How Do You Calculate the Area of the Upper Crescent in Polar Coordinates?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the area of the upper crescent of a polar curve defined by the equation r² = a + sin(θ), with a specified value of a = 2. Participants are exploring methods to analytically determine this area, referencing graphical representations and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of integration over specific limits for θ and r, with some suggesting the need to analyze the maximum and minimum values of r. There is also a mention of using cylindrical coordinates, though some express uncertainty about this approach.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various attempts to clarify the integration limits and the functions to be used. Some participants provide numerical approximations based on graphical analysis, while others question the appropriateness of certain methods and suggest alternative functions for plotting.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the participants' familiarity with cylindrical coordinates, as some indicate they have not encountered them in their studies. The discussion also reflects uncertainty regarding the correct setup for integration in polar coordinates.

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I am asked to consider the following graph:

r2=a+sin(θ), where a=2

I have a picture of this plot, which I have attached,

We are asked to find the area of the upper 'cresent' of the curve, contained at the top

How would I go about calculating that?

I've found that if I plot r=√(2+sinθ) and r=-√(2+sinθ) that this gives me the separate graphs individually, and that if I integrate from 0-π on the first one, then integrate from π-2π on the second one, if i subtract, i get the correct answer geometrically, using my graphing programme, but i don't know how to do this analytically? (i have attached another image to show the to sections - its the blue section i need)

Any help would be vastly appreciated, thank you
 

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From my graphing programme, I've found the area should be 4.06-2.139 = 1.921 approximately, if this helps anyone?
 
I think your going to have to use cylindrical coordinates. From the graph it's evident that the limits of theta would be 0 to pi. The limits of r would be sqrt(2) to sqrt(3) (if your confused about how did I get these limits try finding the max and min values of r by playing around with the theta value).
 
I get where you have your limits by maximising sin in the range of 0-pi, giving r^2= 2 or 3... I've never done cylindrical coordinates before? We've never encountered them in lessons yet. Worrying
 
Never mind then lol. I know its definitely not cylindrical coordinates. Though.
 
Is there any reason you are plotting [itex]r = -\sqrt{2+sinθ}[/itex]? It would be easier if you use [itex]r = \sqrt{2-sinθ}[/itex]. It plots the same circle but the intersecting points are coincident. The you could simply integrate

[itex]∫\frac{1}{2}((2+sinθ)-(2-sinθ))[/itex]dθ

Since these two curves have the same period and starting point you can integrate from 0 to ∏
 

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