Finding Areas of Regions Bounded by Trig Functions Using Integrals

In summary, Dick was saying that to find the area of the regions bounded by the functions cosine and sinine, you need to find the anti derivatives and then use those values to find the area.
  • #1
calchelpneeded9
4
0

Homework Statement


Find the exact total of the areas bounded by the following functions:

f(x) = sinx

g(x) = cosx

x = 0

x = 2pi


Homework Equations


the integral of (top equation - bottom equation)

The Attempt at a Solution



Change the window on the graphing calculator to an x scale of 2pi?
I'm having trouble finding where x = 2pi.

the integral of (cosx - sinx)
to me, cosine appears to be the top equation

Take the anti-derivative of them both---> (-sinx - cosx) (if i remember correctly)

Finding the bounds for the integral is what I'm having problems with. Any hints or suggestions would help me out. This is the last stretch of my ap calculus class, and I guess my brain is starting to fizz out!

Thank you everyone!:cool:
 
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  • #2
If you've drawn the picture as you should, it ought to be clear that the integration limits need to be set where the curves cross. So at how many points do cos(x) and sin(x) cross between 0 and 2pi. Hint: sin(x)=cos(x) -> sin(x)/cos(x)=tan(x)=1.
 
  • #3
calchelpneeded9 said:

Homework Equations


the integral of (top equation - bottom equation)

What Dick was saying is that you are right, it has to be the integral of the function on top minus the function on bottom. However, through 0 to 2pi, is cosine always on top?
 
  • #4
thank you! ok...

From what I can tell, there appears to be three intersections of the two functions. It looks like cos is on top for the first one, and sin on the second, but I'm not sure about the third one.

Once I know that, would I then subtract each pair of sin/cos intersections and then take the anti derivatives of them?

This would then give me the equation I plug in 2pi, find a value, and subtract the value I found using 0 from it? (top - bottom)

Thanks.. I'm still a little stumped!:frown:
 
  • #5
Ok well now that you know which function is on top for each intersection, you need to find the area for each region seperately.

Say for the first region before they intersect, cos is on top. The you have cos x- sin x. Find the anti derivative and then sub in the bounds of the integral as you normally do. Once you have done this for the first section, do the same for the next.
 
  • #6
ok

Thank you for all your help!

what I have now is:

the integral from 0-(pi/4) of: cosx-sinx +

the integral from (pi/4)-(5pi/4) of: sinx-cosx +

the integral from (5pi/4)-(2pi) of: cosx-sinx

I need the exact area..so I thought I would get the same values (for the first integral) by using unit circle values and using FnInt.

Unfortunately, I got different answers for FnInt and using:

[cos (sqrt2/2)- sin (sqrt2/2)] - 1

I thought I was supposed to get an answer in terms of pi?
 
  • #7
Nope, why would you think that! The anti derivatives, sin and cos, are sort of pi eliminators! Sub in a pi thing, get back 1/sqrt 2 or 1 or 0, no more pi! The area won't be in terms of pi!
 
  • #8
ok

so just by adding the values returned by those 3 integrals and not rounding, I should have my exact answer! thank you. :)
 

FAQ: Finding Areas of Regions Bounded by Trig Functions Using Integrals

What is the definition of a region bounded by trig functions?

A region bounded by trig functions is a specific area on a graph that is enclosed by one or more trigonometric functions. These functions can be in the form of sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, or cotangent.

How is the area of a region bounded by trig functions found using integrals?

The area of a region bounded by trig functions can be found by using the definite integral of the function that defines the boundary of the region. This involves finding the antiderivative of the function and evaluating it at the upper and lower limits of integration.

What is the difference between finding the area of a region bounded by trig functions using integrals and using basic geometry?

Unlike basic geometry, where the area can be found by simply multiplying the base by the height, finding the area of a region bounded by trig functions using integrals requires finding the antiderivative of the function and evaluating it at specific limits of integration. This method is more complex but allows for finding the area of more complex and irregularly shaped regions.

What are the common trigonometric functions used to define the boundaries of a region?

The most commonly used trigonometric functions to define the boundaries of a region are sine and cosine. However, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent can also be used depending on the shape and orientation of the region.

Can the area of a region bounded by trig functions be negative?

No, the area of a region bounded by trig functions cannot be negative. The definite integral used to find the area always gives a positive value, regardless of the orientation of the region or the signs of the trigonometric functions.

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