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How can the definite integral ∫−339−x2 dx\int_{-3}^{3} \sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx be evaluated using elementary circle geometry rather than antidifferentiation?

The definite integral can be evaluated by recognizing that the integrand y=9−x2y = \sqrt{9-x^2} graphs as an upper semicircle of radius 3. Because the function is continuous and nonnegative on [−3,3][-3, 3], the integral equals the ordinary geometric area of this region. Instead of finding an antiderivative, you can use the elementary area formula for a circle. The area of a full circle of radius 3 is π(3)2=9π\pi(3)^2 = 9\pi. Since the graph is only the upper half, the integral evaluates to half of the full circle's area, which is 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2}.

Conditions

  • The integrand is recognized as the upper semicircle of x2+y2=9x^2+y^2=9.
  • The function is continuous and nonnegative on the interval [−3,3][-3, 3].
  • Use the real geometric area formula for a circle.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the graph of y=9−x2y = \sqrt{9-x^2} as the upper semicircle of a circle centered at the origin with radius r=3r = 3.
  2. Interpret the definite integral ∫−339−x2 dx\int_{-3}^{3} \sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx as the geometric area of the shaded region between the semicircle and the x-axis.
  3. Recall the standard formula for the area of a full circle: A=πr2A = \pi r^2.
  4. Substitute the radius r=3r = 3 into the formula to get the full circle's area: π(3)2=9π\pi(3)^2 = 9\pi.
  5. Divide the full circle's area by 2 to account for the fact that the graph is only the upper semicircle.
  6. Conclude that the value of the definite integral is 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2}.

Example

The video shows the computation proceeding via π32=9π\pi 3^2=9\pi and then division by 2 to get 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2}. The presenter explicitly uses the full-circle area and takes half to evaluate this integral, bypassing standard integration rules.

Common misconceptions

  • Believing that evaluating a definite integral always requires finding an antiderivative. A recognizable graph can simplify integration geometrically.
  • Forgetting to halve the full circle's area, which would incorrectly yield 9π9\pi instead of 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2}.

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Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.