Region of Cone in Cylindrical Coordinates: Wondering

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SUMMARY

The region defined by the set \( D=\{(x, y, z) \mid \sqrt{x^2+y^2}\leq z\leq 1\} \) represents a cone capped at \( z=1 \). This cone exhibits rotational symmetry around the z-axis, making cylindrical coordinates the optimal choice for integration over this region. Utilizing cylindrical coordinates simplifies the integration process by reducing the number of variables involved, particularly when dealing with inequalities related to \( x^2+y^2 \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cylindrical coordinates in multivariable calculus
  • Familiarity with the concept of rotational symmetry
  • Basic knowledge of integrals and inequalities in three-dimensional space
  • Ability to manipulate and interpret mathematical expressions involving \( x, y, z \)
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  • Explore examples of integrating over conical regions in cylindrical coordinates
  • Learn about the differences between cylindrical and spherical coordinates
  • Investigate the implications of rotational symmetry in multivariable calculus
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Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus, multivariable functions, and integration techniques. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to understand the application of cylindrical coordinates in geometric contexts.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

Which region does the set $D=\{(x, y, z) \mid \sqrt{x^2+y^2}\leq z\leq 1\}$ represent?

The surface $z= \sqrt{x^2+y^2}$ is a cone, or not? But why when we want to calculate an integral over $D$ we use cylindrical coordinates? (Wondering)
 
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mathmari said:
Hey! :o

Which region does the set $D=\{(x, y, z) \mid \sqrt{x^2+y^2}\leq z\leq 1\}$ represent?

The surface $z= \sqrt{x^2+y^2}$ is a cone, or not? But why when we want to calculate an integral over $D$ we use cylindrical coordinates? (Wondering)

Hey mathmari!

Yep. It's a cone up to z=1. (Nod)

It has rotational symmetry around the z-axis, but not around any other axis.
That makes it a prime candidate for cylindrical coordinates, and not for spherical coordinates.
More specifically, if we substitute $\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}$, we have one variable less to deal with, which is only the case in cylindrical coordinates. (Nerd)
 
I like Serena said:
It has rotational symmetry around the z-axis, but not around any other axis.

What do you mean? I got stuck right now. (Wondering)
 
mathmari said:
What do you mean? I got stuck right now. (Wondering)

Isn't a cone round?
Doesn't it map to itself when we rotate it around the z-axis?
 
I like Serena said:
Isn't a cone round?
Doesn't it map to itself when we rotate it around the z-axis?

Yes.

We have the following:

View attachment 7420
 

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mathmari said:
Yes.

We have the following:

Yep. (Nod)

It means that when we integrate over $D$, the integrals will generally be easier.
We should probably look at an example to see why that is exactly. (Thinking)
 
I like Serena said:
Yep. (Nod)

It means that when we integrate over $D$, the integrals will generally be easier.

So, to use the cylindrical coordinates it is not necessary to have a cylinder as the region $D$ ? (Wondering)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
mathmari said:
So, to use the spherical coordinates it is not necessary to have a cylinder as the region $D$ ? (Wondering)

Indeed.
Just like we don't need a cuboid to integrate in cartesian coordinates. (Thinking)
 
I like Serena said:
Indeed.
Just like we don't need a cuboid to integrate in cartesian coordinates. (Thinking)

Ah ok. Do we use the cylindrical coordinates when we have an inequality for $x^2+y^2$ and the spherical coordinates when we have an inequality for $x^2+y^2+z^2$ ? (Wondering)
 
  • #10
mathmari said:
Ah ok. Do we use the cylindrical coordinates when we have an inequality for $x^2+y^2$ and the spherical coordinates when we have an inequality for $x^2+y^2+z^2$ ? (Wondering)

Yes.
It usually makes the integration a lot easier. (Mmm)
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
Yes.
It usually makes the integration a lot easier. (Mmm)

Ah ok! Thank you so much! (Yes)
 

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