Double integrals: when a parallelogram approximates a curvy area

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on approximating the area of a curvy region R using double integrals as outlined in chapter 13.9 of James Stewart's Calculus. The transformation T from the uv-plane to the xy-plane is continuously differentiable, allowing for the use of tangent vectors p’(u0) and g’(v0) to define a parallelogram that approximates the area of R. The area of this parallelogram is computed using the cross product of the tangent vectors, leading to the formula SA = ∬_D |r_u × r_v| du dv. This approach is essential for understanding surface area calculations in multivariable calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double integrals and their applications
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, specifically tangent vectors
  • Knowledge of transformations in calculus, particularly T(u,v)
  • Basic proficiency in calculus concepts such as derivatives and surface area
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the change of variables in double integrals
  • Learn about the cross product of vectors in vector calculus
  • Explore the derivation of the surface area formula using tangent vectors
  • Investigate the Leibniz rule for interchanging limits and derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying multivariable calculus, as well as professionals involved in mathematical modeling and analysis of curvilinear surfaces.

Castilla
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Sirs, I request your assistance. I am reading chapter 13.9 of James Stewart Calculus (change of variables in double integrals).

Premises.- Let (x,y) = T(u,v). The function T has inverse, both are continuously differentiable, etc.

Let’s take a very little rectangle S in the uv plane. The point left and down we will denote (u0, v0).

1. Any point of the low base of S is (u, v0).

We apply the transformation T to rectangle S and obtain a curvy area which we will denote R.

Now, let “p” be a vectorial function of real variable such that:
p(u) = ( x(u, v0), y(u, v0) ).
Then (this I understand) p’(u0) = i x_u(u0,v0) + j y_u(u0,v0). This result is "A".

(x_u is the derivative of x with respect to u).

2. Any point of the left side of rectangle S is (u0, v).

Let “g” be a vectorial function of real variable such that:
g(v) = ( x(u0, v), y(u0, v) ).
Then (this I understand) g’(v0) = i x_v(u0,v0) + j y_v(u0,v0). This result is "B".

Now comes the part I don't understand. Stewart says: “With results A and B we can approximate the area of R by way of the parallelogram defined by these two vectors:
- delta “u” p’(u0) and
- delta “v” g’(v0).

Why is this? I know that it has something to do with the fact that differentiable functions can be approximate by linear functions, but I fail to see the conexión with the boundary of the curvy area R.

Please help.
 
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Castilla said:
Sirs, I request your assistance. I am reading chapter 13.9 of James Stewart Calculus (change of variables in double integrals).
Premises.- Let (x,y) = T(u,v). The function T has inverse, both are continuously differentiable, etc.
Let’s take a very little rectangle S in the uv plane. The point left and down we will denote (u0, v0).
1. Any point of the low base of S is (u, v0).
We apply the transformation T to rectangle S and obtain a curvy area which we will denote R.
Now, let “p” be a vectorial function of real variable such that:
p(u) = ( x(u, v0), y(u, v0) ).
Then (this I understand) p’(u0) = i x_u(u0,v0) + j y_u(u0,v0). This result is "A".
(x_u is the derivative of x with respect to u).
2. Any point of the left side of rectangle S is (u0, v).
Let “g” be a vectorial function of real variable such that:
g(v) = ( x(u0, v), y(u0, v) ).
Then (this I understand) g’(v0) = i x_v(u0,v0) + j y_v(u0,v0). This result is "B".
Now comes the part I don't understand. Stewart says: “With results A and B we can approximate the area of R by way of the parallelogram defined by these two vectors:
- delta “u” p’(u0) and
- delta “v” g’(v0).
Why is this? I know that it has something to do with the fact that differentiable functions can be approximate by linear functions, but I fail to see the conexión with the boundary of the curvy area R.
Please help.

I forgot to state that the lenghts of sides of little rectangle S are delta "u" and delta "v".
 
Hm, nobody say nothing about my question? maybe too boring?
 
I don't have the book, and I'm just going from the title since the post was kind of difficult to follow.

By rectangles approximating a curvy area, do you mean surface area? What is found is two tangent vectors, call them ru and rv. If you know anything about vectors, then you know that |\Delta u \vec{r}_u\times \Delta v \vec{r}_v| is the area of the parallelogram formed by these vectors. This parallelogram is tangent to the surface f(x,y) at one point. Letting each parallelogram be very small and taking the sum (over the xy plane) we have the following:

\text{SA}=\iint\limits_D\left|\vec{r}_u\times\vec{r}_v\right|\,du\,dv

Does this make any sense?
 
Last edited:
Er... moreless. Thanks.

By the way, did you find how to interchange limits and derivatives to proof the Leibniz rule?
 
Castilla said:
Er... moreless. Thanks.
By the way, did you find how to interchange limits and derivatives to proof the Leibniz rule?
Yes I did. Were you following that post as well?
 

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