Evaluating a Double Integral Using Polar Coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the double integral of the function e^(x^2 + y^2) using polar coordinates. The integral is defined with the inner limits for y as -sqrt(4 - x^2) to 0 and the outer limits for x from 0 to 2. Participants emphasize the necessity of converting to polar coordinates before integration, noting that e^(x^2 + y^2) transforms to e^(-r^2) in polar form. Additionally, they highlight the importance of visualizing the integration region, which corresponds to the lower right quarter of a circle with a radius of 2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double integrals and their limits
  • Knowledge of polar coordinates and their conversion from Cartesian coordinates
  • Familiarity with the function e^(x^2 + y^2) and its properties
  • Ability to sketch and interpret geometric regions in the Cartesian plane
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates
  • Study the properties of the function e^(-r^2) in polar coordinates
  • Practice evaluating double integrals with various limits of integration
  • Explore graphical methods for visualizing integration regions in polar coordinates
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on integration techniques, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of polar coordinates in multivariable calculus.

pern_comoto
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Okay I have no idea where to start on this example problem:

Use polar coordinates to evaulate the double integral e^((x^2)+(y^2))dydx
[frist (inner) integal lower limit y= -sqrt(4-x^2) upper limit y=0)]
[second (outer) lower limit x=0 upper limit x=2]

When I start doing the integral of e^((x^2)+(y^2))dy I get some really crazy answer and then I don't know if I should put it in polar coordinates before I try and take the integral or after. Can you tell me where to start?
 
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pern_comoto said:
Okay I have no idea where to start on this example problem:

Use polar coordinates to evaulate the double integral e^((x^2)+(y^2))dydx
[frist (inner) integal lower limit y= -sqrt(4-x^2) upper limit y=0)]
[second (outer) lower limit x=0 upper limit x=2]

When I start doing the integral of e^((x^2)+(y^2))dy I get some really crazy answer and then I don't know if I should put it in polar coordinates before I try and take the integral or after. Can you tell me where to start?
How in the world would you get "some really crazy answer"? It's pretty well known that there is no elementary anti-derivative for [itex]e^{-x^2}[/itex]- not even a "crazy" one!

Also, since the problem is to evaluate the integral, I would see no point in changing to polar coordinates after integrating!

What do you start? By doing what the problem says: "use polar coordinates"!
Of course [itex]e^{-(x^2+ y^2)}[/itex] converts to [itex]e^{-r^2}[/itex]. Do you know how dydx converts?

To get the limits of integration, draw a picture. [itex]y= -\sqrt{4- x^2}[/itex] is the lower half of the circle [itex]x^2+ y^2= 4[/itex] which has center at the origin and radius 2. x going from 0 to 2 means you are to the right of the y-axis. The region you are integrating over is the lower right quarter of a circle of radius 2. How do r and [itex]\theta[/itex] change to cover that region?
 

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