Finding the Area of an Elliptical Region Using Integration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the area of a region bounded by the positive x-axis, the positive y-axis, and the curve defined by the equation (x^2) + [(y^2)/4] = 1. The subject area pertains to integration and geometry, specifically related to elliptical regions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use vertical and horizontal strips for integration but expresses uncertainty about the correct intervals for integration. Some participants suggest that the intervals should be from 0 to 1 for vertical strips and from 0 to 2 for horizontal strips. There is also discussion about the correct form of the equations derived from the original curve.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the setup of the problem and the equations involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the intervals for integration and the importance of understanding the underlying concepts rather than relying solely on calculators. There is acknowledgment of mistakes in the original approach, but no consensus has been reached on the final method.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem specifies the positive axes, which may influence the setup of the integrals. There is also mention of the need to consider the elliptical nature of the curve and the implications for the area calculation.

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Homework Statement


Find the area of the region bounded by the positive x-axis,
the positive y-axis and the curve:
(x^2) +[(y^2)/4] = 1
using vertical and horizontal strips.

Homework Equations


Basically I just tried to use integration to find the area, but I suspect I have made a mistake about what the interval for the integration should be.


The Attempt at a Solution


Vertical Strips -
Transposing the equation gives me: y=Sqrt[1-(x^2)]
So basically I know that the area would be the integral of this but not 100% sure between what intervals. I suspect, from a graph obtained from a graphics calculator, that is between 1 and -1.
Hence area= Integral of Sqrt[1-(x^2)] between 1 and -1.
The integral I got to be Sqrt[1-(x^2)]x + arcsin(x), from a online integration calculator. Between 1 and -1 this would give a area of Pi.

Horizontal Strips -
Transposing the equation gives me: x=Sqrt[1-[(y^2)/4])
Now the integral of this I got to be [(1/4)Sqrt(4-(y^2))].y + arcsin(y/2)
From the same graph I assume the interval for this one should be from 2 to 0. But substituting these values gives me a area of (Pi/2).

Obviously the areas need to be the same and they aren't! I'm positive that it is the intervals for integration that I am having trouble with, but where the mistake is and why I am not sure. My only guess is that becaise it says positive x and y-axis that the interval for the vertical strips should be 1 to 0, but not sure and would this approach change anything I did for the horizontal? Any help or advice would be great. Thanks guys!
 
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here is the mistake
y=Sqrt[1-(x^2)]
you forgot 4
y=4*Sqrt[1-(x^2)]
and interval is from 0 to 1
can you see why?
 
and just a recommendation: It is better to get use to find integrals by hand rather than calculator;)
 
matness said:
here is the mistake

you forgot 4
y=4*Sqrt[1-(x^2)]
and interval is from 0 to 1
can you see why?

Yeah sorry. Between 0 to 1 would make sense, as both horizontal and vertical would give me an area of (Pi/2) now, but using the same sort of approach is my horizontal method still right?
Thanks for that matness, and yeah I really should stop relying so heavily on my calculator.
 
Sorry i did a mistake also :
y=2*sqrt(1-x^2)
 
you can trust calculators but i want to say it is better doing by hand in order to learn and useful for other calculations
p.s.: Stop relying heavily what other people say:)
 
Yeah I get what you mean matness, thanks for everything mate. I just not really confident with what I do and why, like in this question. Still not sure what I did was right for the horizontal strips.
 
The equation says the curve is an ellipse.(see the image below)
if x = 0 then y = 2 or-2 so graph intersect the y-ax's at 2 and =2
if y=0 then x=1 or -1 similarly this means the graph intersects x-axis at this points
Anyway if you understood the graph no problem ? it is 1&4 of an ellipse

first of all integral means infinitesimall sum. Roughly you can either sum up the areas of horizontal strips or vertical strips .
lets look at the horizontal sum case
one side of the rectangle is dy and the other side is x which is equal to Sqrt[1-[(y^2)/4]
and you have a sum from 0 to 2 because your region is given in this way
the region bounded by the positive x-axis,
the positive y-axis and the curve:
(x^2) +[(y^2)/4] = 1
so you have
area=integral from 0 to 2 of Sqrt[1-[(y^2)/4]dy
vertical strips case is similliar

you can check your result by using area formula for ellipses.you have to find 1/4 of the area of the ellipse

p.s.what i wrote is not so formal things i just try to explain intuitively
i hope this does not make you confuse
 

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