Finding Volume Using Triple Integrals with Non-Standard Limits

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the volume of a region in the first octant, bounded above by the surface defined by z=4-x²-y and below by the plane z=3. The correct volume is determined using the double integral method, yielding a volume of 4/15. The participants clarify the integration limits and the necessity of adjusting the region of integration, specifically identifying the intersection of the surfaces to define the area in the XY plane accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triple integrals in calculus
  • Familiarity with double integrals and their applications
  • Knowledge of the first octant in three-dimensional space
  • Ability to analyze and sketch surfaces and their intersections
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of setting up triple integrals with non-standard limits
  • Learn how to find intersections of surfaces in three-dimensional space
  • Practice calculating volumes using double integrals in various coordinate systems
  • Explore applications of triple integrals in physics and engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on multivariable calculus, as well as professionals in fields requiring volumetric calculations in three-dimensional space.

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Homework Statement


Find the volume of the region in the 1st octant bounded above by the surface z=4-x^2-y and below by the plane z=3.
Answer = 4/15

Homework Equations


V = [tex]\int\int\int dV[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm having trouble determining the upper and lower z limits.
I partly don't understand what to do, is the function z=3 or z=4-x^2-y that I am integrating.

[tex]\int_0^2 \int_0^{4-x^{2}} \int_0^3 \left (1) \right dz.dy.dx[/tex]
skipping the tedious integration working out.
V=16 which is not the right answer.

I just realized my diagram is wrong, as I drew it as a parabola concave down in the wrong plane.
I've written the new integral as
[tex]\int_0^2 \int_0^{4-x^{2}} \int_0^{3} \left (4-x^2-y) \right dz.dy.dx[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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IMHO, this problem is easier with a double integral:

[tex]V = \iint_{\mathcal{D}} (z_2(x, y) - z_1(x, y))dA[/tex]​

where [tex]z_2(x, y) - z_1(x, y)[/tex] is the surface which is on top minus the surface which bounds the volume from below. That is, [tex]z_2(x, y) - z_1(x, y) = 4 - x^2 - y - 3 = 1 - x^2 - y[/tex]. The region of integration [tex]\mathcal{D}[/tex] is what the intersection of the two surfaces projects onto the first quadrant of the XY plane. That is, we set the z's of the two surfaces equal:

[tex]z_2(x, y) = z_1(x, y) \Rightarrow y = 1 - x^2[/tex]​

so the region bounded by [tex]x = 0[/tex], [tex]y = 0[/tex] and the graph of the function [tex]y = 1 - x^2[/tex].

[tex]\mathcal{D} \equiv \{(x, y) \in \mathbb{R}^2: x \geq 0,~ 0 \leq y \leq 1 - x^2 \}.[/tex]​

So, we have

[tex]V = \iint_{\mathcal{D}} (z_2(x, y) - z_1(x, y))dydx = \int_0^1 \int_0^{1 - x^2} (1 - x^2 - y) dydx[/tex]​

This integral is easy - I haven't done it, but I checked with my calculator and indeed, it does yield the answer you gave.

Good luck!

PS: If you notice, you can easily carry over to a triple integral, by adding an extra integral in [tex]z[/tex], with a lower limit of [tex]z = 3[/tex] and an upper limit of [tex]z = 4 - x^2 - y[/tex], and leaving rest of the double integral as it is. So,

[tex]V = \iiint_{\mathcal{V}} dzdydx = \int_0^1 \int_0^{1 - x^2} \int_3^{4 - x^2 - y} dzdydx[/tex]​

and you get the same double integral when performing the first integration in [tex]z[/tex].
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the help. I was wondering where I was going wrong, it was my x and y limits which I forgot to change. I'm not used to getting this type of question i.e where z=3.
 

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