On changing the order of integration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of changing the order of integration in a double integral involving a function f(x,y). The original integral is presented as an example, and participants are exploring the implications of reversing the order of integration, specifically in the context of the limits defined by the function sin(x).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of reversing the order of integration, questioning the correctness of their limits and the interpretation of the region of integration. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the limits correspond correctly to the defined area under consideration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided corrections to the original integral setup, noting discrepancies in the limits of integration. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these corrections, with participants acknowledging the need for clarity in the definitions of the integration bounds.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the constraints of the arcsine function and its impact on the limits of integration. There is a recognition that the region of integration must be accurately represented when changing the order of integration, and some participants express uncertainty about how to adjust the limits accordingly.

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Homework Statement



This is a more general question, but I want to be sure I understand something here.

Take any function f(x,y) and say you're doing a double integral, like this:

[tex]\int^{\pi}_{\pi/2}\int^{sinx}_{\pi/2}f(x,y)dydx[/tex]

So I want to reverse the order of integration. The x-coordinate interval is π/2 to π, and the y-interval is 0 to sinx.

So that means that x=arcsin y. and the interval in those terms starts at 1. Am I correct so far?

If I switch the order of integration I have to put the y interval on the outside. But since the y interval is in terms of x I have to change that. On this curve y is between 0 and 1. So I should make the outer integral from 1 to 0 since we were originally starting at π/2.

The inner integral is therefore π/2 to arcsin y.

And when you re-order the integral you should get

[tex]\int^{1}_{0}\int^{sin^{-1}}_{\pi/2}f(x,y)dxdy[/tex]


But I know this is wrong and I am trying to make sure I understand why that is.

Any assistance is appreciated, as always.
 
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Emspak said:

Homework Statement



This is a more general question, but I want to be sure I understand something here.

Take any function f(x,y) and say you're doing a double integral, like this:

[tex]\int^{\pi}_{\pi/2}\int^{sinx}_{\pi/2}f(x,y)dydx[/tex]

So I want to reverse the order of integration. The x-coordinate interval is π/2 to π, and the y-interval is 0 to sinx.
Did you mean this integral?
$$\int^{\pi}_{\pi/2}\int^{sinx}_0f(x,y)dydx $$
This is what you described, below.
Emspak said:
So that means that x=arcsin y. and the interval in those terms starts at 1. Am I correct so far?

If I switch the order of integration I have to put the y interval on the outside. But since the y interval is in terms of x I have to change that. On this curve y is between 0 and 1. So I should make the outer integral from 1 to 0 since we were originally starting at π/2.

The inner integral is therefore π/2 to arcsin y.

And when you re-order the integral you should get

[tex]\int^{1}_{0}\int^{sin^{-1}}_{\pi/2}f(x,y)dxdy[/tex]

But I know this is wrong and I am trying to make sure I understand why that is.
For one thing, sin-1 can't be one of the limits of integration. sin-1(y) would be OK, though.

Assuming your first integral is as I corrected it, with the region of integration being bounded by the x-axis and y = sin(x), and between x = ##\pi/2## and ##\pi##, the integral in reversed order would be
$$ \int_{y = 0}^1 \int_{x = \pi/2}^{sin^{-1}(y)}~f(x, y)~dx~dy$$
Emspak said:
Any assistance is appreciated, as always.
 
Yes, the correction you made was right (my inexpertise with itex entries. Oh well).

In any case, it seems i had my reasoning correct, even if my typing skills were off. So that's good to know.

Thanks Mark 44.
 
Emspak said:
Yes, the correction you made was right (my inexpertise with itex entries. Oh well).

In any case, it seems i had my reasoning correct, even if my typing skills were off. So that's good to know.

Thanks Mark 44.
I don't think all is right with the results.

If the original integral is ##\displaystyle \ \int^{\pi}_{\pi/2}\int^{sinx}_0f(x,y)dydx \,,\ ## then the region of integration satisfies the inequalies:
0 < y < sin(x) and π/2 < x < π .
I.e. It's the region above the x-axis and below y = sin(x) that is to the right of x = π/2 and to the left of x = π .

The region of integration for the integral, ##\displaystyle \ \int_{y = 0}^1 \int_{x = \pi/2}^{sin^{-1}(y)}~f(x, y)~dx~dy \ ## is different because of the range of the arcsine function.
-π/2 ≤ arcsin(u) ≤ π/2



The upper limit of integration for the inner integral needs to be modified if the region of integration is to be to the right of x = π/2 .
 
That wold mean that all I'd have to do tho, is subtract π from the arcsin function, no? So the range would be -π/2 to sin-1(y)?
 
Last edited:

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