Sum of area bounded by the curve

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the area bounded by the sine curve, particularly in the context of definite integrals over the interval from 0 to 2π. Participants explore when to consider the signed area versus the absolute area, and the implications of these choices on the results of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the area bounded by the curve is sometimes considered as the sum of positive and absolute negative areas, citing examples with the sine function and cycloid.
  • Another participant explains that the integral represents signed area, which can yield different signs depending on the intervals considered.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether the area under the sine curve from 0 to 2π is 0 or 4, expressing confusion over the interpretation of area as a non-vector quantity.
  • There is a claim that the integral of sin(x) from 0 to 2π is generally zero, despite the area being interpreted as 4 when considering only the positive contributions.
  • Some participants express confusion over the terminology of left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) in the context of integrals, with one participant humorously comparing it to a secretive organization.
  • Another participant notes that the interpretation of area can depend on the context of the question, distinguishing between calculating signed area and the area for practical applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to interpret the area under the sine curve, with no consensus on whether the area should be considered as zero or four. The discussion reflects multiple competing interpretations and remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of context in determining whether to sum positive and negative areas or to consider absolute values. There is also mention of potential confusion arising from the use of LHS and RHS terminology without clear explanation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and educators in mathematics, particularly those exploring the concepts of integration, area under curves, and the interpretation of definite integrals.

luka perkovic
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Why we sometimes take the area bounded by the curve is sum of positive area and absolute of negative area(e.g. ∫\int_0^2π sin(x)\, dx is equal to 4 or area of ellipse )?But sometimes we just sum positive and negative areas which is equal to 0(e.g. area of cycloid →when we integrate we get r*r(x-2sin(x)+½x+sin(2x)/4) from 0 to 2π and we get r*r(2π-2*0+π+0)-0=3r*r*π).Why I can´t just take for -2sin(x) from 0 to 2π is equal to 4 and equally for sin(2x)/4,because that is the area bounded by the curve?
 
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An integral like $$ \int_a^b f(x)\,dx $$ calculated as the signed area between ##f(x)## and ##x## axis.
If there are conditions that split this integral to partial integrals in ##[a,b]##, then may have different sign.
 
Is then area of
\int_0^2π sin(x)\,dx

0 or 4?If we take

\int_0^2π sin(x)\,dx = 2 \int_0^π sin(x)\,dx

then area be 4(what is correct because that is area bounded by the curve).I can´t understand how area in this case could be 0 because area is not a vector.Thanks.
 
$$\int_0^{2π} sin(x)\,dx = 2 \int_0^π sin(x)\,dx$$ may used on cases than something change on ##\pi## value. Generally is zero.
Please, place the foul problem.
 
theodoros.mihos said:
$$\int_0^{2π} sin(x)\,dx = 2 \int_0^π sin(x)\,dx$$
That's not correct.
LHS is 0, RHS is 4.
 
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Yes, is not correct but when we don't explain what we do, some people thinks that may be correct for some reason.
For example, I don't know what is LHS or RHS. Is something like KGB to me.
 
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theodoros.mihos said:
Yes, is not correct but when we don't explain what we do, some people thinks that may be correct for some reason.
For example, I don't know what is LHS or RHS. Is something like KGB to me.
Better having problems with LHS or RHS than with the KGB. :)
LHS is shorthand for the left-hand side of an equation. Similarly, RHS is the right-hand side.
 
That´s my problem, why we in complex integrals with sin(x) (from 0 to 2 π) use LHS for sin(x)?But when we calculate area bounded only with sinusoid (by 0 to 2π) ,we use RHS.
 
What does "area" exactly mean? Area for me is the paper amount that need painting and for this reason I take right hand result. But the integral have sign and is the left hand result.
 
  • #10
luka perkovic said:
That´s my problem, why we in complex integrals with sin(x) (from 0 to 2 π) use LHS for sin(x)?But when we calculate area bounded only with sinusoid (by 0 to 2π) ,we use RHS.
It depends on the question.
The integral of the sine function between 0 and 2π is the LHS, with result 0.
But if you are asked to compute the area between the sine function and the x-axis, for x between 0 and 2π (say for a real estate project), then you have to add the "positive" area between 0 and π, and the "negative" area between π and 2π. In this case the RHS is what you want.
 

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