Integrating a 2-D Function: x^2+y^2 \leq 4

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a two-dimensional function defined by the inequality x² + y² ≤ 4, specifically focusing on the integral ∫∫ y √(x² + y²) dx dy. Participants are exploring the appropriate limits of integration and the transformation to polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration and the transformation to polar coordinates, questioning the interpretation of the region defined by the inequality. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between Cartesian and polar coordinates, particularly regarding the variables r and θ.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the geometry of the region and the implications for integration limits. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct expression of the integrand in polar coordinates, but no consensus has been reached on the final steps or outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of the problem, including the requirement that x and y are non-negative, which limits the integration to the first quadrant. There is also mention of potential semantic issues in the notation used during the discussion.

the_godfather
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Homework Statement



[tex]\int\int[/tex] y [tex]\sqrt{x^2+y^2}[/tex]dx dy

Homework Equations



x[tex]\geq[/tex] 0, y[tex]\geq[/tex] 0, x^2+y^2 [tex]\leq[/tex] 4

The Attempt at a Solution



first of all, what are the limits of integration

rearranging x^2+y^2 [tex]\leq[/tex] 4 you get x = 2 - y
this would be my limit of integration for the inner integral yes?

the limits for the outer integral cannot be a function so this would go between 2 and 0?

when the first integration is performed can the square root and y be multiplied out to give

yx + y^2 or is it a case of integrating by parts/substitution?
 
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Ok first off, I think you should understand what the region is a little better. So,
[tex]\left[x^2+y^2\leq4\right] \neq \left[x=2-y\right][/tex] that's just a simple algebra error (I assume when you took the square root you just applied it individually to 4 and y, but you can't do that!).

So, then, what does that region describe? Start off by thinking about the similar bound,
[tex]x^2+y^2=4[/tex]
any idea what that is? And if you do know what it is, what kind of coordinates are very convenient for describing that kind of geometry? :wink:
 
but if you use polar co-ordinates you don't have a value for theta

r = x^2 + y^2
=4
also how can the y part be obtained?

theta = arc tan (y/x)
this bit confused me

edit: theta can be obtained from what we know that x and y > 0. therefore theta = pi/2
 
Last edited:
Your region is not described by r = 2; it is described by 0 <= r <= 2. And theta certainly does play a role.
 
Last edited:
Probably a semantics issue, but you shouldn't say theta equals anything. Theta has a range, just like Mark44 notes that r has a range, and is not simply one value.

Although, r goes from 0 to 2, not 0 to 4.
 
yes it is a semantic issue.
what i have written on paper is different to my typing. just a bad habit to always press equals on a computer.
what is my next step?

i think once i get the limits sorted i will be fine

the limits are 0<r<2
0<=theta<=pi/2

can the y factor be expressed as r sin theta?
 
the_godfather said:
yes it is a semantic issue.
what i have written on paper is different to my typing. just a bad habit to always press equals on a computer.
what is my next step?

i think once i get the limits sorted i will be fine

the limits are 0<r<2
0<=theta<=pi/2
This is only 1/4 of the way around.
the_godfather said:
can the y factor be expressed as r sin theta?
Yes, but what about the rest of the integrand, and what does dx dy become?
 
x and y are both > or = 0. which to me implies only a quarter way around

dx and dy will become dr and d(theta)

[tex]\int[/tex] theta 0 [tex]\int[/tex]2 0 2r sin theta r dr d(theta)
 
You're right that theta ranges between 0 and pi/2. You put your inequalities x>=0 and y>=0 in the relevant equations rather than in the problem statement, and I missed them.

Your integrand should not have 2r; the original integrand of y*sqrt(x^2 + y^2) becomes r*rsin(theta) = r^2*sin(theta). There is also the factor of r from r dr d(theta), which you correctly show.

Your iterated integral should look like this:
[tex]\int_{\theta = 0}^{\pi/2}~\int_{r = 0}^2 r^3~sin(\theta)~dr~d\theta[/tex]
 
  • #10
so i should get an answer of 4?
 
  • #11
the_godfather said:
so i should get an answer of 4?
Yep.
 

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