How to Approach a Complex Double Integral with Trigonometric Functions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a complex double integral involving trigonometric functions, specifically the integral of secant squared over a defined region. Participants express uncertainty about how to approach the problem and explore various methods of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss changing the order of integration and the implications of doing so, with some suggesting that it may not be helpful while others encourage it. There are questions about how to properly set the limits of integration when changing the order.

Discussion Status

Some participants have shared their attempts at changing the order of integration and provided expressions they believe to be correct. There is an ongoing exploration of the limits of integration and how to represent the region correctly. Guidance has been offered regarding the need to adjust limits when changing the order.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of difficulties with formatting and expressing mathematical notation in the forum, which may affect the clarity of shared attempts. Participants also note the importance of visualizing the region of integration.

Ithryndil
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[SOLVED] Need Help With a Double Integral

Any help on the following integral would be appreciated. I don't know where to begin at all.

[tex] \int_0^{1}\int_{arcsiny}^{\pi/2} sec^2(cosx) dxdy[/tex]

I've thought about changing the order of integration, but I don't think that will help. I am not asking someone to solve this at all, just to point me in the right direction. Thanks for any and all help.
 
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I haven't put it on paper but looks crazy.

Try changing it to cosine and then using double angle identity.
 
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I don't even know where to begin. Yes the integral of sec^2(x) is tan(x)...but you can't do that.
 
Ithryndil said:
I've thought about changing the order of integration, but I don't think that will help.

Hi Ithryndil! :smile:

erm … don't think about changing the order of integration … do it! :rolleyes:

You'll find it works! :smile:
 
Well, I did it and do you have to write to different double integrals to describe the region?
 
Hi Ithryndil! :smile:

(btw, it would help you if actually showed us what you've tried)

The chief problem in changing the order of integration is that you have to change the limits of the two integrals.

In this case, the limits are arcsiny < x < π/2 and 0 < y < 1.

You have to change this to the form f(x) < y < g(x) and a < x < b, where a and b are constants.

Hint: to find f and g, you must combine arcsiny < x with 0 < y < 1. :smile:
 
Yea, I know it would help but I had trouble last night with the coding...anyhow, when changing the order of integration I got the following which should be correct.

[tex] <br /> \int_0^{\pi/2}\int_{0}^{sinx} sec^2(cosx) dydx<br /> [/tex]

[tex] <br /> \int_0^{\pi/2} ysec^2(cosx) dx<br /> [/tex]

The integral goes from 0 to sinx and you wind up getting

[tex] <br /> \int_0^{\pi/2} sinxsec^2(cosx) dx<br /> [/tex]

Then you let u = cosx and get du = -sinxdx. From there it's a u substitution. At least, that's what I believe...Like I said, last night I was having issues with the formatting not working out for the forums and so I didn't want to try and show all of my work.

Below is the graph of the region (Or should be provided I understand this right).
 

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:biggrin: Woohoo! :biggrin:

Yes … as you see, it's just a question of changing the limits (and not panicking)!

(I assume you meant [tex]\int_0^{\pi/2} \left[ysec^2(cosx)\right]_0^{sinx} dx[/tex], but couldn't do the latex?)

If you're happy, try putting x = θ (an angle), and plotting the area with coordinates y and θ: what do you get? :smile:
 
Yea, I couldn't do the latex...so I just put the little message below it.
 
  • #10
Ithryndil said:
Yea, I couldn't do the latex...so I just put the little message below it.

Hi Ithryndil! :smile:

Yes, I thought so … if you click on QUOTE under my post, you'll be able to copy the code for it.

(And you may like to bookmark http://www.physics.udel.edu/~dubois/lshort2e/node61.html#SECTION008100000000000000000
and maybe http://www.physics.udel.edu/~dubois/lshort2e/node54.html#SECTION00830000000000000000
for more tips.)

Did you try the y,θ diagram? :smile:
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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