Finding Area by an Iterated Integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area of a region bounded by the graphs of the functions f(x) = sin(x) and g(x) = cos(x) between the limits x = π/4 and x = 5π/4 using iterated integrals. Participants are exploring different approaches to set up the problem, particularly focusing on using both vertical and horizontal representative rectangles.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant successfully computes the area using a vertical rectangle but struggles with the horizontal rectangle setup, questioning whether to define the bounds as functions of y.
  • Another participant suggests considering the trigonometric functions as functions of y, expressing uncertainty about this approach.
  • Several participants discuss the need to split the area into sections when using horizontal rectangles and contemplate the appropriate bounds for integration.
  • There is a mention of using symmetry to simplify the calculation by focusing on the top half of the area.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and suggestions for setting up the integrals. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for multiple integrals and the correct form for horizontal integration. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final approach or setup yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential confusion regarding the bounds of integration and the correct interpretation of the problem statement. There is also a mention of needing to visualize the problem through sketches to aid in understanding the setup.

_N3WTON_
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Homework Statement


Use an iterated integral to find the area of the region bounded by the graphs of:
[itex]f(x) = sin(x)[/itex]
[itex]g(x) = cos(x)[/itex]
between:
[itex]x = \frac{\pi}{4} and x = \frac{5\pi}{4}[/itex]
Find two solutions, one using a vertical representative rectangle and another using a horizontal representative rectangle.

Homework Equations


Definite Integral Equation

The Attempt at a Solution


I had no issue finding the solution using the vertical representative rectangle, here is my solution:
[itex]A = \int_{\frac{\pi}{4}}^{\frac{5\pi}{4}} \int_{cos(x)}^{sin(x)} dy dx[/itex]
[itex]A = \int_{\frac{\pi}{4}}^{\frac{5\pi}{4}} (sin(x) - cos(x)) dx[/itex]
[itex]A = 2\sqrt{2}[/itex]
The problem I am having is trying to solve this problem using a horizontal representative rectangle. I understand that the solution will be the same, but I can't even seem to set up the problem properly. Would I have to define the two fractions:
[itex]\frac{\pi}{4} and \frac{5\pi}{4}[/itex]
as functions of y and then make the trigonometric functions constant and then integrate?
 
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Another idea I had was to make the two trigonometric functions functions of 'y' instead of 'x', but I do not know if that is the right approach...
 
Re problem statement: Do you mean between ##x = \frac{\pi}{4}## and ## {\bf x} = \frac{5\pi}{4}## ? I really can't see y = 5/4 ##\pi## as a sensible bound...

Re horizontal rectangles: If I make a drawing (you should do so too!) and give it a quarter turn, it looks as if I need to split up in three pieces: one from y = 1 to ##\cos{\pi \over 4}##, one from there to ##\cos{5\pi \over 4}## and one from there to -1. bounds on x are then ## \arcsin y## and ##\pi -\arcsin y## for the first, etc.
 
BvU said:
Re problem statement: Do you mean between ##x = \frac{\pi}{4}## and ## {\bf x} = \frac{5\pi}{4}## ? I really can't see y = 5/4 ##\pi## as a sensible bound...

Re horizontal rectangles: If I make a drawing (you should do so too!) and give it a quarter turn, it looks as if I need to split up in three pieces: one from y = 1 to ##\cos{\pi \over 4}##, one from there to ##\cos{5\pi \over 4}## and one from there to -1. bounds on x are then ## \arcsin y## and ##\pi -\arcsin y## for the first, etc.
wow I'm sorry, I messed up entering the equations, it should be
[itex]x = \frac{5\pi}{4}[/itex]
 
BvU said:
Re problem statement: Do you mean between ##x = \frac{\pi}{4}## and ## {\bf x} = \frac{5\pi}{4}## ? I really can't see y = 5/4 ##\pi## as a sensible bound...

Re horizontal rectangles: If I make a drawing (you should do so too!) and give it a quarter turn, it looks as if I need to split up in three pieces: one from y = 1 to ##\cos{\pi \over 4}##, one from there to ##\cos{5\pi \over 4}## and one from there to -1. bounds on x are then ## \arcsin y## and ##\pi -\arcsin y## for the first, etc.
ok, so the integral would end up looking something like:
[itex]A = \int_{\cos\frac{pi}{4}}^{\cos\frac{5\pi}{4}} \int_{arcsin(y)}^{{\pi}-arcsin(y)} dx dy[/itex]
or would I need to make 3 separate integrals?
 
_N3WTON_ said:
ok, so the integral would end up looking something like:
[itex]A = \int_{\cos\frac{pi}{4}}^{\cos\frac{5\pi}{4}} \int_{arcsin(y)}^{{\pi}-arcsin(y)} dx dy[/itex]
or would I need to make 3 separate integrals?

You need three integrals but you can just do the top half with two integrals and double the answer using symmetry. But remember that using a horizontal "##dy##" element your integral must have the form$$
\int_{y_{smallest}}^{y_{largest}}~x_{right}- x_{left}~dy$$And you can read the ##y## limits from your graph.

I notice that you are giving your answers as double integrals, which has the same effect once you work out the inner integral.
 
LCKurtz said:
I notice that you are giving your answers as double integrals, which has the same effect once you work out the inner integral.
yes, a double integral is just a definite integral with an integral in the integrand, no?
 
LCKurtz said:
You need three integrals but you can just do the top half with two integrals and double the answer using symmetry. But remember that using a horizontal "##dy##" element your integral must have the form$$
\int_{y_{smallest}}^{y_{largest}}~x_{right}- x_{left}~dy$$And you can read the ##y## limits from your graph.
Thank you, I've done enough calc for one night but ill give this a shot tomorrow and post my solution
 

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