Limits of Integration for y=x^2, Bounded by x=1 and y=1, First Quadrant

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function y=x^2, bounded by the lines x=1 and y=1, specifically in the first quadrant. Participants are exploring the limits of integration for this setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss integrating by y first and x first, questioning the appropriate limits for both variables. There is confusion regarding whether the limits for x should be from 0 to √y or from 0 to 1, leading to a deeper exploration of the bounded region.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications about the bounded regions and the limits of integration. There is an ongoing examination of the problem's setup, with multiple interpretations being explored, particularly regarding the area to be calculated.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity in the problem statement regarding the specific region to be integrated, with participants highlighting the need for clarity on whether the area is bounded by y=x^2 and y=1, or by y=x^2, y=0, and x=1.

dalarev
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Homework Statement



Given y=x^2 , bounded by the line x=1 and y=1, first quadrant. Fairly simple problem.

Homework Equations



Solving for integration by y first...say, \int[\intdy]dx

The Attempt at a Solution



I have solved this problem, integrating by x first and y first. I'm having trouble with a more difficult, yet similar, problem but I feel I should get this fundamental doubt out of the way first.

Integrating by y first, we get the limits of integration from y=x^2 to y=1 . This is rather clear, looking at the graph. The x integration, however, is where I get confused. I would've thought that the limits of x would be from x=0 to x=\sqrt{y} because in reality, if you follow the graph, much like we did for the y limits, those are the boundaries x is confined to. The correct x limits, however, are from x=0 to x=1. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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Starting with y first, we describe the region as being bounded between y=x^2 and y=1, but only the part between x=0 and x=1.

If we instead start with x first, we describe the region as being bounded between x=0 and x=\sqrt{y}, but only the part between y=0 and y=1.
 
benorin said:
Starting with y first, we describe the region as being bounded between y=x^2 and y=1, but only the part between x=0 and x=1.

If we instead start with x first, we describe the region as being bounded between x=0 and x=\sqrt{y}, but only the part between y=0 and y=1.

So you mean..starting with y, we think of y as the function part, the dominating part, and x only as the boundaries. When starting with x, x is the boss, the function. y is just the limits, from here to here.
 
dalarev said:

Homework Statement



Given y=x^2 , bounded by the line x=1 and y=1, first quadrant. Fairly simple problem.
On the contrary, it is not a problem at all! I might assume that you forgot to say "find the area" but even so, there is no region bounded by y= x2, x= 1, and y= 1. There is a region bounded by y= x2 and y= 1. There is another region bounded by y= x2, y= 0, and x= 1. Which do you mean?

Homework Equations



Solving for integration by y first...say, \int[\intdy]dx

The Attempt at a Solution



I have solved this problem, integrating by x first and y first. I'm having trouble with a more difficult, yet similar, problem but I feel I should get this fundamental doubt out of the way first.

Integrating by y first, we get the limits of integration from y=x^2 to y=1 . This is rather clear, looking at the graph. The x integration, however, is where I get confused. I would've thought that the limits of x would be from x=0 to x=\sqrt{y} because in reality, if you follow the graph, much like we did for the y limits, those are the boundaries x is confined to. The correct x limits, however, are from x=0 to x=1. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
If the problem is to find the area of the region bounded by y= x2 and y= 1, by double integration, using "dy" first, so that the "outer integral" is with respect to x, remember that the limits on the outer integral must be constants. Looking at a graph of y= x2 and y= 1, x must range from -1 to 1. Now, for each x, y must range from the graph of y= x2 up to the line y= 1. Those are the limits of integration and the integral is
\int_{x^2}^1 dydx

If, however, the region is bounded by y= x2, y= 0, and x= 1, then x ranges from 0 to 1 and, for each x, y ranges from 0 to x2. In that case, the integral is
\int_0^1\int_{0}^{x^2} dydx

Now, what is the region really?
 
HallsofIvy said:
On the contrary, it is not a problem at all! I might assume that you forgot to say "find the area" but even so, there is no region bounded by y= x2, x= 1, and y= 1. There is a region bounded by y= x2 and y= 1. There is another region bounded by y= x2, y= 0, and x= 1. Which do you mean?

You're right, the problem was to find the area bounded by y=x^2 and the line y=1, in the first quadrant only.

HallsofIvy said:
If the problem is to find the area of the region bounded by y= x2 and y= 1, by double integration, using "dy" first, so that the "outer integral" is with respect to x, remember that the limits on the outer integral must be constants.

I think this just about sums up the problem. The limits on the outer integral must be constants. I suppose the problem here is that I'm not, or wasn't, convinced that that is a fact, I've never seen it stated as a rule or law. But if that's the case, that just makes it easier!

Thanks for the help.
 

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