Equation of Graph in Polar Coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area between two curves defined in polar coordinates, specifically the curves given by r = sin(θ) and r = cos(θ). The original poster attempts to convert these polar equations into Cartesian form to visualize the problem and identify the area of intersection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of polar equations to Cartesian coordinates and the identification of the area between the curves. Questions arise about defining the region of integration and the appropriate limits for r and θ.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to set up the double integrals and suggested considering the symmetry of the curves. There is an ongoing exploration of the limits of integration and the proper setup for the area calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to define the intersection points of the curves and the implications of symmetry in determining the bounds for integration. There is mention of a quiz related to the topic, indicating a time constraint or urgency in seeking clarification.

salman213
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1. The question was find the area between the curves using DOUBLE Integrals

Area between:
r = sin theta
r = cos theta


well to draw them i made them into cartesian form by

r^2 = rsin theta
r^2 = rcos theta

so

x^2 + y^2 = y

x^2 + y^2 = x

completing square

1) x^2 + (y - 1/2)^2 = 1/4
2) (x - 1/2)^2 + y^2 = 1/4


these are two circles

their intersection or bounded region that we need to find the area is like a disc...

I know if i use the double integral

Integral of (Integral of 1) dA OVER D where D is the intersection bounded area


i get the area i need...


but I don't know how to define that region

if someone can help me define the region it will be helpful

I know THETA will change from 0 to pi/2

but R will change from 0 to some equation of that area but i don't know how to find that equation!

HELP!
 
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Hi Salman

If you look at r = sin theta in polar coordinates, I assume you mean the the polar equation is:

r = (sin(theta), theta)

which is defintely not a circle, similar for the cos
 
so

in polar coordinates
r = sin (theta)

is NOT equal to
r^2 = rsin (theta) = x^2 + y^2 = y??
 
Hi salman, sorry jumped the mark on that one, think I know what you are doing now...

so you have 2 circles radius 1/2 at centres (0,1/2) and (1/2,0), and need to calculate the area between them

If you draw a picture where do the circles intersect? at the orgin, and at a point along y = x (or equivalently theta = pi/4) due to the symmetry of the situation

think about the bounds for r in each half of the area, both upper & lower will correspond to one of the circles,

I would try and write it as sum of 2 integrals, one from theta 0 to pi/4, and theta pi/4 to pi/2, with appropriate r bounds. So do the r integral first & define lower & up bounds in terms of theta for each segment...
 
so in other words i can just do


theta limits 0 to pi/4
r limits r = sin (theta) to the intersection point


add that to


theta limits pi/4 to pi/2
r limits intersection point to r = cos (theta)


would that be the proper limits?
 
lookin good - so the first half is

[tex]\int^{\pi/4}_0 d\theta \int^{sin{\theta}}_{0}dr (?)[/tex]

what is your integrand for area? do you know what a jacobian is?
 
yea got it ty...it was also on my quiz yesterday so it was great i asked here :)

r*dr*d(theta) :)
 

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