Surface Area of Plane Inside Cylinder: Solved

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the surface area of a portion of a plane defined by the equation x + 2y + z = 4, which is constrained within a cylinder described by x² + y² = 4. The original poster expresses difficulty in setting up the double integral necessary for the calculation, particularly in relation to the transformation of variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of the symbols in the integral provided by the original poster and question the necessity of equating the plane and cylinder equations. There is mention of using polar coordinates for integration over the base of the cylinder, and suggestions for transforming to cylindrical coordinates are made.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to interpret the integral and suggesting alternative coordinate systems to simplify the problem. There is a focus on clarifying the relationships between the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that it is finals week, indicating potential time constraints and stress that may affect their ability to work through the problem. There is also an indication of confusion regarding the setup of the integral and the transformation of variables.

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[SOLVED] Surface Area

Homework Statement



Find the area of the surface of the part of the plane x + 2y + z = 4 that lies inside of the cylinder x^{2} + y^{2}=4


Homework Equations



A(S)= \int\int_{D} \sqrt{1+( \frac{\partial z}{\partial x})^{2} + +( \frac{\partial z}{\partial y})^{2}} dA


The Attempt at a Solution



I can tell intuitively that the intersection is a ellipse. When I set the two equations equal to each other I get the equation:

z= x^{2}-x+y^{2}-2y

I am having a brain fart and can't seem to do the double integral. Sorry, its finals week. I know that I need to do a change of variables, but I don't know what since it is an ellipse in R^{3} I can complete the square, but it didn't seem to lead me anywhere useful.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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I assume the equation of the plane is:

x+2y+z=4

So, what is the meaning of the symbols in the integral you gave (it is the correct one for calculating the area)? What is dA and what is the exact meaning of z? In looking back to their meaning, you will notice that you do not need to set the two equations equal to each other. The equation of the plane is related to the z value and the cylinder is related to dA. Once you see this, you can set up the integral and calculate it. Consider transformation to cylinder coordinates, it will make things a lot easier.
 
Because you are integrationg over the base of a cylinder, you might want to put the integral in polar coordinates.
 
coomast said:
I assume the equation of the plane is:

x+2y+z=4

So, what is the meaning of the symbols in the integral you gave (it is the correct one for calculating the area)? What is dA and what is the exact meaning of z? In looking back to their meaning, you will notice that you do not need to set the two equations equal to each other. The equation of the plane is related to the z value and the cylinder is related to dA. Once you see this, you can set up the integral and calculate it. Consider transformation to cylinder coordinates, it will make things a lot easier.

HallsofIvy said:
Because you are integrationg over the base of a cylinder, you might want to put the integral in polar coordinates.

Indeed HallsofIvy, I meant polar...
 

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