Surface Integral of a helicoid.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating a surface integral over a helicoid defined by a vector equation. The integral in question is related to the calculation of surface area, incorporating a square root term that depends on the coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the substitution method used to simplify the integral and question the correctness of the resulting expression. There is a focus on the transformation of the differential area element dS and its relation to the cross product of partial derivatives.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants examining the steps taken in the solution process. Some guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of dS, and questions about the validity of the u-substitution have been raised. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a specific surface defined by the helicoid's parameters and are attempting to reconcile their results with software output, indicating potential discrepancies in their calculations.

ElijahRockers
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Homework Statement



Evaluate

\int\int_{S}\sqrt{1+x^2+y^2} dS

S is the helicoid with vector equation r(u,v) = <u cos(v), u sin(v), v>

0<u<2, 0<v<4pi

The Attempt at a Solution



If I replace the term under the radical with its vector equation counterpart, and multiply that by the cross product of the partials of r(u,v) with respect to u and v, i get

\int_{0}^{4\pi}\int_{0}^{2} \sqrt{1+u^2}u du dv

From there I can do a u-substitution (ill just call it a ω-sub so as not to confuse) with ω=1+u2, and dω/2 = udu.

When I work this out, I get

\frac{4\pi}{3}(5\sqrt{5}-1)

But according to the software this answer is incorrect. Anyone notice a mistake?
 
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ElijahRockers said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate

\int\int_{S}\sqrt{1+x^2+y^2} dS

S is the helicoid with vector equation r(u,v) = <u cos(v), u sin(v), v>

0<u<2, 0<v<4pi

The Attempt at a Solution



If I replace the term under the radical with its vector equation counterpart, and multiply that by the cross product of the partials of r(u,v) with respect to u and v, i get

\int_{0}^{4\pi}\int_{0}^{2} \sqrt{1+u^2}u du dv

From there I can do a u-substitution (ill just call it a ω-sub so as not to confuse) with ω=1+u2, and dω/2 = udu.

When I work this out, I get

\frac{4\pi}{3}(5\sqrt{5}-1)

But according to the software this answer is incorrect. Anyone notice a mistake?

You seem to have turned dS into ududv. How did you do that?
 
S is a function of u, and v. The u du comes from the u-substitution.

Sorry
\frac{1}{2}\int_{0}^{4\pi}\int_{1}^5 \sqrt{w} dw dv

Is the after the u-sub I think.
 
ElijahRockers said:
S is a function of u, and v. The u du comes from the u-substitution.

Sorry
\frac{1}{2}\int_{0}^{4\pi}\int_{1}^5 \sqrt{w} dw dv

Is the after the u-sub I think.

I'm asking what you got for dS using the cross product.
 

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