Area Definition and 1000 Threads

Area is the quantity that expresses the extent of a two-dimensional region, shape, or planar lamina, in the plane. Surface area is its analog on the two-dimensional surface of a three-dimensional object. Area can be understood as the amount of material with a given thickness that would be necessary to fashion a model of the shape, or the amount of paint necessary to cover the surface with a single coat. It is the two-dimensional analog of the length of a curve (a one-dimensional concept) or the volume of a solid (a three-dimensional concept).
The area of a shape can be measured by comparing the shape to squares of a fixed size. In the International System of Units (SI), the standard unit of area is the square metre (written as m2), which is the area of a square whose sides are one metre long. A shape with an area of three square metres would have the same area as three such squares. In mathematics, the unit square is defined to have area one, and the area of any other shape or surface is a dimensionless real number.

There are several well-known formulas for the areas of simple shapes such as triangles, rectangles, and circles. Using these formulas, the area of any polygon can be found by dividing the polygon into triangles. For shapes with curved boundary, calculus is usually required to compute the area. Indeed, the problem of determining the area of plane figures was a major motivation for the historical development of calculus.For a solid shape such as a sphere, cone, or cylinder, the area of its boundary surface is called the surface area. Formulas for the surface areas of simple shapes were computed by the ancient Greeks, but computing the surface area of a more complicated shape usually requires multivariable calculus.
Area plays an important role in modern mathematics. In addition to its obvious importance in geometry and calculus, area is related to the definition of determinants in linear algebra, and is a basic property of surfaces in differential geometry. In analysis, the area of a subset of the plane is defined using Lebesgue measure, though not every subset is measurable. In general, area in higher mathematics is seen as a special case of volume for two-dimensional regions.Area can be defined through the use of axioms, defining it as a function of a collection of certain plane figures to the set of real numbers. It can be proved that such a function exists.

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  1. K

    Relationship between surface area and damping coefficient

    I have been investigating the damping of an oscillating mass on a spring by a piece of card of varying surface area, in order to work out the damping constant λ for the equation y = A₀ e-λt sin(ωt). I took the natural log of the amplitude of each successive oscillation and plotting that against...
  2. C

    Conceptual problem regarding pressure and surface area

    Is the air pressure acting on the top of the head of a person standing in a room equal to the air pressure acting on a same area on the floor of the same room? Since F = pA , it seems as if the air pressure is independent of the height of the surface on which it is acting. But that doesn't seem...
  3. JasonHathaway

    The area of a square with right triangle inside it

    Homework Statement I need to find the area of the square in the following figure: Homework Equations Basic Trig relations. The Attempt at a Solution I aimed to find the length of BC, but first I had to find the unknowns of the right triangle CDE, which are EC=5m, <DCE=36.86ْ , <DEC=53.13ْ ...
  4. P

    Find the dimensions of the rectangle of greatest area

    Homework Statement Find the dimensions of the rectangle of greatest and least area that can be inscribed in the ellipse x^2/16 + y^2/9 = 1 with sides parallel to the coordinate axes. The Attempt at a Solution f(x,y) = (2x)(2y) = 4xy ∇f = <4y,4x> ∇g = <x/8,2y/9> ∇f = λ∇g 4y = λx/8 4x = λ2y/9...
  5. gracy

    Understanding Surface Area: Foldings, Invaginations, Roughness & Powder

    why surface area increases with foldings ,invaginations,roughness and powdered form?please someone explain concept of surface area. what is difference between perimeter or (circumference in case of circle)and surface area? Mentor Note: Two posts have been merged.
  6. S

    Proof of disk moment of inertia using area density

    Homework Statement Disk with radius R σ = M/A I = ∫ mr2 Homework Equations Today we learned how to derive various moments of inertia via density equations (M/L, M/A, M/V). I understand all of them except on how to get MR2/2 for a disk. The Attempt at a Solution I = ∫mr2 σ = M/A dM =...
  7. L

    Commuting via car or BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)?

    I will be attending SFSU in the spring for my masters, but i will most likely reside in concord for a very cheap living arrangement. I was told the whole commute including bart and the shuttle is roughly 2 hours one way... Thats a bit intense no? Would driving be any better??
  8. I

    C/C++ Compute the area of a triangle c++

    compute the area of a triangle. write an if/else statement to check if the three sides provide a valid triangle. to make a valid triangle, all sides have to be positive and the sum of any two sides must be greater than the third. add a while loop so that if the sides are invalid the user is...
  9. E

    Insolation, efficiency, and area

    Homework Statement What size FPC is needed to supply a family's domestic hot water needs in March in Denver, CO? Assume 80 gallons per day are needed (1gal=8.3 lb.) for the water and that the collector-heat exchanger system has an average efficiency of 40%. The collector tilt angle is equal to...
  10. M

    Surface Area of Cylinder inside of sphere

    Homework Statement Find the area of that part of the cylinder x^2 + y^2 = 2ay that lies inside the sphere x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 4a^2. Homework Equations [/B] If a surface S can be parametrized in terms of two variables u and v, then dS = Norm[dR(u,v)/du x dR(u,v)/dv]. The surface area is given...
  11. O

    Deflection by Moment Area Method

    Homework Statement The problem is a cantilive beam of length L with a triangular uniform load or W. The solution is to find the slope and deflection at the end by moment area method. My solution is not matching the textbook solution of wl^3/8EI and 11wL^4/120EI Homework Equations First...
  12. M

    Cube Projectile Motion: Air Resistance & Cross Sectional Area

    We have a solid cube with some mass that we fire as a projectile at some angle. The cube is launched in such a way that two of the faces are perpendicular to the initial velocity vector. Assuming there is air resistance, would the cube change its orientation while it flies, even if the mass is...
  13. pairofstrings

    How 'x' (multiplication) found its way into formula of area of rectangle?

    Hi, I know that area of rectangle is length x breadth. I tried to find proof of area of rectangle but I found that the proof was solved by taking formula of area of square into consideration. But what I don't understand is why area of rectangle should be length times breadth, or side times side...
  14. A

    Finding percentage of volume/area in a cube/square

    Okay, so this is quite hard to explain in words so I will use pictures. Suppose you have a Square with the length of W You also know the distance from the pink surface to the center of the square is X. The rotation of the square is theta. As shown in the picture above... So the problem is: Is...
  15. I

    Surface plasmon dependence on surface area to volume ratio

    Hey everyone, I was recently reading a paper on surface enhanced Raman scattering, and it mentioned that plasmons (and for that matter surface plasmon polaritons-where my interest lies) are sensitive to the surface to volume ratio of the structure. I can begin to understand intuitively with...
  16. J

    Integrate divergence of a vector over an area

    Hello, I'm hoping somebody can give me some insight on how to solve this problem. This was a solid mechanics exam question and I wasn't able to finish it because I'm rather weak in math. 1. Homework Statement Homework Equations Recall divergence theorem for part ii. ∫div(V)dA = ∫V⋅ndS where...
  17. paulmdrdo1

    MHB Area of Isosceles Triangle proof

    I want to know how did it arrive at the third line of this proof. I didn't get it. Thanks!
  18. _N3WTON_

    Finding Area by an Iterated Integral

    Homework Statement Use an iterated integral to find the area of the region bounded by the graphs of: f(x) = sin(x) g(x) = cos(x) between: x = \frac{\pi}{4} and x = \frac{5\pi}{4} Find two solutions, one using a vertical representative rectangle and another using a horizontal...
  19. T

    What is the area between two polar curves?

    Homework Statement Find the area inside one loop of r = 2cos(3 theta) and outside the circle r = 1 Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I need to clarify something about the limits of integration. I found the intersection of the two curves to be at an angle of pi/9. This is how I...
  20. G

    Spherical shape surface area calculation

    Homework Statement Homework Equations [/B] Surface area of sphere = 4*Pi*r^2, where r: is the radius of the sphere circleThe Attempt at a Solution Solution:[/B] 1. In terms of “r” and “R”, and the radius of sphere “S”, and “d”: Given that: · Surface area of both shaded area are equal...
  21. C

    Calculating The Area of a Spherical Cap

    1. Homework Statement Hi all, I am working through Gravity by James Hartle and have become stuck on a question asking me to calculate the area of a circle of radius r in the 2D geometry that is the surface of a sphere of radius a. A surface element on this sphere can be found to be...
  22. W

    MHB Area Inside Circle x^2+y^2=a^2 Above b=7

    Find area inside circle x^2+y^2=a^2, above 7=b, -a \le b \le a ?? i think f of y right? (-a to a) minus (-a to b)?
  23. R

    Optimization of the Area of a Triangle

    Homework Statement Find the area of the largest isosceles triangle that can be inscribed in a circle of radius 4. Solve by writing the area as a function of θ Homework Equations A=1/2 (bh) The Attempt at a Solution Given the side h and the hypotenuse 4, we can find the base of the smallest...
  24. David Carroll

    Why is temperature inversely proportional to the horizon's area?

    As I posted in another thread, I'm giving the caveat that I am no physicist and have only a rudimentary knowledge of math. Anyway, I am currently reading a book called "Three Roads to Quantum Gravity" by Lee Smolin. I came across a section of the book that confused me. Namely, Dr. Smolin...
  25. O

    What is the difference between a sphere and a ball?

    I'm trying to follow Schwabl Thermodynamics, and I found the following equation for the surface area of a unit d-sphere: $$ \int d\Omega_d = \frac{2 \pi^{d/2}}{\Gamma(d/2)} $$ But this formula clearly fails for d=1: should be $$\pi$$ and d=2: should be $$ 4 \pi $$. What gives?
  26. M

    MHB Proving area theorem within semi-circle

    The question is attached in the attachment below.
  27. A

    Automotive How to calculat fronatl area of scale car

    Hello guys, I am doing a wind tunnel and I want to calculate the aerodynamic coefficient of some cars. To calculate this I need the frontal area of the car and I don't know how to calculate it manual. Is there any pc program to do it or any formula? Thank you very much.
  28. M

    What is the area between 3 equations with e^(5x), e^(9x), and x=1?

    Homework Statement Sketch the region enclosed by y=e^(5x), y=e^(9x), and x=1. Decide whether to integrate with respect to x or y. Then find the area of the region. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I tried graphing all the lines but they the e^(9x) line never seem to...
  29. J

    Transfer options in the LA area?

    I am transferring from Mizzou (MU) to somewhere in the LA area over the summer. What are my best options? I know of caltech and UCLA. Caltech looks really difficult to get into. I probably can't get into Caltech, I assume I could get into UCLA. But is UCLA my best option for future career...
  30. R

    Convert sunlight to electricity in a given area

    Homework Statement Question: Lake Mead is formed by the Hoover Dam, and while it actually changes in area and volume, consider it has an average area of 100,000 acres. Assume that 250 W/m^2 of sunlight falls on Lake Mead, how much electricity could be produced if this lake area was covered by...
  31. karush

    MHB *find eq of perpendicular line so that the area of the triangle is 8

    for the line y=4x-2 there is one perpendicular line of which will enclose a triangle on the lines and the values of the y-axis whose area is 8. What is the equation of this line? Well, I chose the x value to be the height of the triangle and that would make the base B=(4x-2)+2+\frac{1}{4}x or...
  32. V

    MHB Area under the curve of a projectile

    I am trying to calculate the area under the curve of a projectile for a school project. A simple way to do this is to integrate the following equation of the trajectory: However I've tried to use another method. Since we have the two equations for the horizontal and vertical displacements...
  33. S

    How much oxygen absorbing area does an insect have?

    Homework Statement Insects don't need lungs. They breath through their skins. In this way they can get enough oxygen to fuel the basic metabolism that is common to all life. Approximate an insect by a cylinder of diameter 4mm and length 5mm. Assuming that the density of the insect is...
  34. N

    Area of hexagon is maximum while perimeter is fixed

    this is the given problem: and this is my attempt at a solution: I am stuck here as the variable y is unknown and I want to express y in terms of x, but cannot figure out how to do so. Thanks for any help!
  35. B

    Area problem, involving quadratic functions

    Hi, I don't understand what this question is asking and I have idea how to do it.. any help is very much appreciated! I understand how to complete the square, parabolas and such and the concept of maximum and minimum, I just don't understand this question. A Cattle farmer wants to build a...
  36. S

    Surface Area and electric field strength

    This is my first post but I have frequented the forum for a little while now. I tried to figure things out myself and often times I am lead here by google. So my question is this: How is the electric field of an object altered when the surface area of the object is altered? Example: Take a...
  37. anemone

    MHB Find the area of the quadrilateral PQRS

    The convex quadrilateral $ABCD$ has area 1, and $AB$ is produced to $P$, $BC$ to $Q$, $CD$ to $R$, and $DA$ to $S$, such that $AB=BP$, $BC=CQ$, $CD=DR$, and $DA=AS$. Find the area of the quadrilateral $PQRS$.
  38. E

    Area between two curves; choosing when to integrate with x or y?

    Hello! I'm having some trouble determining, when trying to find the area between two curves, when to integrate with respect to y or respect to x, given two equations only? Thanks!
  39. P

    Finding the Nonzero Vector and Area of Triangle

    Homework Statement Find a nonzero vector orthogonal to the plane through the point P, Q,and R. (b) also find the area of triangle PQR P(1,0,1) , Q(-2,1,3) , R(4,2,5) Homework Equations -Cross product -Finding the Angle -Area formula The Attempt at a Solution My steps: 1. i found the...
  40. kaliprasad

    MHB Can a Triangle with Prime Number Sides Have a Whole Number Area?

    Prove that if the sides of a triangle are prime numbers its area cannot be whole number.
  41. solina

    Find area using vectors (cross product)

    Homework Statement Hello, I've been trying to solve this problem, but in the examples that my teacher gave me didn't include something like this, I know how to calculate area but only if I have all the coordinates established. I need to find the area using the cross product. Homework...
  42. L

    Evaluating definite integrals for the area of the regoin

    Homework Statement Evaluate the definite integral that gives the area of the region bounded by the graph of the function and the tangent line to the graph at the given point. f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2+1} at the point (1,1/2) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution So far I...
  43. ChrisVer

    Area of a Sphere: Intuitive Problem Solved

    I am sure this should have already be discussed somewhere in the past... I have an intuitive problem with the area of a sphere. Following the mathematics of the metric and surfaces, I can easily derive the area of a sphere which is 4 \pi R^{2} . Now I'm have this problem: Suppose I get a ring...
  44. wolf1728

    Cylinder Calculator - Volume Area Radius Height

    Maybe I'm plugging my website but I just finished writing a versatile cylinder calculator. If you know two variables (Volume Area Radius Height), it calculates the other two. http://www.1728.org/diam.htm It was a little tricky deriving the formulas but I'm glad I did. (Yes, I know if you...
  45. C

    Calculate Area of Ellipse in Keplerian Orbit

    Hello everybody, I'm trying to know, in a keplerian orbit, how to calculate the area of a swaped area; since the Sun is at one of the focus, I wish to calculate given an angle measured from focus to the orbiting body, the area swaped. I don't know if I'm explaning this right...Hope so...
  46. Z

    Transformation of variable (what happens with the area?)

    Homework Statement Dear friends, let U and V independent variables that are both defined on [-∏, ∏] and are uniformly distributed. If x = cos(U + V) and y = sin(U-V), what is the area where the variables X and Y are defined? Homework Equations U + V = arccos(x) U - V = arcsin(y) For a test...
  47. L

    How to find the area of an n-dimensional triangle?

    Homework Statement How to find area of an n-dimensional triangle using vectors? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  48. gfd43tg

    Area in shades region (Matlab)

    This is a part MATLAB and part math question. I know for the shaded region, I would usually do ##A_{shaded} = \int_{inter(2)}^{inter(3)} f_{1}(x) \mathrm{d}x - \int_{inter(2)}^{inter(3)} f_{2}(x) \mathrm{d}x## However, since it appears they want the function handle to be just one line, am I...
  49. shintashi

    Surface area of a Hypersphere?

    I'm wondering how to scale up the surface area of a sphere of 6 million meters in radius, into a hypersphere of similar radius (i.e. a Hyper Earth). I would also like to know the ratio. I would like to know the basic value in 4th dimension, but knowing values for 5th, 6th, and higher would...
  50. A

    MHB Optimizing Area for two shapes using a single piece of string

    Hey guys, I would really appreciate some help for this question I'm stuck on at the moment: "A piece of 2 m long wire is to be cut into two pieces one of which is to be formed into a circle and the other into an equilateral triangle. How should the wire be cut so that the total area enclosed...
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