Triple integrating cylindrical coordinates?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves integrating the function f(x,y,z) = -4x + 3y over a solid defined by specific points in three-dimensional space, using cylindrical coordinates. The original poster attempts to set up the triple integral with appropriate limits based on the geometry of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the integral in cylindrical coordinates, questioning the correctness of the limits for theta and suggesting simplifications for sine and cosine terms. There is also mention of the potential for errors in the integration process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance regarding the limits of integration and the simplification of trigonometric functions. There is an ongoing exploration of the setup and calculations, with no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's limits for theta may be incorrect and emphasize the importance of considering the signs of the angles based on their quadrants. There is also a mention of using software to verify results, indicating a reliance on computational tools for confirmation.

blackdarkeye
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Homework Statement



Integrate the function f(x,y,z)=−4x+3y over the solid given by the figure below, if P = (5,1,0) and Q = (-5,1,2).

[PLAIN]http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/958/sfig1681g1.gif

Homework Equations



x=rcos([tex]\theta[/tex])
y=rsin([tex]\theta[/tex])
r=sqrt(x^2+y^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



i converted it into cylindracl coordinates and got

[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\int[/tex] -4rcos([tex]\theta[/tex])+3rsin([tex]\theta[/tex]) r dzdrd[tex]\theta[/tex]

limits were arctan(-1/5)<[tex]\theta[/tex]<arctan(1/5), 0<z<2, 0<r<[tex]\sqrt{26}[/tex]

after integrating i got

-(8/3)(26^(3/2))sin(atan(1/5))-(2)(26^(3/2))cos(atan(1/5))+(8/3)(26^(3/2))sin(atan(-1/5))+(2)(26^(3/2))cos(atan(-1/5))

but apparently that is wrong. I need help!
 
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Your setup looks good. I didn't work out the integral to see if you are correct or not, but I wonder if you are aware that you can simplify your sine and cosine of the arctan angles. Draw a picture of those two angles and put in their sine and cosine in your answer. Maybe it is correct and you don't know it. Or maybe not.
 
i have the same problem and I can't seem to get the right answer .. I'm entering the answer in so it doesn't really matter if it's simplified or not
 
Upon looking more carefully, your theta limits are not correct. Rember that arctan(x) returns a negative angle if x < 0. Your angle needs to go from the first quadrant to the second. So your lower limit would be arctan(1/5) and your upper limit would be pi - arctan(1/5).

Maple is giving an answer of 1040 if I didn't make any mistakes.
 

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