Evaluating Double Integrals: Switching the Order of Integration

1. Oct 27, 2007

Alw

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Evaluate the double integral by changing the order of integration in the iterated integral and evalutating the resulting iterated integral.

2. Relevant equations

$$\int$$$$^{1}_{0}$$ $$\int$$$$^{1}_{x}$$ cos(x/y)dydx

3. The attempt at a solution

I know how to solve a double integral after i've switched the order of integration, i'm having trouble with the acutal switching part The book we are using has one example in it regarding this, and it isn't very clear. If anyone would mind walking me through how to switch the order of integration, that'd be great

-Andy

edit: The text for the integrals didnt come out well, to make it more clear, its the integral from 0 - to - 1 and the integral
from x - to - 1

2. Oct 28, 2007

Gib Z

Why must you change the order? The integral is easily solvable as it is.

3. Oct 28, 2007

siddharth

Is it? I can't see how.

It always helps if you sketch the area over which you're integrating. Notice that the limits in x are from 0 to 1.

So, the area over which you're integrating is bounded in the x direction by the lines x=0 and x=1. Also, since the limits in y are from x to 1, the boundaries in the y direction are the lines y=x and y=1. Can you sketch the area now? From this, can you figure out how to switch the order of integration?

4. Oct 28, 2007

Gib Z

I read it wrong :( I seemed to read cos (y/x) >.<" Damn

5. Oct 28, 2007

Alw

Ok, thanks! so if i'm not mistaken then, the new equation is:

$$\int$$$$^{1}_{0}$$ $$\int$$ $$^{y}_{0}$$ cos(x/y)dxdy ?

6. Oct 28, 2007

HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Yes. In your original integral x ranged from 0 to 1 and, for each x, y ranged from x to 1. That is the triangle with vertices (0,0), (1,1) and (0, 1). In the opposite order, to cover that triangle, y must range from 0 to 1 and, for each y, x must rage from 0 to y.