Evaluate the integral by converting to polar coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating a double integral by converting it to polar coordinates. The integral is defined over a specific region in the Cartesian coordinate system, and the original poster attempts to determine the correct bounds for the polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of the integral to polar coordinates, including the determination of bounds for r and theta. There is a focus on accurately representing the region of integration, with some questioning the original poster's conclusions about the limits of integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the importance of correctly identifying the region of integration, suggesting that the original poster may have misinterpreted the bounds for theta. There is acknowledgment of the complexity involved in changing coordinate systems.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about a sign error in their calculations, indicating a need for clarification on the integration process. There is a mention of the actual answer being different from their result, which may influence the discussion.

jillf
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Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral
integral from 0 to 1 of (integral from y to sqrt(2-y^2) of (3(x-y))dxdy)
by converting to polar coordinates.


Homework Equations


x = rcos(theta)
y = rsin(theta)



The Attempt at a Solution



By drawing a picture of the bounds, I concluded that r goes from 0 to sqrt(2) and theta goes from pi/4 to pi/2.
I tried to integrate like this:
integral from 0 to sqrt(2) of 3(rcos(theta) - rsin(theta) r dr dtheta
= integral from 0 to sqrt(2) of 3r^2 (cos(theta) - sin(theta)) dr dtheta
= r^3(cos(theta) - sin(theta)) where r is from 0 to sqrt(2)
=2sqrt(2) * integral from pi/4 to pi/2 of (cos(theta)-sin(theta)) dtheta
=2sqrt(2) * (sin(theta)+cos(theta)) with theta from pi/4 to pi/2
=2sqrt(2) *((1+0)-((sqrt(2)/2) + (sqrt(2)/2))
=2sqrt(2) *(1-sqrt(2))
=2sqrt(2) - 4

The actual answer is 4 - 2sqrt(2) so I missed a sign somewhere, but I cannot find it. Sorry if it's difficult to read. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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jillf said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral
integral from 0 to 1 of (integral from y to sqrt(2-y^2) of (3(x-y))dxdy)
by converting to polar coordinates.


Homework Equations


x = rcos(theta)
y = rsin(theta)



The Attempt at a Solution



By drawing a picture of the bounds, I concluded that r goes from 0 to sqrt(2) and theta goes from pi/4 to pi/2.
Here's your problem. The region of integration is the sector of a circle that extends from theta = 0 to theta = pi/4. The radius is as you have it.
jillf said:
I tried to integrate like this:
integral from 0 to sqrt(2) of 3(rcos(theta) - rsin(theta) r dr dtheta
= integral from 0 to sqrt(2) of 3r^2 (cos(theta) - sin(theta)) dr dtheta
= r^3(cos(theta) - sin(theta)) where r is from 0 to sqrt(2)
=2sqrt(2) * integral from pi/4 to pi/2 of (cos(theta)-sin(theta)) dtheta
=2sqrt(2) * (sin(theta)+cos(theta)) with theta from pi/4 to pi/2
=2sqrt(2) *((1+0)-((sqrt(2)/2) + (sqrt(2)/2))
=2sqrt(2) *(1-sqrt(2))
=2sqrt(2) - 4

The actual answer is 4 - 2sqrt(2) so I missed a sign somewhere, but I cannot find it. Sorry if it's difficult to read. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
That solves the problem! Thank you very much!
 
Last edited:
Sure, you're welcome. As you found out, it's very important to have an accurate understanding of the region of integration. In many problems of this type, the hardest part can often be representing the region of integration in a different coordinate system.
 

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