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What is the exact value of the definite integral ∫−339−x2 dx\int_{-3}^{3} \sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx?

The exact value of the definite integral ∫−339−x2 dx\int_{-3}^{3} \sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx is 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2}. This is derived by interpreting the integral as the geometric area of the upper semicircle of a circle with radius 3. The area of the full circle is 9π9\pi, and taking half of it yields 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2}.

Conditions

  • Interpret the integral as area under the graph on [−3,3][-3,3].
  • Recognize the graph as the upper semicircle of radius 3.
  • Exact equality for the displayed definite integral.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the integrand y=9−x2y = \sqrt{9-x^2} as the upper semicircle of the circle x2+y2=9x^2 + y^2 = 9.
  2. Determine the radius of the circle, which is r=3r = 3.
  3. Calculate the area of the full circle using the formula A=πr2=π(3)2=9πA = \pi r^2 = \pi(3)^2 = 9\pi.
  4. Halve the full circle's area to find the area of the upper semicircle: 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2}.
  5. Conclude that the definite integral equals this geometric area, 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2}.

Example

The video concludes with the final written result 9π2\frac{9\pi}{2} boxed on the board, completing the equation ∫−339−x2 dx=9π2\int_{-3}^{3} \sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx = \frac{9\pi}{2}.

Common misconceptions

  • Assuming the answer is 9π9\pi by forgetting that the square root function only represents the upper half of the circle.
  • Believing that the integral must be evaluated using complex trigonometric substitution rather than simple geometric area formulas.

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