Finding the area between 3 curves

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area between three curves defined by the functions fx=3x^3-3x, gx=3x, and hx=9-x. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the boundaries and the method to approach the problem involving multiple curves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest drawing a picture to visualize the region and finding intersection points of the curves. There is mention of breaking the area into separate integrals based on these points. Some participants question the setup and the calculations involved in determining the area.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided guidance on finding intersection points and suggested methods for setting up integrals to calculate the area. There is ongoing exploration of the correct boundaries and the interpretation of results, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster's textbook lacking examples similar to this problem, which may contribute to their confusion. Additionally, participants discuss the importance of using exact values versus approximate values in their calculations.

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fx=3x^3-3x, gx=3x, and hx=9-x. Find the area

I kown top - bottom and right - left. but in here i am not sure what to do and what the boundaries are. can some one show me the work how to do this problem? i am kinda confuse how to do this kind of problem with 3 curves. THANK YOU!
 
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Did you draw a picture? The region looks like a triangle, but the side formed by 3x^3-3x is curved. I would start by fining the verticies of the triangle... or the points where these lines intersect.

So we need to solve 3 systems of equations. Once you have done that you can divide the region into a true triangle and a curved slice. Find the areas of each separately.
 
sorry still don't know what to do. my book doesn't have any examples like this question
 
Look at this image:

4059633926_f5e8fc5039_m.jpg


First find the points where the graph intersects to form the triangle by solving these three systems of equations:

System 1
y=3x^3-3x
y=3x

A(x,y) =

System 2
y=3x^3-3x
y=9-x

B(x,y) =

System 3
y=9-x
y=3x

C(x,y) =

Now you can break it into two differences of integrals.

One from A to B and another from B to C.
 
ok i graphed and i found the 3 points. A:(1.4142,4.2426) B:(1.5958,7.4042) C:(2.25,6.75)
so when u say break it into 2 parts you mean (∫1.5958 on top, 1.4142 bottom (9-x)-(3x) dx)? am i heading to the right direction? if i am i don't know how to get the other part
 
The first integral will be:

\int_{x_1}^{x_2}(x^3-3x) -\int_{x_1}^{x_2}3x

Where x1 and x2 are the x values from the points A and B. then add that to the 2nd integral:

\int_{x_2}^{x_3}(9-x) -\int_{x_2}^{x_3}3x

Where x2 and x3 are the x values from the points B and C.

Don't just take my word for it! Make certian you understand *why* --think about the region each integral represents, shade in the graph if needed.

The values you found look reasonable, but it looks like you used a graphing calculator? If I were teaching this course I'd want an exact value in radicals. Just check that your prof. is OK with aprox. values.
 
HA. i see. and to get the exact radical you just set 9-x=3x^3-3x to get B and so on right? thank you so much btw
 
Yup. You'll get 3 solutions for that since the graphs intersect 3 times. Just pick the one with the largest value...
 
oops wait a minute why do i get a negative value when i do ∫ x^3-3x? and the bonds are 1.5958 and 1.4142 right? shoulden't they all be positive?

nvm my mistake
 
Last edited:
  • #10
They should all be positive.
 

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