Limits for double integral over trapezoidal shape

In summary, the conversation discusses trying to determine the limits for a double integral over a symmetric trapezoid or equilateral triangle without using symmetry to simplify the integration. The conversation suggests using two double integrals, one with a function for the area of the trapezoid and another with a linear function for the height. The specific limits for the x-axis are unclear and the person seeks advice for a solution.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


I'm trying to determine the limits for a double integral over a symmetric trapezoid or equilateral triangle. I'm not trying to determine the area, and therefore using symmetry to simplify the integration is not an option. The limits for the integration over the y-axis are clearly 0-h(h being the height), and the limits for the x-axis should be a function of the base width and slope, but I'm unclear as to how they should be properly posed. advice? (should be a simple solution, but its been several years since I had to do any kind of integration).


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Well, suppose we have the line y = 0 (the x axis), We need some other function f(x) that makes another constant line and a slope down to the x axis. I can't think of a function that is constant, and then magically linear and decreasing that isn't a piecewise function. So instead, break it up into two double integrals and add them together? That way you have one part with a function g(x) representing the area of the trapezoid under the flat surface, and then another function f(x) = -Cx + D (where C and D are some constants) that you can use for the second integral as a height.
 

FAQ: Limits for double integral over trapezoidal shape

1. What is a double integral over a trapezoidal shape?

A double integral over a trapezoidal shape is a mathematical concept used in calculus to calculate the volume of a three-dimensional shape that has a trapezoidal base and varying height. It involves integrating a function over the two-dimensional region bounded by the trapezoid.

2. How do you find the limits for a double integral over a trapezoidal shape?

The limits for a double integral over a trapezoidal shape depend on the orientation of the trapezoid. If the trapezoid is aligned horizontally, the limits for the outer integral will be the y-values of the top and bottom of the trapezoid, while the inner integral will have limits corresponding to the x-values of the left and right sides. If the trapezoid is aligned vertically, the limits will be switched.

3. What is the difference between a single and a double integral over a trapezoidal shape?

A single integral over a trapezoidal shape calculates the area of the shape, while a double integral calculates the volume of the shape. A single integral has only one limit, while a double integral has two limits for each variable.

4. Can you use a double integral to find the area of a trapezoidal shape?

Yes, you can use a double integral to find the area of a trapezoidal shape. However, it will involve setting one of the limits to a constant value and performing a single integral over the remaining variable.

5. What are some real-world applications of double integrals over trapezoidal shapes?

Double integrals over trapezoidal shapes have many applications in physics, engineering, and economics. For example, they can be used to calculate the volume of a solid with a trapezoidal base, the work done by a variable force, or the average value of a function over a trapezoidal region. They are also used in image processing and computer graphics to calculate the area of a trapezoidal pixel.

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