Evaluating Polar Int., Find Error: \frac{\pi}{8}-0.25ln(2)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a double integral by changing to polar coordinates, specifically focusing on the integral of arctan(y/x) within the constraints of a triangular region defined by 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 0 ≤ y ≤ x. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their calculated result and seeks assistance in identifying potential errors in their approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration in polar coordinates, questioning the original poster's limits and suggesting corrections based on the geometry of the region. There are inquiries about the upper limit for r and clarifications regarding the relationship between x and r in the context of the given triangle.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing hints and corrections regarding the limits of integration. Some guidance has been offered about the relationship between the variables in the polar coordinate transformation, but there is still confusion among participants regarding the correct setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original limits provided by the poster may not accurately reflect the geometry of the triangular region defined by the constraints. There is also mention of a misunderstanding regarding the orientation of the diagram used to visualize the problem.

Juggler123
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Evaluate the integral by changing to polar coordinates

[tex]\int\int arctan(y/x)[/tex]

Given that

0 [tex]\leq[/tex] x [tex]\leq[/tex] 1 and 0 [tex]\leq[/tex] y [tex]\leq[/tex] x

Now I've changed the integral to

[tex]\int\int \theta r dr d\theta[/tex]

Such that 0 [tex]\leq[/tex] [tex]\theta[/tex] [tex]\leq[/tex] [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex] and 0 [tex]\leq[/tex] r [tex]\leq[/tex] [tex]\sqrt{2}[/tex]

And evaluating this I get [tex]\frac{\pi^{2}}{8}[/tex]

I don't think this is correct though, I have found out that the answer is [tex]\frac{\pi}{8}[/tex] - 0.25ln(2)

Can someone show me where I'm going wrong please, thanks!

Sorry for the poor Latex-ing I've never used it before.
 
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Hi Juggler123! :smile:

(have an integral: ∫ and a pi: π and a theta: θ and a ≤ :wink:)

Sorry, but your limits are toooootally wrong. :redface:

0 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 0 ≤ y ≤ x is a 45º triangle with base 1.

So your limits are 0 ≤ θ ≤ 45º and 0 ≤ r ≤ … (depends on θ :wink:) ? :smile:
 
Would it be correct to say that the upper limit for r is 1/cos[tex]\theta[/tex] ?
 
Hi Juggler123! :smile:

(what happened to that θ i gave you? :confused:)
Juggler123 said:
Would it be correct to say that the upper limit for r is 1/cos[tex]\theta[/tex] ?

Noooo. :redface:
 
How can I go about finding the upper limit then? I used the fact that the maximum x=1=max.y then said x=rcos(theta) and rearranged, where have I gone wrong??
 
Hint: In your triangular region, every x value on the right boundary has the same value.
 
Sorry I'm still confused, why does knowing that on the right boundary x is always equal to 1?
 
oops!

Juggler123 said:
How can I go about finding the upper limit then? I used the fact that the maximum x=1=max.y then said x=rcos(theta) and rearranged, where have I gone wrong??

oh no, I had my diagram the wrong way up :redface:

you were right, it is 0 ≤ r ≤ 1/cosθ.

Sorry. :redface:

ok, now integrate ∫∫ θr drdθ between those limits. :smile:
 
Juggler123 said:
Sorry I'm still confused, why does knowing that on the right boundary x is always equal to 1?
Because, on that boundary x = 1 ==> rcos(θ) = 1, so r = 1/cos(θ).

It looks like you already understand this, based on another reply you gave.
 
  • #10
Now I've stumbled across another problem!

How would I integrate x/(2cos(x)^2) w.r.t x
 
  • #11
Juggler123 said:
Now I've stumbled across another problem!

How would I integrate x/(2cos(x)^2) w.r.t x
This is actually pretty simple.
[tex]\int \frac{x}{2cos^2x} dx~=~1/2\int x sec^2 x dx[/tex]
Edit: added missing x factor in right integral.
Hint: There is a trig function whose derivative wrt x is sec^2(x).
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Isn't x/2cos(x)^2 equal to 0.5xsec(x)^2?? Not 0.5sec(x)^2
 
  • #13
Right you are. The integral should be
[tex]\int \frac{x}{2cos^2x} dx~=~1/2\int x sec^2 x dx[/tex]
This looks like a natural for integration by parts, with u = x and dv = sec^2(x)dx.
 
  • #14
Yes! That works brilliant, thanks for all the help!
 

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