Finding area of integration in polar?

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster is attempting to find the area of integration for a double integral that needs to be converted to polar coordinates. The integral involves limits that are not immediately clear in polar form, specifically the upper limit defined by the function sqrt(1-(x-1)^2).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of the upper limit to polar coordinates and question the correctness of the original limits. There are attempts to visualize the problem geometrically, with references to the shape represented by the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the geometric interpretation of the problem, suggesting that the upper limit corresponds to the top half of a circle. There is ongoing clarification regarding the correct polar representation, with differing opinions on the transformation of the limit.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the original limits of integration, indicating that the original poster may have deduced them independently. Participants are also reminded of forum rules regarding editing posts after responses have been made.

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Homework Statement



Im having trouble find the area of integration for this integral which i have to convert to polar:

[itex]\int_0^2 \int_0^\sqrt{1-(x-1)^2} \frac{x+y}{x^2 + y^2}[/itex] dydx

Homework Equations



x = rcosθ
y = rsinθ
r = x^2 + y^2

The Attempt at a Solution



i know exactly what to do to the integrand, i just don't understand how to turn the upper limit sqrt(1-(x-1)^2) into polar, i can't visualize it at all!

i know it eventually turns into 2cosθ but i don't understand how to get there.
 
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What is the whole question? Have you been given that double integral only? If you deduced those limits on your own, maybe you have them wrong.
 
##y=\sqrt{(1-(x-1)^2}## is the top half of the circle ##(x-1)^2+y^2=1##. Just convert that to polar coordinates and simplify it and be surprised.
 
[itex]y=\sqrt{(1-(x-1)^2}[/itex] turns into [itex]2\cos \theta[/itex].

To help you to visualize the problem, convert the Cartesian coordinate integral into its polar form (i haven't included the integrand for simplicity, but you will obviously have to convert the latter as well):
[tex]\int^{\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}}_{\theta=0} \int^{r=2\cos \theta}_{r=0} rdrd\theta[/tex]
Hence, you will realize that you need to express r in terms of [itex]\theta[/itex], which should simplify the polar conversion process.
 
Last edited:
sharks said:
[itex]y=\sqrt{(1-(x-1)^2}[/itex] actually turns into [itex]r=\sqrt{2\cos \theta}[/itex] and not [itex]2\cos \theta[/itex].

No it doesn't. Check your arithmetic.
 
LCKurtz said:
No it doesn't. Check your arithmetic.

Yes, you are correct. I had substituted r=1 somewhere in the conversion.:redface:
I've edited my previous post as well.
 
sharks said:
Yes, you are correct. I had substituted r=1 somewhere in the conversion.:redface:
I've edited my previous post as well.

Just a reminder from the rules:

NOTE: ... Once your question or problem has been responded to, do not go back and delete (or edit) your original post.
 

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