Calculating Volume of a Region: Integration in Polar Coordinates

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the volume between two surfaces using integration, and how to determine the limits of integration after transforming the double integral into polar coordinates. The integrand is the difference between the two equations for z, and the limits for R and \theta come from the intersection of the two bounding surfaces in the uv-plane.
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Homework Statement


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The Attempt at a Solution


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[/B]1) Whenever I need to find the volume between two surfaces, the integrand is simply the difference (subtraction) of the two equations? In the solution guide above, it is clear that they subtracted the two equations for z.

2) After transforming the double integral into polar coordinates, how did the solutions guide figure out the limits of integration? The object being integrated is a paraboloid limited by z = 4. Why then do the limits go from 0 to 2pi? Where do the limits for R (the inner integral) come from?
 
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1) Whenever I need to find the volume between two surfaces, the integrand is simply the difference (subtraction) of the two equations? In the solution guide above, it is clear that they subtracted the two equations for z.
You shouldn't have to ask! You can take a small "delta x- delta y" rectangle in the xy-plane and then the height of the rectangular solid is the z distance between the bottom and the top- that is, the difference between "the two equations". The volume is z delta x delta y which, in the limit becomes the integral of the z difference dx dy.

2) After transforming the double integral into polar coordinates, how did the solutions guide figure out the limits of integration? The object being integrated is a paraboloid limited by z = 4. Why then do the limits go from 0 to 2pi? Where do the limits for R (the inner integral) come from?
In your uv- coordinates the two bounding surfaces are z= 4 and z= u^2+ v^2. They intersect at u^2+ v^2= 4. You should be able to recognize that as a circle in the uv- plane with center at (0, 0) and radius 2. To cover that circle, take r from 0 to 2 and [itex]\theta[/itex] from 0 to [itex]2\pi[/itex].
 
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Related to Calculating Volume of a Region: Integration in Polar Coordinates

What is the concept of integration in polar coordinates?

Integration in polar coordinates is a method of calculating the volume of a region that is bounded by polar curves. It involves splitting the region into smaller sectors and summing the areas of these sectors using the formula ∫r^2dθ. This method is particularly useful for finding volumes of curved shapes, such as cylinders, cones, and spheres.

How do you set up the integral for finding the volume of a region in polar coordinates?

To set up the integral, you first need to determine the limits of integration for both r and θ. This can be done by graphing the region and identifying the curves that bound it. Then, use the formula ∫r^2dθ to set up the integral, with the appropriate limits for θ. If the region is not bounded by a single curve, you may need to set up multiple integrals to calculate the volume.

What is the difference between rectangular and polar coordinates?

Rectangular coordinates, also known as Cartesian coordinates, use x and y coordinates to locate a point in a two-dimensional plane. Polar coordinates, on the other hand, use a distance (r) and an angle (θ) to locate a point in a two-dimensional plane. Polar coordinates are particularly useful for describing curved shapes, while rectangular coordinates are more commonly used for straight lines and flat shapes.

Can integration in polar coordinates be used to find the volume of three-dimensional shapes?

Yes, integration in polar coordinates can be used to find the volume of three-dimensional shapes. This is because the method involves summing the areas of multiple sectors, which can be stacked on top of each other to form a three-dimensional shape. However, it is important to note that this method can only be used for shapes that can be described using polar coordinates, such as cylinders, cones, and spheres.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using integration in polar coordinates?

One common mistake is to forget to convert the limits of integration from degrees to radians. Another mistake is to use the wrong formula, such as using the formula for finding the area of a circle (πr^2) instead of the formula for finding the volume of a region (∫r^2dθ). It is also important to carefully determine the limits of integration and to use the correct integrand for the given shape. Double-checking calculations can help avoid these mistakes.

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