The region within circles r=cosθ and r=sinθ

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the area of the region enclosed within the circles defined by the polar equations r=cosθ and r=sinθ using a double integral approach. The discussion centers around understanding the intersection and common area of these two curves in polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the polar coordinate boundaries for both circles and attempt to identify the common region. There is uncertainty about which function represents the outer curve and how to set up the integrals correctly. Some participants suggest that symmetry might simplify the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider two integrals due to the piecewise nature of the outer curve. There is recognition of the symmetry of the shapes involved, which may aid in the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the specific ranges for θ and the behavior of the functions sin(θ) and cos(θ) within those ranges, indicating a need to clarify the setup for the double integral. The discussion reflects a lack of complete consensus on the approach to take.

mrcleanhands

Homework Statement


Use a double integral to find the area of the region enclosed within both circles of r=cosθ and r=sinθ

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I begin by finding the region in polar co-ordinates.

For [itex]r=\cos\theta[/itex]
[itex]0\leq r \leq\cos\theta[/itex]

[itex]-\frac{\Pi}{2}\leq\theta\leq\frac{\Pi}{2}[/itex]

For [itex]r=\sin\theta[/itex]
[itex]0\leq r \leq\sin\theta[/itex]
[itex]0\leq\theta\leq\Pi[/itex]Now we find the region both of these have in common
which is [itex]0\leq\theta\leq\frac{\Pi}{2}[/itex]

For r we must find which function is the smallest and use that but [itex]\sin\theta[/itex] is greater than [itex]\cos\theta[/itex] for some portion and smaller for another so not sure what to do here.
 
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mrcleanhands said:

Homework Statement


Use a double integral to find the area of the region enclosed within both circles of r=cosθ and r=sinθ

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I begin by finding the region in polar co-ordinates.

For [itex]r=\cos\theta[/itex]
[itex]0\leq r \leq\cos\theta[/itex]

[itex]-\frac{\Pi}{2}\leq\theta\leq\frac{\Pi}{2}[/itex]

For [itex]r=\sin\theta[/itex]
[itex]0\leq r \leq\sin\theta[/itex]
[itex]0\leq\theta\leq\Pi[/itex]Now we find the region both of these have in common
which is [itex]0\leq\theta\leq\frac{\Pi}{2}[/itex]

For r we must find which function is the smallest and use that but [itex]\sin\theta[/itex] is greater than [itex]\cos\theta[/itex] for some portion and smaller for another so not sure what to do here.

Remember, r goes from r = 0 to r on the outer curve for your region. Do you see that the "outer curve" of your region is a 2 piece formula? You have to set up two integrals, unless you use some shortcut like symmetry.
 
If you were to look at a graph (these are circles) you would see that from [itex]\theta= -\pi/4[/itex] to [itex]\pi/4[/itex] r goes from 0 to [itex]sin(\theta)[/itex] while from [itex]\theta= \pi/4[/itex] to [itex]3\pi/4[/itex], r goes from 0 to [itex]cos(\theta)[/itex].
 
Ahh ok I see. I wouldn't have been sure that they are symmetrical without first looking at the graph...
 

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