Why Do Different Integration Orders Give Different Results in Double Integrals?

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Different integration orders in double integrals can yield varying results due to the setup of the limits and the equations defining the region of integration. The problem involves finding the volume under the surface z = xy above a triangle defined by the vertices (1,1), (4,1), and (1,0.2). The user found that Type 2 integration provided the correct volume of 31/8, while Type 1 integration incorrectly yielded 207/8, indicating a setup error. The mistake was traced back to an incorrect equation for one of the triangle's lines, which was corrected to y = -1/3x + 7/3. Proper notation and clarity in defining the integration limits are crucial for accurate results.
dlacombe13
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Homework Statement


Find the volume of the given solid:
Under the surface z = xy and above the triangle with verticies (1,1), (4,1) and (1,.2)

Homework Equations


Double Integral

The Attempt at a Solution


I drew the triangle, and found the the equations of the lines to be:
x = 1;
y = 1;
y = -3x + 7

My issue is, I get different answers when solving using Type 1 and Type 2. Type two gives the right answer, however Type 1 does not. I have also put my Type 1 into a solver and it also gives the wrong answer. So the error must be in the setup and not my integration, but I can't see it.

Type 2:
\int_1^2 \int_1^{-3x+7} xy = \frac{31}{8}

Type 1:
\int_1^4 \int_1^{-3x+7} xy = \frac{207}{8}
 
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First of all, be explicit with your integral notation and your dx, dy. (I don't know if there is are standard meanings for "Type 1" and "Type 2" integrals.)
Second, do you mean the third vertex of the triangle is (1, 2)? If so, then check your equation for the line by plugging in some points...
 
Oh shoot, wow. I realized that I used some illegal algebra which resulted in the wrong equation for the line! The equation of the line is actually supposed to be y = -\frac{1}{3}x + \frac{7}{3} . Now I am getting the right answer. Thanks for questioning my equation.
 
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dlacombe13 said:

Homework Statement


Find the volume of the given solid:
Under the surface z = xy and above the triangle with verticies (1,1), (4,1) and (1,.2)

Homework Equations


Double Integral

The Attempt at a Solution


I drew the triangle, and found the the equations of the lines to be:
x = 1;
y = 1;
y = -3x + 7

My issue is, I get different answers when solving using Type 1 and Type 2. Type two gives the right answer, however Type 1 does not. I have also put my Type 1 into a solver and it also gives the wrong answer. So the error must be in the setup and not my integration, but I can't see it.

Type 2:
\int_1^2 \int_1^{-3x+7} xy = \frac{31}{8}

Type 1:
\int_1^4 \int_1^{-3x+7} xy = \frac{207}{8}
I agree with both points olivermsum made. First, "Type 1" and "Type 2" aren't standard attributes, so these should have been explained.
Second, your integrals are missing the dx and dy parts.
From this -- \int_1^2 \int_1^{-3x+7} xy = \frac{31}{8} -- we can infer that you really mean this:
\int_1^2 \int_1^{-3x+7} xy dy dx= \frac{31}{8}, but only because the lower limit of integration for the inner integral suggests that x is the variable for that integral.
To be really explicit, you can do this:
\int_{x = 1}^2 \int_{y = 1}^{-3x+7} xy ~dy ~dx = \frac{31}{8}
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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