Solving for Area using Green's Theorem with Astroid Equations | Homework Help

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The discussion focuses on using Green's Theorem to find the area enclosed by the astroid defined by the parametric equations x = a cos(3φ) and y = a sin(3φ) for 0 ≤ φ ≤ 2π. The user successfully derived the line integral expression and simplified it to involve a cosine-squared and sine-squared integral. They applied the half-angle formula to further simplify the integral, leading to a coefficient of 3a² outside the integral. The user seeks confirmation on their approach and expresses concern about LaTeX formatting issues. Overall, the calculations appear correct, and the integration process is the next step.
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Homework Statement


Use a line integral to find the area of the region enclosed by astroid
x = acos3\phi
y = asin3\phi

0 \leq \phi \leq 2\pi

Homework Equations



I used Green's Theorem:

\oint_C xdy - ydx

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for dx and dy from my parametric equations. I then plugged in x, y, dx, and dy into the integral to solve for the area.

After simplifying, I came out with:

\frac {3a}{2} \int_0^{2\pi} cos^2\phi sin^2\phi d\phi

Now in order to solve this, I used a half angle formula, cos\phi sin\phi = (\frac{1}{2}sin2\phi)^2 = \frac {1}{4}sin^2 2\phi

Which then I used a different angle formula to get:\frac{1}{8}(1-cos4\phi)

Am I on the right track? I would then integrate to solve...

The latex on my computer isn't working, but hopefully its working on everyone else's?
 
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I get the coefficent outside the integral to be 3a^{2} but apart from that I see nothing wrong with this working.
 
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