Establishing Limits for x in Green's Theorem Practice Questions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around establishing limits for the variable x in the context of Green's Theorem practice questions, specifically when dealing with regions enclosed by a parabola and a horizontal line. Participants explore how to determine these limits based on given values of y.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario with the equations y = x^2 and y = 9, identifying x limits as [-3, 3].
  • Another participant suggests using a similar approach for the equations y = 3x^2 and y = 5, proposing to manipulate the equation to find x limits.
  • A participant questions the clarity of the notation "y [x^2, 9]" and suggests that stating specific values for x would be clearer.
  • Concerns are raised about the difficulty in solving the equation 3x^2 = 5, with a suggestion that reviewing elementary algebra may be beneficial.
  • A later reply acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the limits of y and clarifies that the limits should be stated as y ranging from x^2 to 9 when integrating with respect to y.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the establishment of limits for x and the clarity of notation. There is no consensus on the best approach to determine these limits, and some participants challenge the algebraic skills of others.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the notation used for limits and the relationship between the equations, indicating a potential gap in foundational algebra skills that may affect their understanding of the problem.

King_Silver
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I am currently practicing questions on Green's Theorem however in some questions I have been given a finite region enclosed between a parabola and a horizontal line.

In these questions I am given 2 values of y but none of x.
In one question I was given that y = x^2 and y = 9 and was immediately able to spot that x satisfies this for the values -3 and 3 therefore x [-3,3] and y [ x^2, 9]

However I now have come across a situation where y = 3x^2 and y = 5 and I cannot seem to spot any sort of relationship between these 2. Based on previous questions I figured these values of x would satisfy both values of y given.

Can anybody tell me how these limits are established? I've integrated in terms of y and now have all x terms but do not know what limits to apply to the integral.
 
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You can do in exactly the same way:
$$y=3x^2$$, divide by 3 on both sides to get
$$y/3=x^2$$, and use the same method as for ##y=x^2##. I would also recommend a figure, in order to see more clearly the region.
 
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King_Silver said:
I am currently practicing questions on Green's Theorem however in some questions I have been given a finite region enclosed between a parabola and a horizontal line.

In these questions I am given 2 values of y but none of x.
In one question I was given that y = x^2 and y = 9 and was immediately able to spot that x satisfies this for the values -3 and 3 therefore x [-3,3] and y [ x^2, 9]
What does "y [x^2, 9]" mean?
It would be much simpler and clearer to say that if x = 3 or x = -3, then y = 9.
King_Silver said:
However I now have come across a situation where y = 3x^2 and y = 5 and I cannot seem to spot any sort of relationship between these 2. Based on previous questions I figured these values of x would satisfy both values of y given.

Can anybody tell me how these limits are established? I've integrated in terms of y and now have all x terms but do not know what limits to apply to the integral.
It seems odd to me that you are working with Green's Theorem, but are having trouble solving very elementary equations such as ##3x^2 = 5##. Some time spent reviewing elementary algebra would be very beneficial.
 
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Mark44 said:
What does "y [x^2, 9]" mean?
It would be much simpler and clearer to say that if x = 3 or x = -3, then y = 9.
It seems odd to me that you are working with Green's Theorem, but are having trouble solving very elementary equations such as ##3x^2 = 5##. Some time spent reviewing elementary algebra would be very beneficial.
Sorry that should have said the limits of y are x^2 and 9 so when we integrate with respect to y those are the limits. It was a poorly written post.

That is embarrassing, I totally overlooked the other value of y despite specifying it. Brain fart. Thanks for the help!
 

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