Tricky Cartesian to Polar Change of Variables Integral

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster attempts to transform a double integral from Cartesian to polar coordinates, specifically for the integral of the function (dy dx)/(x^2 + y^2)^(1/2) over a non-circular region defined by the limits of integration from 0 to 3 for x and from 0 to x for y. The challenge lies in determining the appropriate limits for the angle theta in polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to sketch the region of integration to understand the relationship between the radius and angle. There are questions about the limits of integration for theta and the dependence of r on theta. Some participants suggest specific values for theta and r based on their sketches.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the problem, with some providing hints and guidance regarding the limits of integration. There is recognition that the radius varies with theta, and multiple interpretations of the limits are being discussed without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the region is not circular, which complicates the transformation. There is also mention of specific values for the radius and theta that are under consideration, as well as the need to evaluate the integral after the change of variables.

JasonJo
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Hmm, I can't seem to get this double integral transformation:

int(limits of integration are 0 to 3) int (limits of int are 0 to x) of (dy dx)/(x^2 + y^2)^(1/2)

and i need to switch it to polar coordinates and then evaluate the polar double integral.

i sketched the region over which i am integrating and it isn't a circular region (which is why I guess this was assigned).

but i can't the limits of integration for the theta angle. the radius goes from 0 to 3, but i can't get the theta angle limits of integration.

the answer is 3ln(sqrt(2) + 1))
i can see where the 3 comes from, but i don't know where i would get the ln term.

thank you in advance
 
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Have you sketched the region in the xy-plane? If you do you'll find that the radius depends on the angle (since it's not a circular region like you said). For example, r goes from 0 to 3 on the x-axis (theta=0), but it goes from 0 to sqrt(18) for if theta=Pi/4.
 
yeah , i had that the radius goes from 0 to sqrt(18) and that theta goes from 0 to 45*
however, after you do the change of variables, (ie, dydx = r dr d(theta))
im double integrating 1, and i get 3*sqrt(2)/2, but the real answer is 3 ln(sqrt(2) + 1))
any other hints or clues?
 
Last edited:
If you let r go from 0 to sqrt(18) regardless of theta, you will get a section of a disk. r is dependent upon theta.

You are right to let theta vary from 0 to Pi/4. But given an angle theta, between which values should r vary? Hint: look at picture.
 
The horizontal line y= 3 is [itex]r sin(\theta)= 3[/itex] or [itex]r= \frac{3}{cos(\theta)}[/itex]. The integral is
[tex]\int_{\theta= 0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \int_{r= 0}^{\frac{3}{cos(\theta)}}drd\theta= 3\int_{\theta= 0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{d\theta}{cos(\theta)}[/tex]

To do that integral, multiply numerator and denominator by [itex]cos(\theta)[/itex] and let [itex]u= cos(\theta)[/itex].
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Doh!

Thanks Guys!
 

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