Surface Integral Homework: Solving with Variable Substitution

In summary, the conversation discusses using a substitution of variables to evaluate a surface integral, but there seems to be a mistake in the calculation. The region to be integrated is a quadrilateral bounded by u=0, v=u, v=u+1, and u+v=2 in the xy plane. Depending on the order of integration, the integral may need to be broken into multiple pairs of integrals.
  • #1
NT123
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Homework Statement

I am to use a substitution of variables u = x, v = x + 2y to evaluate the surface integral

int(0,1/2)int(0,1-y) exp(x/(x+y))dxdy

where int(a,b) means integral sign with lower limit a and upper limit b.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

I used the substitution and calculated the Jacobian to be 1/2. However, in the new variables, the integral is now

int(0,1/2)int(0,1+u-v)exp(u/v)dudv

Both variables appearing in one of the integrals doesn't seem right to me - what has gone wrong with the calculation?
 
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  • #2
NT123 said:
int(0,1/2)int(0,1+u-v)exp(u/v)dudv

Both variables appearing in one of the integrals doesn't seem right to me - what has gone wrong with the calculation?

Are you sure you have all factors of 2 correct? E.g. in the denominator of the exponential function, and the integration limit for the inner integral?

It is not a problem that the outer integration variable is part of the inner integral. The opposite however, doesn't make sense.

Torquil
 
  • #3
I get different things for both integrand and limits of integration. Putting x= u into v= x+ 2y gives v= u+ 2y so that y= (v- u)/2. Then x+ y= (v- u)/2+ 2u/2= (u+ v)/2. x/(x+y)= 2u/(u+v), not u/v.

In the x,y plane, the region to be integrated is the quadrilateral with sides x= 0, y= 0, y= 1/2 and x+ y= 1.

With x= 0, u= 0, v= 2y or just u= 0. With y= 0, u= x, v= x or v= u. With y= 1/2, u= x, v= x+1 or v= u+1. Adding u= x and v= x+ 2y gives u+v= 2x+ 2y= 2(x+ y) so with x+y= 1, u+v= 2.

In the xy, plane, the region is a quadrilateral bounded by u= 0, v= u, v=u+1, and u+ v= 2. Now, whether you integrate with respect to u or v first, you are going to have to break that into two pairs of integrals. If you integrate with respect to v first, you will have to have one pair of integrals with u going from 0 to 1/2 and then another with u going from 1/2 to 1. If you integrate with respect to u first, you will have to have a pair of integrals with v going from 0 to 1 and then from 1 to 3/2.
 
  • #4
Sorry, I made a typo, the integral was supposed to be int(0,1/2)int(0,1-2y)exp(x/(x+2y)), hence the substitution.
Thanks for the help though!
 

Related to Surface Integral Homework: Solving with Variable Substitution

1. What is a surface integral?

A surface integral is a mathematical concept used in multivariable calculus to calculate the total value of a function over a two-dimensional surface. It involves integrating a function over a specified region on the surface.

2. How is variable substitution used in surface integrals?

Variable substitution is a technique used to simplify the process of solving surface integrals. It involves replacing one or more of the variables in the integrand with new variables, which can make the integral easier to evaluate.

3. What is the purpose of solving surface integrals with variable substitution?

Solving surface integrals with variable substitution can make the calculations easier and more efficient. It can also help to simplify complex integrals and make them more manageable to solve.

4. What are some common variable substitutions used in surface integrals?

Some common variable substitutions used in surface integrals include polar coordinates, cylindrical coordinates, and spherical coordinates. These substitutions are often used when dealing with surfaces that have a circular or spherical symmetry.

5. How do you know which variable substitution to use in a surface integral?

The choice of variable substitution depends on the specific surface and the function being integrated. It is important to choose a substitution that simplifies the integral and makes it easier to evaluate. Practice and experience can help in determining the best substitution to use in a given situation.

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