Area Polar Graph Homework: Find Region's Area

In summary, the homework statement asks for the area of a region enclosed by a polar angle of r and a straight line with length 2-sin(b). The attempted solution states that the area is 1/2 of the product of the region's length and the polar angle's value. The student is asked to find the limits of integration for the equation, and either uses a graph or a calculator to find them. Once the limits are found, the student is then asked to find the area of the region using those limits. Finally, the student is asked to explain why integrating from 0 to 2pi is not a recommended approach.
  • #1
_N3WTON_
351
3

Homework Statement


Find the area of the region.
Interior of: r = 2 - sin(b)

Homework Equations



A = 1/2 ∫ (r)^2 dr

The Attempt at a Solution



I really don't have any idea how to approach this problem. I don't understand how to determine my limits of integration. The only part of the problem I have accomplished is finding that b = arcsin(2). Also, I have found that the graph of this equation makes a convex limacon.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
_N3WTON_ said:

Homework Statement


Find the area of the region.
Interior of: r = 2 - sin(b)

Homework Equations



A = 1/2 ∫ (r)^2 dr


The Attempt at a Solution



I really don't have any idea how to approach this problem. I don't understand how to determine my limits of integration. The only part of the problem I have accomplished is finding that b = arcsin(2). Also, I have found that the graph of this equation makes a convex limacon.
You should be able to figure out the integration limits from the graph. You could integrate from b = 0 to b = ##2\pi##. Alternatively, you could integrate from b = ##\pi/2## to b = b = ##3\pi/2## and double that result.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
  • #3
Mark44 said:
You should be able to figure out the integration limits from the graph. You could integrate from b = 0 to b = ##2\pi##. Alternatively, you could integrate from b = ##\pi/2## to b = b = ##3\pi/2## and double that result.

ok so would my equation look something like ∫ [(1-sin(b))^2 db] with the limits of integration going from 0 to 2pi?
 
  • #4
Looks good, provide [itex]b[/itex] is the polar angle. Why don't you use LaTeX for typesetting formulas? It's no big deal to type it and it makes everything much easier to read and understand!
 
  • #5
vanhees71 said:
Looks good, provide [itex]b[/itex] is the polar angle. Why don't you use LaTeX for typesetting formulas? It's no big deal to type it and it makes everything much easier to read and understand!
I don't know how to use latex, nor do I know where to find it...sorry
 
  • #6
Ok, I am confused about this problem now. The website for my calculus textbook offers a 24/7 tutoring service. When I asked the tutor about this problem he said I could not integrate from 0 to 2pi; however, he was also not sure how to do the problem. So can I safely assume that he was wrong about being unable to integrate from 0 to 2pi?
 
  • #7
Well, could you post the full question? I don't know, why one shouldn't integrate over the full range of the angle, because [itex]r(b)=2-\sin b>0[/itex] for all [itex]b \in [0,2 \pi][/itex].
 
  • #8
Yes, like this:
Code:
##\frac 1 2\int_{0}^{2\pi} (2-\sin\theta)^2d\theta##
which displays like this: ##\frac 1 2\int_{0}^{2\pi} (2-\sin\theta)^2d\theta##
 
  • #9
_N3WTON_ said:
When I asked the tutor about this problem he said I could not integrate from 0 to 2pi; however, he was also not sure how to do the problem.
It doesn't give me a lot of confidence when someone tells me I can't do a problem a certain way, but then doesn't know how to do the problem.
_N3WTON_ said:
So can I safely assume that he was wrong about being unable to integrate from 0 to 2pi?
If you look at the graph, it's pretty obvious that you can integrate using those limits, regardless of what the tutor is saying.
 
  • #10
vanhees71 said:
Well, could you post the full question? I don't know, why one shouldn't integrate over the full range of the angle, because [itex]r(b)=2-\sin b>0[/itex] for all [itex]b \in [0,2 \pi][/itex].
I did post the full question.
 
  • #11
Mark44 said:
It doesn't give me a lot of confidence when someone tells me I can't do a problem a certain way, but then doesn't know how to do the problem.

If you look at the graph, it's pretty obvious that you can integrate using those limits, regardless of what the tutor is saying.
Thank you...my first instinct was to integrate from 0 to 2pi; however, the tutor swayed me lol...
 

FAQ: Area Polar Graph Homework: Find Region's Area

What is a polar graph and how is it different from a regular graph?

A polar graph is a type of graph commonly used in mathematics and science to represent data that has a circular or radial structure. Unlike a regular graph that uses x and y coordinates, a polar graph uses a radius and angle to plot points.

How do I find the area of a region on a polar graph?

To find the area of a region on a polar graph, you first need to determine the boundaries of the region. This can be done by finding the points where the graph intersects the polar axis. Then, use the formula A=1/2∫ab r2 dθ, where r is the function that defines the boundary and a and b are the angles of the boundaries. This will give you the area of the region in square units.

Can I use a calculator to find the area of a region on a polar graph?

Yes, you can use a calculator to find the area of a region on a polar graph. Many graphing calculators have a built-in function for calculating the area under a polar curve. You can also use online calculators or software programs specifically designed for polar graphs.

What are some common shapes that can be represented on a polar graph?

Some common shapes that can be represented on a polar graph include circles, ellipses, cardioids, and limaçons. These shapes have equations that can be expressed in polar coordinates, making it easier to plot them on a polar graph.

What are some real-world applications of polar graphs?

Polar graphs have many real-world applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and astronomy. They can be used to represent planetary orbits, electromagnetic fields, and sound waves. They are also commonly used in navigation and mapping to plot coordinates on a circular surface, such as a globe.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
2K
Back
Top