Triple Integral: Find Region of Intersecting Cylinders

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the volume of the region defined by the intersecting cylinders \(x^2 + y^2 \leq a^2\) and \(x^2 + z^2 \leq a^2\). The correct limits of integration for the triple integral are established as \( \int_{x=-a}^{a} \int_{y=-\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}^{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}} dy \, dx \) for the outer integrals and \( \int_{z=-\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}^{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}} dz \) for the inner integral. The final volume calculation yields \( \frac{16a^3}{3} \). A common error identified is the incorrect limits for \(z\) and the integration approach using Cartesian coordinates instead of polar coordinates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triple integrals in calculus
  • Familiarity with the equations of cylinders in three-dimensional space
  • Knowledge of polar coordinates and their application in integration
  • Ability to manipulate limits of integration for multiple integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of polar coordinates in triple integrals
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of intersecting cylinders
  • Practice solving triple integrals with varying limits of integration
  • Explore advanced integration techniques for complex regions
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus, geometry, and integration techniques, as well as anyone involved in computational geometry or physical applications of volume calculations.

pivoxa15
Messages
2,250
Reaction score
1
I like to use cartesian coords

Find the region to the intersecting cyclinders x^2+y^2<=a^2 and x^2+z^2<=a^2

What I have trouble finding is the domain of integration

Currently I have
a to -a for dx
-srt(a^2-x^2) to srt(a^2-x^2) for dy
-srt(x^2+y^2) to srt(x^2+y^2) for dz

But this integration turned out to be too complicated to evaluate hence probably wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"Find the region to ..." ? I assume you mean to find the volume of that region.
It's not at all clear to me where you would get "-srt(x^2+y^2) to srt(x^2+y^2) for dz". I don't see any reason to think that z2 is ever equal to x2+ y2. The projection of the figure down on to the xy-plane is the circle x2+ y2= a2 so, yes, the outer integrals would be
[tex]\int_{x= -a}^a \int_{y=-\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}^{\sqrt{a^2- x^2}} dydx[/tex]

But, for every (x,y), z ranges between [itex]-\sqrt{a^2- x^2}[/itex] and [itex]\sqrt{a^2- x^2}[/itex] also. Looks to me like the inner integral should be
[tex]\int_{z= -\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}^{\sqrt{a^2-z^2}}dz[/tex]
Of course, that could be done simply as the double integral
[tex]2\int_{x= -a}^a \int_{y=-\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}^{\sqrt{a^2-x^2}}\sqrt{a^2- x^2}dydx[/tex]

I think it would be even simpler in polar coordinates
 
I see how you got your solution which yields the correct solution, 16a^3/3.

I eventually used a different method but is slightly wrong with a factor of 'a' too much. I integrated along one cyclinder along one axis and then specified the limits of the other two axis as -a and a. My integral from the inside out is
From -(x^2+z^2) to x^2+z^2 along y
From -a to a along x
From -a to a along z

I got 16a^4/3. Where did I go wrong?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K