Setting up a double integral to find the volume

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves setting up a double integral to find the volume of a solid bounded by the equation x² + y² + z² = r², which represents a sphere. Participants are exploring how to approach the integration given the presence of three variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the difficulty of dealing with three variables and the need to express z in terms of x and y. There are questions about recognizing the shape of the solid and the implications of symmetry. Some suggest starting with specific values for z, x, and y to simplify the problem.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of how to set up the integral correctly, with some participants suggesting the use of polar coordinates and others confirming the identification of the solid as a sphere. Guidance has been offered regarding the setup of the integral and the potential use of symmetry.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the requirement to set up a double integral rather than a triple integral, which influences their approach to the problem. There is also mention of the constant r and its role in the equation.

ahmetbaba
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Set up and evaluate a double integral to find the volume of the solid bounded by the graphs of the equation

x2+y2+z2=r2



Homework Equations


Not much equations, just setting the integral up, however I have no idea.


The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to approach these problems if there were only 2 variables, but I'm kind of stuck since there are three variables that I have to deal with.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ahmetbaba said:

Homework Statement



Set up and evaluate a double integral to find the volume of the solid bounded by the graphs of the equation

x2+y2+z2=r2



Homework Equations


Not much equations, just setting the integral up, however I have no idea.


The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to approach these problems if there were only 2 variables, but I'm kind of stuck since there are three variables that I have to deal with.

Then solve the equation for z, giving one or more functions of two variables.

Is there any obvious symmetry you can use?
 
how can you solve the equation for z, even then there will be r^2. Help me out with the beginning here please.
 
ahmetbaba said:
how can you solve the equation for z, even then there will be r^2. Help me out with the beginning here please.

r is just a constant. Do you recognize what the graph of this is?
 
do we approach this problem by first saying z=o, then x=o and y=o, integrating all three equations. However the question says to set up a double integration, not a triple integration?
 
ahmetbaba said:
do we approach this problem by first saying z=o, then x=o and y=o, integrating all three equations. However the question says to set up a double integration, not a triple integration?

No, you don't do that. So I will ask you again:

1. Do you recognize what this surface is?
2. Can you use any symmetries to your advantage?

Then solve it for z to get started. Get z in terms of x and y if you are required to do a double integral.
 
well it is a sphere, we can say that the center of the sphere passes through (0,0,0) so if we calculate the top half, we can multiply by 2, to get the answer.

z=sqrt(r^2-x^2-y^2)

the limits being -r and r for the first integral, and sqrt(r^2-y^2) and -sqrt(r^2-y^2)

is this correct so far?
 
ahmetbaba said:
well it is a sphere, we can say that the center of the sphere passes through (0,0,0) so if we calculate the top half, we can multiply by 2, to get the answer.

z=sqrt(r^2-x^2-y^2)

the limits being -r and r for the first integral, and sqrt(r^2-y^2) and -sqrt(r^2-y^2)

is this correct so far?

You have the right idea. You might want to change your dxdy integral to polar coordinates to make it easier. If you do that, you might first change the r in the equation of the sphere to a so you don't confuse it with the r in polar coordinates. Good luck. I'm off to bed.
 
x2+y2+z2=r2 is a sphere..
try using spherical coordinates.
set up a triple integral, and do one integration to get to the double integral :)
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K