Having trouble with double integrals in polar coordinates?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding double integrals in polar coordinates, specifically focusing on determining the radius "r" and setting up iterated integrals for a given problem involving polar equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to find the radius "r" in polar coordinates, with some suggesting the need for specific equations to clarify the approach. There are inquiries about the steps involved in determining bounds for "r" and "t" in the context of a homework problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and suggestions regarding the setup of the problem. Some guidance has been offered on converting polar equations to parametric forms, but there is no explicit consensus on the lower bound for "r".

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the context of the problem and the specific steps needed to find the bounds for "r". There is mention of homework constraints and the need for clarity in the equations provided.

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I'm having trouble figuring out how to find what "r" is. I know r is the radius, but how do I go about finding it? Like what do I look for in a particular problem?
 
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Maybe if you gave the equation you'd get something more definite. But for polar coordinates what i'd do personally is convert it to a set of parametric equations and integrate those separately with respect to the parameter.

R is usually given by a polar equation, I'm not quite sure what you're asking.
 
Last edited:
@gordonj005: I mean I'm confused as to what steps to take to find the radius, r.
 
again it would be helpful if you gave the context. the radius is just the distance from the origin. where do the double integrals fit in?
 
Okay here is a problem from my homework, and I'm stuck on finding the lower bound for r:

Graph r=1/(9cos(t)) for -∏/2≤t≤∏/2 and r=1. Then write an iterated integral in polar coordinates representing the area inside the curve r=1 and to the right of r=1/(9cost) . (Use t for theta in your work.)

I got the bounds for t -arccos(1/9) ≤t≤ arccos(1/9) and I have the upper bound for r to be 1, but I can't get the lower bound, any ideas?

Thank you
 
sorry, just to clarify.. r = \frac{1}{9 \cos{t}} for -\pi \le t \le \frac{\pi}{2} and r = 1 right?

For the lower bound on r, I believe it is \frac{-1}{9}, but I'm not entirely sure about that, maybe someone else can look at this.

In terms of the iterated integral here's a few tips:
x = r \cos{t}
y = r \sin{t}
dA = r dr dt

and you're integrating a function of the form f(x, y).
 
would you mind? can you please ans this... please find the polar form of 1/4i also the 1/z? please
 

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