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How is the double integral of a function over a planar domain computed using the cross-section method integrating with respect to y first?

The double integral is computed as an iterated integral by slicing the solid parallel to the yz-plane. First, for a fixed x, the inner integral calculates the area of the cross-section by integrating the function f(x,y)f(x,y) with respect to y from the lower boundary curve φ₁(x) to the upper boundary curve φ₂(x). Second, the outer integral sums these cross-sectional areas by integrating the result with respect to x from a to b.

Conditions

  • The base region D is bounded by vertical lines x=ax=a, x=bx=b and curves y=φy=φ₁(x), y=φy=φ₂(x) with φ₁(x) ≤ φ₂(x).
  • The integration order is y first, then x.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the bounds of the domain D: x ranges from a to b, and for each x, y ranges from φ₁(x) to φ₂(x).
  2. Set up the inner integral with respect to y: ∫\int _{φ₁(x)}^{φ₂(x)} f(x,y)dyf(x,y) dy. This computes the cross-sectional area A(x)A(x) at a fixed x.
  3. Set up the outer integral with respect to x: ∫abA(x)dx\int _a^b A(x) dx.
  4. Combine them into the iterated integral formula: ∬Df(x,y)dxdy=∫ab\iint _D f(x,y) dx dy = \int _a^b (∫\int _{φ₁(x)}^{φ₂(x)} f(x,y)dyf(x,y) dy) dx.

Example

The script states: 'The outer integral adds the cross-sections from x=ax=a to x=bx=b: ∬Df(x,y) dx dy=∫ab(∫φ1(x)φ2(x)f(x,y) dy)dx\iint_D f(x,y)\,dx\,dy=\int_a^b\left(\int_{\varphi_1(x)}^{\varphi_2(x)}f(x,y)\,dy\right)dx. Computing a slice is the inner step; summing slices is the outer step.'

Common misconceptions

  • Confusing the order of integration, such as integrating with respect to x first without adjusting the bounds accordingly.
  • Assuming the cross-section area is constant across x, whereas it varies as A(x)A(x).
  • Forgetting that the inner integral results in a function of x, which is then integrated in the outer step.

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