Evaluating triple integral with spherical coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a triple integral using spherical coordinates. The original poster presents an iterated integral involving the function √(x^2 + y^2) and seeks assistance in transforming this function into spherical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to change the coordinates and expresses confusion about substituting x and y with their spherical counterparts. They question whether there is a simpler method than direct substitution.
  • Another participant prompts the original poster to share their results from the substitution, suggesting it should yield a straightforward outcome.
  • The original poster acknowledges a mistake in their earlier substitution and elaborates on their process of expanding the expression, seeking guidance on simplifying the square root.
  • One participant offers a simplification hint, indicating a potential path to resolving the original poster's difficulties.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various aspects of the transformation to spherical coordinates. Some guidance has been provided, particularly regarding simplification, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the correct substitutions and simplifications required for the integral, highlighting potential mistakes in their approach. There is also an indication of a complex expression that may require further clarification.

Alex Bard
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Homework Statement



Evaluate the iterated integral ∫ (from 0 to 1) ∫ [from -sqrt(1-x^2) to sqrt(1-x^2) ] ∫ (from 0 to 2-x^2-y^2)

the function given as √(x^2 + y^2) dz dy dx



The Attempt at a Solution



I changed the coordinates and I got the new limits as

∫(from 0 to pi) ∫(from (3pi)/2 to pi/2) ∫(from 0 to √2) √(x^2 + y^2) ρ^2 sin phi dρ dphi dθ

What I'm having problems is with changing the function I need to integrate into spherical coordinates. Should I replace the values of x and y for it's spherical counterparts or is there an easier way via u-sub, etc?

When i try to sub in x = ρ sin phi sin ρ and y = ρ sin phi cos ρ I get a mess. Can anyone nudge me in the right direction please?
 
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When i try to sub in x = ρ sin phi sin ρ and y = ρ sin phi cos ρ I get a mess.
What do you get? This should give a nice result.
 
Thanks for answering mfb,

First I noticed I made a mistake, in spherical coordinates

x= ρ sin\phicosθ
y= ρ sin\phisinθ

so now when I substitute that into the formula, I will get

√[(ρ sin \phi cosθ)^2 + (ρ sin \phi sinθ)^2]

What I get stuck with is I can't get rid of the square root. My process, so far, has been to expand everything, using the identity of cos/sin^2(x) to expand to either 1/2(1 +/- cos(2x) etc.

At the end, before the first integration or even getting ρ^2 or sin phi involved, i get the answer below.

√[ρ^2(\frac{1-cos(2 \phi)}{2})]

I can probably take a picture of my work to post if that would help. Otherwise its a lot of writing. Please let me know what information you need to see where i made the mistake.
 
Alex Bard said:
Thanks for answering mfb,

First I noticed I made a mistake, in spherical coordinates

x= ρ sin\phicosθ
y= ρ sin\phisinθ

so now when I substitute that into the formula, I will get

√[(ρ sin \phi cosθ)^2 + (ρ sin \phi sinθ)^2]

What I get stuck with is I can't get rid of the square root. My process, so far, has been to expand everything, using the identity of cos/sin^2(x) to expand to either 1/2(1 +/- cos(2x) etc.

At the end, before the first integration or even getting ρ^2 or sin phi involved, i get the answer below.

√[ρ^2(\frac{1-cos(2 \phi)}{2})]

I can probably take a picture of my work to post if that would help. Otherwise its a lot of writing. Please let me know what information you need to see where i made the mistake.

You're making it way too hard:$$
\sqrt{(ρ sin \phi cosθ)^2 + (ρ sin \phi sinθ)^2}=\sqrt{\rho^2\sin^2\phi(
\cos^2\theta +\sin^2\theta)}$$Now do you see how to simplify it?
 

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