqy\leqx


Homework Equations


x=rcos(θ)
y=rsin(θ)
x2+y2=r2


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the range of r is 1 to 2 but I can't figure out how to change the second part into θ. If I change y and x to rsin(θ) and rcos(θ), respectively, I'm not sure what to do after this point. How would I get the theta by iteslf?

Look at \frac yx = \tan \theta.
 
LCKurtz said:
Draw a picture of the region. Think of a windshield wiper cleaning the region. What values of ##\theta## would it sweep through?

So would it be from 0 to ∏/4?
 
slider142 said:
The limits or intervals of integration are sometimes easier to see if you look directly at the geometry of the region, as opposed to its algebraic representation in terms of coordinate equations.
Can you sketch the region of points that solves the pair of inequalities represented by 0 ≤ y ≤ x ? How would you describe the region you sketched in terms of r and θ ?
Remember the intuitive descriptions of r and θ that lead to the definition of the equations you cited. θ is meant to denote the counterclockwise angle between the point's radius (or position vector) and the positive x-axis. r is just meant to be the distance between the point and the origin, or the length of the point's position vector.
In the region described by those two inequalities, what is the minimum possible value of θ ? The maximum ? Is r restricted in any way ?

After I drew it, I think it's ∏/4 because y=x bisects the first quadrant which would mean it is at ∏/4. So it ranges from 0 to ∏/4
 
ThiagoG said:
After I drew it, I think it's ∏/4 because y=x bisects the first quadrant which would mean it is at ∏/4. So it ranges from 0 to ∏/4

That's it exactly. :) The limits you have for r are perfect as well.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K