Find the area between three curves

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the area between three curves defined by the equations y+x=4, y-x=0, and y+3x=2. The user initially attempted to integrate with respect to y and identified intersection points at x=2, x=-1, and x=1/2. After correcting the limits of integration and confirming the calculations, the user arrived at an area of 2.5, but faced issues with sign errors during the evaluation of the integrals. The final area calculation requires careful attention to the limits and the order of the functions involved.

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  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically area calculations between curves.
  • Familiarity with solving linear equations and finding intersection points.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, including definite integrals.
  • Ability to sketch graphs to visualize the area between curves.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the method for finding intersection points of linear equations.
  • Study the process of setting up definite integrals for area calculations.
  • Learn about the importance of function order (top vs. bottom) in integrals.
  • Practice evaluating definite integrals with varying limits to avoid sign errors.
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Students studying calculus, particularly those learning to compute areas between curves, as well as educators looking for examples of common pitfalls in integral evaluation.

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Homework Statement


Sketch the region enclosed by the curves and compute its area as an integral along the x or y axis.
y+x=4 y-x=0 y+3x=2

Homework Equations



∫ top function - bottom function dx OR ∫ right function-left function dy

The Attempt at a Solution


I originally had chosed to integrate with respect to y, I solved all equations for y as follows:
y=4-x y=x y=2-3x

I set all equations equal to each other to find three intersection x values: These are
x=2, x=-2, and x=1/2

This makes since considering the way I sketched the graph: see attachment.

photo (18).jpg
Now the Area is shaded in orange and labeled A: to set up the integral I did:
1/2
∫ (4-x)-(2-3x) dx = 2x+x2 evaluated from -2 to 1/2
-2

My answer to this integral was (5/4)

Then I took this integral:
2
∫ (4-x)-(x) = 4x-x2 evaluated from 1/2 to 2
1/2

My answer to this integral was (7/4)

It was olvious to me at this point that something went wrong because (5/4)-(7/4)=-(1/2) and areas cannot be negative.

This is the first time I've attempted to find the area between three curves. I am not sure how to arrange the integrals and which one is considered "top" or "bottom" because the graph that I drew shows the lower functions switching, which I tried to reflect in my calculations.

I'm really working hard to wrap my head around this stuff, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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MissEuropa said:

Homework Statement


Sketch the region enclosed by the curves and compute its area as an integral along the x or y axis.
y+x=4 y-x=0 y+3x=2

Homework Equations



∫ top function - bottom function dx OR ∫ right function-left function dy

The Attempt at a Solution


I originally had chosed to integrate with respect to y, I solved all equations for y as follows:
y=4-x y=x y=2-3x

I set all equations equal to each other to find three intersection x values: These are
x=2, x=-2, and x=1/2


The lines y=4-x , and y=2-3x intersect at x = -1 not at x = -2.

By the way, the lines y=4-x, and y=x are perpendicular to each other, so it's easy to check the answer.
 
Thanks, I wouldn't of caught that.
So I've edited my limits of integration:
1/2
∫ ((4-x)-(2-3x)) = 4.25
-1

2
∫ ((4-x)-(x))= (7/4)
1/2

4.25-(7/4) = 2.5

Alas, I am still incorrect. Is there something else I am missing?

Thanks again.
 
MissEuropa said:
Thanks, I wouldn't of caught that.
So I've edited my limits of integration:
1/2
∫ ((4-x)-(2-3x))dx = 4.25
-1

2
∫ ((4-x)-(x))dx= (7/4)
1/2

4.25-(7/4) = 2.5

Alas, I am still incorrect. Is there something else I am missing?

Thanks again.


Be careful with your signs !

You integrations are correct in the previous post.

You are messing up when plugging in the limits of integration.
 

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