Double Integration: Why Y to Sqrt(Y) & X^2 to X?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of double integration and how it can be performed with either x or y as the inner integral. The question arises as to why the limits are from y to sqrt(y) and x^2 to x, rather than the other way around. The reason for this is explained by considering the orientation of the graph and which function is "greater" in each case. However, there is some disagreement about the correctness of this explanation and further discussion may be needed.
  • #1
coverband
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If you can imagine two curves
y = x^2
y=x
between y=[0,1] and x=[0,1] and you are asked to perform a double integration (compute the area encloed by the two curves) you can perfom this with x as the inner integral or y as the inner integral.
When x is the inner integral the limits are from y to sqrt(y)
When y is the inner integral the limits are from x^2 to x

My question is why do they go from y to sqrt(y) and x^2 to x and not sqrt(y) to y and x to x^2?

For a picture of the above see http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/hom...usQuestStudyGuides/vcalc/255doub/255doub.html final example
 
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  • #2
coverband said:
If you can imagine two curves
y = x^2
y=x
between y=[0,1] and x=[0,1] and you are asked to perform a double integration (compute the area encloed by the two curves) you can perfom this with x as the inner integral or y as the inner integral.
When x is the inner integral the limits are from y to sqrt(y)
When y is the inner integral the limits are from x^2 to x

My question is why do they go from y to sqrt(y) and x^2 to x and not sqrt(y) to y and x to x^2?

For a picture of the above see http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/hom...usQuestStudyGuides/vcalc/255doub/255doub.html final example

Because you are going "left to right" when your inner integral is wrt dy and from "bottom" to "up" when you do it wrt to dx. So when you do it wrt dy, note that you are going between y = x and y = x^2 (or x = sqrt(y) since we need bounds in terms of some function of y). When you are doing it wrt dx, you are going from y = x^2 to y = x. Visually you want to see which function is "greater". So when dealing with dy, rotate your graph and you will see that y = x^2 is "above" y = x and thus your lower bound is x = y and your upper bound is x = sqrt(y). Now when you do it wrt dx, you should see that y = x is "above" y = x^2 (at least on your interval of [0,1] x [0,1]) and that is why dx goes from y = x^2 to y = x.
 
  • #3
you're a genius
 
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FAQ: Double Integration: Why Y to Sqrt(Y) & X^2 to X?

What is double integration?

Double integration is a mathematical concept used to find the area under a curved surface or volume between two curved surfaces. It involves performing two successive integrals, one after the other.

Why is Y integrated to Sqrt(Y) and X^2 integrated to X?

When integrating Y to Sqrt(Y), we are essentially finding the area under the curve y = sqrt(y) on the y-axis. Similarly, integrating X^2 to X is finding the area under the curve y = x^2 on the x-axis. This allows us to find the total area between the curves by taking the difference between the two integrals.

What are the steps for double integration?

The steps for double integration are as follows:

  1. Identify the limits of integration for both variables (x and y).
  2. Perform the first integration with respect to y, while treating x as a constant.
  3. Substitute the resulting expression into the second integration, with respect to x.
  4. Solve the resulting integral to find the final answer.

When is double integration used?

Double integration is commonly used in calculus and physics to find the volume of irregular shapes, the area under a curved surface, or to calculate the work done by a variable force.

What are some real-world applications of double integration?

Double integration has many applications in various fields, including engineering, physics, and economics. Some examples include calculating the volume of a complex object, determining the displacement of a moving object, and finding the area under a demand curve in economics.

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