How can I accurately calculate the area between two curves?

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In summary: I tried that In summary, the intercepts of the difference of the two functions were 8 and the integration yielded 21.3. However, the answer is 18. I think that it would be easier to calculate the area enclosed by the lines of the inverse functions and then subtract.
  • #1
Procrastinate
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I am having trouble with this question: (QUESTION AS ATTACHED)


This is what I tried to do:
I found the intercepts of the difference of the two functions which I found to be only 8.

Then I integrated this into the new function:
[tex]\int{\sqrt{2x}-x+4}[/tex]. with limits of 0 and 8 (I don't know how to Latex this)

This, according to my Graphics Calculator yielded 21.3.

However, the answer is 18, what have I done wrong?

Edit: [tex] \int_0^8 (\sqrt{2x} -x + 4)\,dx[/tex]
 

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  • #2
First, find where the line intersects the curve.

Then from the points of intersection, draw a horizontal line to the y-axis, what shape is formed with the straight line and these two new lines you just drew? What is the area of this shape?

EDIT:
I see what you are doing now. Your way will be the same, you will need to subtract the same amount of times.
 
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  • #3
Procrastinate said:
Then I integrated this into the new function:
[tex]\int{\sqrt{2x}-x+4}[/tex]. with limits of 0 and 8 (I don't know how to Latex this)

Click on my LaTeX output image below to find out:

[tex] \int_0^8 (\sqrt{2x} -x + 4)\,dx[/tex]​
 
  • #4
rock.freak667 said:
Then from the points of intersection, draw a horizontal line to the y-axis.

I am not sure what you mean here, but is the answer a triangle?
 
  • #5
Procrastinate said:
I am not sure what you mean here, but is the answer a triangle?

Yep. You can get the area of the triangle. You can get the area of the region bounded by the curve and the y-axis and then subtract.
 
  • #6
I think that this would work best as a double integral. Your y-limits are between 2 and 8 and your x-limits are between y^{2}=2x and y=x-4, this will give you the correct answer.

Mat
 
  • #7
It is easier to calculate the area enclosed by the lines of the inverse functions, x=y+4 and x=y^2/2.

ehild
 

FAQ: How can I accurately calculate the area between two curves?

What is the concept of "area between two curves"?

The area between two curves refers to the region enclosed by two mathematical curves on a graph. It is the area that lies above one curve and below the other curve, within a given interval on the x-axis. This concept is commonly used in calculus to find the area under a curve or between two curves.

How do you calculate the area between two curves?

To calculate the area between two curves, you first need to determine the points of intersection between the two curves. Then, you can use the definite integral to find the area under the upper curve and subtract the area under the lower curve. This can be represented by the integral of (upper curve - lower curve) with respect to x within the given interval.

What is the significance of finding the area between two curves?

Finding the area between two curves can be useful in various real-life applications, such as calculating the volume of irregular shapes, determining the work done by a variable force, or finding the total profit from a production function. It is also a fundamental concept in calculus and can help in understanding the behavior of functions.

What are the limitations of using the area between two curves?

One limitation is that the curves must be continuous and must intersect within the given interval. If the curves do not intersect or if there are multiple points of intersection, the area between them cannot be accurately calculated using this method. Additionally, this method may not work for more complex curves or shapes.

Are there any other methods for finding the area between two curves?

Yes, there are other methods such as the trapezoidal rule, Simpson's rule, and the method of slices. These methods involve dividing the area into smaller, simpler shapes and using their respective formulas to find the total area. However, the accuracy of these methods may vary depending on the complexity of the curves and the number of divisions used.

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