What is the integral setup for finding probability within a disk?

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The discussion centers on calculating the probability of a point uniformly distributed within a disk of radius 1, specifically finding the probability that its distance from the origin is less than a variable x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). The density function is defined as f(x,y) = C for 0 ≤ x² + y² ≤ 1. Participants emphasize the necessity of setting up a double integral in polar coordinates to evaluate this probability, highlighting the importance of correctly identifying the limits of integration for the variables involved.

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I'm taking a probability class where multivariate calculus was not a prerequisite, but some of it is coming up, I get the concept of, say integrating over a region, but get lost in some of the mechanics

Here is the problem (I don't want a full solution):


A point is uniformly distributed within the disk of radius 1. That is its density is
<br /> f(x,y) = C \hspace{1cm} 0 \leq x^2 + y^2 \leq 1<br />
Find the probability that its distance from the origin is less than x, 0 \leq x \leq 1

I'm pretty sure I have to set up an integral that integrates over a disc of radius x to get the probability
Something like this
<br /> \int_A \int_B C \, dx \, dy<br />
But I don't know what the intervals A and B are supposed to be.

Can someone point me in the right direction? I get confused because my attempts end up with x being involved in the limit of integration, but x is the dummy variable, which doesn't seem right.
 
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Bre Ntt said:
I'm taking a probability class where multivariate calculus was not a prerequisite, but some of it is coming up, I get the concept of, say integrating over a region, but get lost in some of the mechanics

Here is the problem (I don't want a full solution):


A point is uniformly distributed within the disk of radius 1. That is its density is
<br /> f(x,y) = C \hspace{1cm} 0 \leq x^2 + 1 \leq 1<br />
Shouldn't the inequality be 0 <= x2 + y2 <= 1?
Bre Ntt said:
Find the probability that its distance from the origin is less than x, 0 \leq x \leq 1
Bre Ntt said:
I'm pretty sure I have to set up an integral that integrates over a disc of radius x to get the probability
Something like this
<br /> \int_A \int_B C \, dx \, dy<br />
But I don't know what the intervals A and B are supposed to be.

Can someone point me in the right direction? I get confused because my attempts end up with x being involved in the limit of integration, but x is the dummy variable, which doesn't seem right.
 
Yes, sorry. 0 <= x^2 + y^2 <= 1

I fixed it above.
 
This would be a natural for polar form of a double integral.
 

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