Simplifying Complicated Trigonometric Integrals

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of solving the integral \int_{C}|y|ds, where C is a given curve. The individual explains their attempt at solving the problem using polar coordinates and provides their calculations for \frac{dx}{d\theta} and \frac{dy}{d\theta}. However, they encounter difficulties and ask for help. The other individual suggests muscling through the problem and offers a starting point for the integration process.
  • #1
ace1412
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Homework Statement



[itex]\int_{C}|y|ds[/itex] where C is the curve [itex](x^{2}+y^{2})^{2}=2^{2}(x^{2}-y^{2})[/itex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



i used polar coordinates [itex]x = r cos \theta[/itex] and [itex]y = r sin \theta[/itex]

then substituted into the equation to get [itex]r = 2\sqrt{cos 2\theta}[/itex]

since [itex]r\geq0[/itex] gives [itex]-\frac{\pi}{4}\leq \theta\leq \frac{\pi}{4}[/itex]

substituting back gives [itex]x = 2\sqrt{cos 2\theta}cos \theta[/itex] and [itex]y = 2\sqrt{cos 2\theta}sin \theta[/itex]

then i calculated [itex]\frac{dx}{d\theta}=-\frac{2sin 2\theta cos \theta}{\sqrt{cos 2\theta}}-\frac{2sin \theta}{\sqrt{cos 2\theta}}[/itex] and [itex]\frac{dy}{d\theta}=-\frac{2sin 2\theta sin \theta}{\sqrt{cos 2\theta}}+\frac{2cos \theta}{\sqrt{cos 2\theta}}[/itex]

and found [itex]ds=\sqrt{(\frac{dx}{d\theta})^{2}+(\frac{dy}{d\theta})^{2}}d\theta=(4tan 2\theta sec 2\theta+4 cos 2\theta)d\theta[/itex]

now substituting back to the integral gives [itex]8\int^{-\frac{\pi}{4}}_{\frac{\pi}{4}}\sqrt{cos 2\theta}|sin \theta|(tan 2\theta sec 2\theta+ cos 2\theta)d\theta[/itex]

which looks terribly difficult, so i inferred that i did something wrong somewhere, can someone please shed a bit of light? thanks
 
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  • #2
Why not just muscle through it? I mean suppose you had to? Could you? Start with this piece:

[tex]\int \frac{\sin(t) \sin(2t)}{(\cos(2t)^{3/2}}dt[/tex]

How about just that part? Already has the 2t thing in the top and bottom. Maybe start with parts. Keep working through it. See what happens.
 

What is a line integral problem?

A line integral problem is a type of mathematical problem that involves calculating the integral of a function along a given curve or path. It is used to find the total value of a function over a specific line or path in a two or three-dimensional space.

What is the purpose of solving line integral problems?

The purpose of solving line integral problems is to determine the overall effect of a function along a given curve or path. This can be useful in physics, engineering, and other fields where the value of a function over a specific path is important.

How do you solve a line integral problem?

To solve a line integral problem, you first need to determine the parametric equations for the given curve or path. Then, you can plug these equations into the integral formula and solve for the value. If the curve is in a three-dimensional space, you may need to use a triple integral to solve the problem.

What are the types of line integral problems?

There are two main types of line integral problems: line integrals of scalar functions and line integrals of vector fields. In the former, the value of a scalar function is integrated along a curve. In the latter, the value of a vector field is integrated along a curve.

What are some real-life applications of line integral problems?

Line integral problems have many real-life applications, including calculating work done by a force, calculating electric and magnetic fields, and finding the flow rate of a fluid. They are also used in computer graphics and image processing to blur or sharpen images along a specific path.

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