What is the area of a region with r = 2 + cos(theta)?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Vanrichten
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Area
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The area of the region defined by the polar equation r = 2 + cos(θ) is calculated using the integral A = 1/2 ∫[0, 2π] r² dθ. The correct area is determined to be approximately 14.14, contrary to the initial claim of 18.64. The integration process involves simplifying the integral to 1/4 ∫(cos(2θ) + 4cos(θ) + 5) dθ, which confirms the area calculation. Tools like Desmos can be utilized for graphical verification of the region.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and equations
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, specifically area under curves
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities and integration techniques
  • Experience using graphing tools such as Desmos
NEXT STEPS
  • Study polar area calculations in detail, focusing on the formula A = 1/2 ∫ r² dθ
  • Practice integration of trigonometric functions, particularly using identities
  • Explore graphical representation of polar equations using Desmos or similar tools
  • Review common mistakes in polar area calculations and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on calculus and polar coordinates, as well as anyone looking to improve their skills in area calculations and integration techniques.

Vanrichten
Messages
12
Reaction score
1
I have the region r = 2 + cos(theta) . I know the area should be 18.64.

I set it = 0 and then solve for theta.

So theta = 0 and theta = 2pi

I set up my integral [0, 2pi] 1/2(r)^2 dThetaA

After simplification I got 1/4 integral cos2theta + 4costheta + 5 but my answer does not come out right after integrating ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
goku900 said:
I have the region r = 2 + cos(theta) . I know the area should be 18.64.

I set it = 0 and then solve for theta.

So theta = 0 and theta = 2pi

I set up my integral [0, 2pi] 1/2(r)^2 dThetaA

After simplification I got 1/4 integral cos2theta + 4costheta + 5 but my answer does not come out right after integrating ?

Hi goku900, :)

I don't think the given answer is correct. I get 14.14 as the answer. Your approach for solving the problem is correct.

\[A=\frac{1}{2}\int_{0}^{2\pi}r^2\,d\theta=14.137\]

To verify you can try drawing the graph using one of the may tools available online (I recommend Desmos). As you see you can even find a rectangle enclosing the figure with area \(4.5\times 4=18\). So presumably the area should be less than 18. :)

[GRAPH]xeao52688t[/GRAPH]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K