Triple Integrals: Finding Volume of Solid S Bounded by Planes

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a solid S bounded by specific planes using triple integrals. Participants explore the geometric interpretation of the problem, the setup of the integrals, and the potential errors in calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents the problem of finding the volume of solid S bounded by the coordinate planes and two specified planes.
  • Post 2 suggests starting with the intercepts of the plane x + y + z = 2 to aid in sketching the graph.
  • Post 3 expresses confusion over a computed volume of -8 and questions the correctness of the integration setup, indicating potential errors in the limits of integration.
  • Post 4 challenges the problem's statement, arguing that the region described does not exist as stated and proposes a corrected interpretation of the bounded region and the limits for integration.
  • Post 5 provides a revised integral setup and claims a final answer of 1/3 for the volume.
  • Post 6 confirms agreement with the final answer presented in Post 5.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the interpretation of the bounded region and the setup of the integrals. While some participants propose different limits and setups, others express confusion and challenge the initial problem statement. A final answer is presented, but the path to that answer involves differing viewpoints and corrections.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with the problem's wording and the assumptions regarding the bounded region. There are unresolved questions about the limits of integration and the validity of the computed volumes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying multivariable calculus and triple integrals, as well as anyone interested in geometric interpretations of integrals.

WMDhamnekar
MHB
Messages
381
Reaction score
30
Find the volume V of the solid S bounded by the three coordinate planes, bounded above by the plane x + y + z = 2, and bounded below by the z = x + y.

How to answer this question using triple integrals? How to draw sketch of this problem here ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I like your idea of sketching the graphs. Maybe start by working out the intercepts with the co-ordinate axes.

E.g. for x + y + z = 2, the x intercept is x + 0 + 0 = 2 => x = 2.

With the three intercepts it's pretty easy to draw the plane.
 
Prove It said:
I like your idea of sketching the graphs. Maybe start by working out the intercepts with the co-ordinate axes.

E.g. for x + y + z = 2, the x intercept is x + 0 + 0 = 2 => x = 2.

With the three intercepts it's pretty easy to draw the plane.
I computed the answer -8 as follows but it is wrong. Where am I wrong?

$\displaystyle\int_0^2\displaystyle\int_0^2\displaystyle\int_{x+y}^{2-x-y}1 dzdydx=-8$

Even if I change the upper limit of integration of y as 2-x, the answer would be $\displaystyle\int_0^2\displaystyle\int_0^{2-x} (2-2x-2y) dydx = -\frac43$ which is also wrong.
 
Last edited:
One thing that may be causing confusion is that the problem is not stated very well. We are told the figure is bounded by the three coordinate planes, by the plane x+ y+ z= 2, and by the plane z= x+ y. But there is NO region bounded by those five planes! The plane z= x+ y "covers" the plane z= 0. I think what is intended is the region bounded by the two coordinate planes, x= 0 and y= 0, and by x+ y+ z= 2 and z= x+ y but not by the plane z= 0. Adding x+ y+ z= 2 and x+ y- z= 0 we get 2x+ 2y= 2 or x+ y= 1. The last two planes intersect at the line x+ y= 1, z= 1. The first plane, x+ y+ z, intersects the coordinate planes in a triangle with vertices (0, 2, 0), (2, 0, 0) and (0, 0, 2). The sides have equations x= 0, y+ z= 2, y= 0, x+ z= 2, and z= 0, x+ y= 2.

The second triangle passes through the origin, (0, 0, 0), and cuts the first plane in the line x+ y= 1, z= 1.
The largest value x take in the region is 1 so we must take x from 0 to 1. For every x, y goes from 0 to 1- x, and for every x, y, z goes from z= 2- x- y.

The integral can be written a $\int_{x= 0}^1\int_{y= 0}^{1- x}\int_{z= 0}^{2- x- y}dzdxdy$.
 
Final answer to this question is $\displaystyle\int_{x=0}^1\displaystyle\int_{y=0}^{1-x}\displaystyle\int_{z=x+y}^{z=2-x-y} dzdydx= \frac13$
 
That's what I get!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K