How Do You Determine the Limits for Surface Integrals?

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To determine the limits for surface integrals, it's essential to visualize the domain correctly, often represented as a triangle in the xy-plane. The equation z = 2 - 2x - y defines a plane, and understanding its intersections with the axes aids in sketching the projection onto the xy-plane. Using x and y as parameters is more straightforward than introducing unnecessary u and v parameters, which can lead to confusion. Correctly identifying the limits of integration is crucial, and verifying them through sketching can help ensure accuracy. Visualizing the problem effectively can significantly improve the understanding of surface integrals.
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Homework Statement


fbghnm.jpg


Homework Equations



∫∫D F((r(u,v))⋅(ru x rv) dA

The Attempt at a Solution



2zxpe0x.jpg
[/B]
I got stuck after finding the above, at where the double integrals are. :(

May I know how do I find the limits of this? (I always have trouble finding the limits to sub into the integrals. ><)

Thank you! :)
 
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You have chosen u = x and v = y. This is just like a problem you posted earlier. Draw a picture of the slanted plane in the first octant and use the triangle in the xy plane for your limits.

[Edit, added] One thing that may be causing you confusion is the use of ##u,v## parameters when they are unnecessary. You usually use those when there is a reason to change coordinate systems. In a problem like this, ##x## and ##y## are natural parameters and there is no need to use ##u## and ##v##. Just let ##x=x,~y=y,~z= 2-2x-y## and$$r(x,y)=\langle x,y,2-2x-y\rangle$$and look in the ##xy## plane for the limits.
 
Last edited:
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LCKurtz said:
You have chosen u = x and v = y. This is just like a problem you posted earlier. Draw a picture of the slanted plane in the first octant and use the triangle in the xy plane for your limits.

[Edit, added] One thing that may be causing you confusion is the use of ##u,v## parameters when they are unnecessary. You usually use those when there is a reason to change coordinate systems. In a problem like this, ##x## and ##y## are natural parameters and there is no need to use ##u## and ##v##. Just let ##x=x,~y=y,~z= 2-2x-y## and$$r(x,y)=\langle x,y,2-2x-y\rangle$$and look in the ##xy## plane for the limits.

Oh dear! Haha. I didn't realize that this question is similar to the one I have asked earlier. I am currently focusing on past year papers as my Maths exam is just 2 days away. Sigh~ I find that I always have a problem visualising the domain... because I didn't know the domain was a triangle until you told me above and after doing some look-up on Google. >< Sheesh. :(

I will take note of what you have said and try again. :) I will post back here again!
 
galaxy_twirl said:
Oh dear! Haha. I didn't realize that this question is similar to the one I have asked earlier. I am currently focusing on past year papers as my Maths exam is just 2 days away. Sigh~ I find that I always have a problem visualising the domain... because I didn't know the domain was a triangle until you told me above and after doing some look-up on Google. >< Sheesh. :(

I will take note of what you have said and try again. :) I will post back here again!

A linear equation in three variables represents a plane.

The given equation ##z = 2 - 2x - y## is a plane. Another example would be ##x + y - z = 1 \Rightarrow z = x + y - 1##.

If you want to have an easier time visualizing, then you can easily solve for the intersections. Consider the points ##(x, 0, 0), (0, y, 0), (0, 0, z)## for the plane equation in your problem.

Choosing the point ##(x, 0, 0)##, you would get ##z = 2 - 2x - y \Rightarrow x = 1##. In a similar fashion you would get ##y = 2## and ##z = 2##. Plotting these solutions on a 3D graph and connecting the dots will give you a nice visual of the plane.

This will also help you visualize the projection of the plane onto the x-y plane. Drawing this projection in the x-y plane will give you your limits for integrals.
 
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LCKurtz said:
You have chosen u = x and v = y. This is just like a problem you posted earlier. Draw a picture of the slanted plane in the first octant and use the triangle in the xy plane for your limits.

[Edit, added] One thing that may be causing you confusion is the use of ##u,v## parameters when they are unnecessary. You usually use those when there is a reason to change coordinate systems. In a problem like this, ##x## and ##y## are natural parameters and there is no need to use ##u## and ##v##. Just let ##x=x,~y=y,~z= 2-2x-y## and$$r(x,y)=\langle x,y,2-2x-y\rangle$$and look in the ##xy## plane for the limits.

I see. Thank you. My teacher changes them to r(u,v) for the chapter of surface integrals, hence I would always change it to r(u,v), though I don't know why my teacher uses the u,v coordinate system. I think I should ask him some day. Haha.

Ah yes, I got the triangle in the xy-plane as shown below:

2ypj2m9.jpg


Just wondering, how can I be very sure that I have placed the limits on my ∫ ∫ correctly? My integral equation is below:

2n19lxc.jpg


Thank you! :)
 
Last edited:
Zondrina said:
A linear equation in three variables represents a plane.

The given equation ##z = 2 - 2x - y## is a plane. Another example would be ##x + y - z = 1 \Rightarrow z = x + y - 1##.

If you want to have an easier time visualizing, then you can easily solve for the intersections. Consider the points ##(x, 0, 0), (0, y, 0), (0, 0, z)## for the plane equation in your problem.

Choosing the point ##(x, 0, 0)##, you would get ##z = 2 - 2x - y \Rightarrow x = 1##. In a similar fashion you would get ##y = 2## and ##z = 2##. Plotting these solutions on a 3D graph and connecting the dots will give you a nice visual of the plane.

This will also help you visualize the projection of the plane onto the x-y plane. Drawing this projection in the x-y plane will give you your limits for integrals.

Thanks, Zondrina! Your method is really effective! :DI think I can now at least find the intersection points of the lines on the x-y-z axes, though I feel it can be quite difficult to plot/sketch/draw a 3D figure on a 2D piece of paper.
 
galaxy_twirl said:
I see. Thank you. My teacher changes them to r(u,v) for the chapter of surface integrals, hence I would always change it to r(u,v), though I don't know why my teacher uses the u,v coordinate system. I think I should ask him some day. Haha.

Ah yes, I got the triangle in the xy-plane as shown below:

2ypj2m9.jpg


Just wondering, how can I be very sure that I have placed the limits on my ∫ ∫ correctly? My integral equation is below:

2n19lxc.jpg


Thank you! :)

Your limits are OK but I think you have u and v exchanged in the integrand. Another reason not to use u and v unnecessarily.
 
I tried integrating the above and I got the same answer as my teacher, who did it in another way:

2iu3rb6.jpg


Hence, I think both methods work (or is this my method a 'fluke'? Haha.) Thanks. :)
 
galaxy_twirl said:
I tried integrating the above

No you didn't. In post #7 you wrote the integrand as ##u-v+2##, which has the ##u## and ##v## switched as I said. Below you have the correct integrand.

I got the same answer as my teacher, who did it in another way:

2iu3rb6.jpg


Hence, I think both methods work (or is this my method a 'fluke'? Haha.) Thanks. :)
 
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LCKurtz said:
No you didn't. In post #7 you wrote the integrand as ##u-v+2##, which has the ##u## and ##v## switched as I said. Below you have the correct integrand.

I see. Haha. I think I misinterpreted your intended message. Sorry. Thanks for all your help! :D
 

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