Double Integration Using Polar Coordinates | Calculating Bounds of Integration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a double integration problem involving the conversion of Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates. The original poster seeks assistance in determining the bounds of integration for the polar coordinates corresponding to a given double integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation equations for converting Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates and suggest drawing the area of integration to better understand the bounds. There are mentions of the geometric interpretation of the problem and the importance of visualizing the area defined by the given integrals.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided different methods for approaching the problem, including both geometric and algebraic perspectives. The original poster acknowledges the effectiveness of the methods discussed, indicating a productive exchange of ideas, though no explicit consensus on a single approach has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about using LaTeX and the bounds of integration, which may affect the clarity of the problem setup. There is also a mention of the original poster being busy with exams, which could influence their engagement in the discussion.

brad sue
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Hi can someone help me with the double integration:
Sorry I don't know how to use the LATEX code.
it is a double integration
The first integration goes from 1/2 to1. the second integration goes from 0 to sqrt(1-x^2). there is no function after ,just dy dx.
I am asked to calculate the integral using polar coordinates.
I don't know how to find the bounds of integration corresponding for r.
Thank you
B
 
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I love giving a shot at the problems you post Brad, they're always a tad more challenging than the calculus problems we usually see.

To convert the bounds to polar coordinates, you must use (fiddle with) the coordinate transformations equations: they are

x=rcosO
y=rsinO

and also the inverse ones (what you probably missed):

r²=x²+y²
O = Arctg(y/x)

You can also draw the surface of integration and try to figure out what the bounds are in terms of r and O.
 
First rule for any problem like this: draw a picture.
Since the "outer integral" is [itex]\int_0^{\frac{1}{2}} dx[/itex], x can run from 0 to [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]. The "inner integral" is [itex]\int_0^\sqrt{1-x^2} dy[/itex] so y ranges from 0 to [itex]\sqrt{1-x^2}[/itex].
[itex]y= \sqrt{1-x^2}[/itex] is the upper half of the circle [itex]x^2+ y^2= 1[/itex], the circle of radius 1 centered at (0,0). Draw that circle and the line x= 1/2 to see the area of integration.
Now, imagine an line from the origin "sweeping" over that area. The line starts horizontal and rotates up until it passes through [itex]\left(\frac{1}{2}, \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)[/itex]. That is, the angle clearly starts at [itex]\theta= 0[/tex] and goes to [itex]\theta= \frac{\pi}{3}[/itex].<br /> Radially, for each [itex]\theta[/itex] we move from the line x= 1/2 to the circle. [itex]x= rcos(\theta)= \frac{1}{2}[/itex] is the same as [itex]r= \frac{1}{2cos(\theta)}= \frac{1}{2}sec(\theta)[/itex]. The limits of integration for the r integral are [itex]\frac{1}{2}sec(\theta)[/itex] and 1.<br /> Don't forget to replace dxdy with [itex]rdrd\theta[/itex][/itex]
 
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HallsofIvy posted the other way of doing it; what one might call the "geometric way", as opposed to the "algebraic way". If you doubt the answer you obtained through any of the two ways, do it the other way to see if you get the same thing.
 
Thak you to you both quasar987 and HallsofIvy. The both methods worked.
I found : pi/6 + sqrt(3)/8
sorry to reply now I was busy with exams.


B
 

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