Evaluate a simple double integral

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on evaluating the double integral of the function f(x,y) = √(1 - x² - y²) over a disk of radius 1 centered at the origin. The integral is set up with the boundaries defined by y = ±√(1 - x²), leading to an inner integral that simplifies to (1 - x²)/2 * (-π). The outer integral, evaluated from x = -1 to x = 1, results in -2π/3, which raises concerns about the expected positive volume under the curve. The participants suggest that using polar coordinates would simplify the evaluation, although they have not yet learned this method.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double integrals and their applications
  • Familiarity with Cartesian coordinates and their geometric interpretations
  • Knowledge of antiderivatives and integration techniques
  • Basic concepts of polar coordinates (for future reference)
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates for integration
  • Study the properties of double integrals over circular regions
  • Review the method of evaluating integrals involving square roots
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of double integrals in three-dimensional space
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Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on multivariable calculus and integration techniques. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of double integrals and their applications in calculating volumes.

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Evaluate a "simple" double integral

Homework Statement



Evaluate the double integral of f(x,y) = square root (1 - x^2 - y^2) over the disk centred at the origin of radius 1

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So the disc of radius one has boundaries x^2 + y^2 = 1
i am integrating it in the order dydx
the disk is bound above by y = root (1 - x^2) and below by y = -root (1 - x^2)

So the inner part of the double integral would be
Integral from -root (1-x^2) to root (1-x^2) of root (1 - x^2 - y^2) dy

in a list of integrals i found that if you have an integral in the form root (a^2 - u^2), the antiderivative is u/2 * root (a^2 - u^2) + a^2/2 * sin^-1 (u/a)

so if i set a^2 = 1-x^2 and u^2 = y^2, my integral has exactly this form, so the solution should be
root(1-x^2)/ 2 * root (1 - x^2 - (1 - x^2)) + (1-x^2)/2 * sin^-1 (root (1-x^2)/ root (1-x^2) - [ (-root(1-x^2) / x * (root (1 - x^2 - (1 - x^2)) + (1-x^2)/2 * sin ^-1 (-root(1-x^2) / root (1-x^2)

Which simplifies pretty cleanly to

(1-x^2) / 2 * (sin^-1 (1) - sin^-1 (-1)

= (1-x^2)/2 * (-Pi)
= -Pi/2 + Pix^2/2

Now for the outer integral, i have to integrate this from x = -1 to x = 1

and I get
Integral of -Pi/2 + Pix^2/2 = -Pi x/2 + Pi x^3 /6
evaluating this from -1 to 1 i get
- Pi / 2 + Pi/6 - (Pi / 2 - Pi / 6) = -2Pi / 3

But this gives me a negative value and I thought that the integral should be positive since it is essentally calculating the volume below the curve z = root (1 - x^2 - y^2)...and that function is positive for the entire disk of radius 1 , so i don't see why i am getting a negative number...what in the world is going on :)
 
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Using polar coordinates from the start will simplify the question
 


Yeah but we have not yet learned polar coordinates :) so I have no idea how to use them
 

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