Iterated Integral in Polar Coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating an iterated integral by converting it to polar coordinates. Participants explore the conversion process, limits of integration, and the application of u-substitution in the context of calculus, specifically focusing on the integral's evaluation and the discrepancies between different results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an iterated integral and attempts to convert it to polar coordinates, proposing limits based on a graphical interpretation.
  • Another participant provides a detailed evaluation of the integral using polar coordinates, arriving at a result of 2/3, which contrasts with the first participant's result of 4/5.
  • Multiple participants discuss the implications of a u-substitution, noting the importance of including the negative sign in the integrand, which leads to further clarification of the limits of integration.
  • There is a reiteration of the evaluation process, emphasizing the transformation of limits when changing variables from θ to u.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for the detailed explanations provided by others, indicating a desire for thoroughness in responses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct value of the integral, as one participant claims 4/5 while others assert the answer is 2/3. The discussion includes various interpretations and methods, indicating multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions made during the conversion to polar coordinates and the application of u-substitution, particularly concerning the treatment of limits and the negative sign in the integrand.

harpazo
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Evaluate the iterated integral by converting to polar coordinates.

Let S S = interated integral symbol

S S xy dy dx

The inner integral limits are 0 to sqrt{2x - x^2}.

The outer integral limits are 0 to 2.

Solution:

I first decided to rewrite sqrt{2x - x^2} in polar form.

So, sqrt{2x - x^2} in polar form is r = 2cos(theta).

I then graphed sqrt{2x - x^2}.

From the graph, I determined that the limits of integration are follows:

r = 0 to 2cos(theta)

theta = 0 to pi/2

After working out the math, my answer is 4/5.

The textbook's answer is 2/3.

Help...
 
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$$I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\int_0^{2\cos(\theta)} r^3\,dr\,d\theta$$

$$I=\frac{1}{4}\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\left(\left.r^4\right|_0^{2\cos(\theta)}\right)\,d\theta$$

$$I=4\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos^5(\theta)\,d\theta$$

Let:

$$u=\cos(\theta)\implies du=-\sin(\theta)\,d\theta$$

$$I=4\int_0^1 u^5\,du=\frac{4}{6}\left(\left.u^6\right|_0^1\right)=\frac{2}{3}$$

In the future, please don't begin a new thread to continue working on a problem you have previously posted. :D
 
MarkFL said:
$$I=\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\int_0^{2\cos(\theta)} r^3\,dr\,d\theta$$

$$I=\frac{1}{4}\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)\left(\left.r^4\right|_0^{2\cos(\theta)}\right)\,d\theta$$

$$I=4\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos^5(\theta)\,d\theta$$

Let:

$$u=\cos(\theta)\implies du=-\sin(\theta)\,d\theta$$

$$I=4\int_0^1 u^5\,du=\frac{4}{6}\left(\left.u^6\right|_0^1\right)=\frac{2}{3}$$

In the future, please don't begin a new thread to continue working on a problem you have previously posted. :D

When you did a u-sub, du = - sin(theta)d(theta).

What happened to the negative sign?

You did not include the negative sign in the integrand.
 
Harpazo said:
When you did a u-sub, du = - sin(theta)d(theta).

What happened to the negative sign?

You did not include the negative sign in the integrand.

This is what I did more fully explained...let's begin at this point:

$$I=4\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos^5(\theta)\,d\theta$$

Let:

$$u=\cos(\theta)\implies du=-\sin(\theta)\,d\theta$$

Okay, we may write:

$$I=-4\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \cos^5(\theta)(-\sin(\theta))\,d\theta$$

Now, the limits of integration are in terms of $\theta$, but we want them now in terms of $u$, so we use:

$$u(\theta)=\cos(\theta)$$

And so:

$$u(0)=\cos(0)=1$$

$$u\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=0$$

And so after rewriting the integral in terms of $u$, we have:

$$I=-4\int_1^0 u^5\,du$$

Now, using the rule (which follows immediately from the anti-derivative form of the FTOC):

$$\int_a^b f(x)\,dx=-\int_b^a f(x)\,dx$$

We now have:

$$I=4\int_0^1 u^5\,du$$

$$I=4\int_0^1 u^5\,du=\frac{4}{6}\left(\left.u^6\right|_0^1\right)=\frac{2}{3}$$
 
MarkFL said:
This is what I did more fully explained...let's begin at this point:

$$I=4\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \sin(\theta)\cos^5(\theta)\,d\theta$$

Let:

$$u=\cos(\theta)\implies du=-\sin(\theta)\,d\theta$$

Okay, we may write:

$$I=-4\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \cos^5(\theta)(-\sin(\theta))\,d\theta$$

Now, the limits of integration are in terms of $\theta$, but we want them now in terms of $u$, so we use:

$$u(\theta)=\cos(\theta)$$

And so:

$$u(0)=\cos(0)=1$$

$$u\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=0$$

And so after rewriting the integral in terms of $u$, we have:

$$I=-4\int_1^0 u^5\,du$$

Now, using the rule (which follows immediately from the anti-derivative form of the FTOC):

$$\int_a^b f(x)\,dx=-\int_b^a f(x)\,dx$$

We now have:

$$I=4\int_0^1 u^5\,du$$

$$I=4\int_0^1 u^5\,du=\frac{4}{6}\left(\left.u^6\right|_0^1\right)=\frac{2}{3}$$

Thanks. Your reply to each question is interestingly unique and detailed. This is what I seek from every person here. I am learning calculus 3 on my own. I am not a student. Your detailed answers are wonderful and helpful.
 

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