Lecture: Sec 15.2 Double Integrals over General Regions

Topic 1: From Rectangles to General Regions 🏞️

In Section 15.1, we learned to compute the volume under a surface $z=f(x,y)$ over a rectangular domain $R$. But what if the domain $D$ is not a rectangle? What if it's a triangle, a disk, or the region enclosed by two parabolas?

The formal definition is still based on a Riemann sum. We can enclose our general region $D$ in a large rectangle $R$, and then define a new function $F(x,y)$ such that:

$$ F(x,y) = \begin{cases} f(x,y) & \text{if } (x,y) \text{ is in } D \\ 0 & \text{if } (x,y) \text{ is in } R \text{ but not in } D \end{cases} $$

We then define the double integral over $D$ as $\iint_D f(x,y) \, dA = \iint_R F(x,y) \, dA$.

The "Cookie Cutter" Analogy 🍪

This definition of $F(x,y)$ is just a formal trick. Here's a simple way to think about it:

  1. Imagine a big, rectangular pan $R$ filled with "dough." The thickness (height) of the dough at any point $(x,y)$ is $f(x,y)$.
  2. You take a cookie cutter in the shape of your non-rectangular region $D$ and press it into the dough.
  3. The function $F(x,y)$ is what you get if you scrape away all the dough from outside the cookie cutter.
  4. Inside the cutter ($D$), the dough's height is still $f(x,y)$. Outside the cutter ($R$ but not $D$), the dough's height is now $0$.

The integral $\iint_R F(x,y) \, dA$ is the total volume of dough left in the pan, which is *exactly* the volume of the cookie piece we wanted: $\iint_D f(x,y) \, dA$.

Explore the Analogy: This graph shows the rectangular pan $R$ (orange) and the cookie-cutter region $D$ (purple). Click the circle next to the top function $z = f(x,y)$ to see the solid volume we are trying to find.

This formal definition is clumsy for computation, but it's what *justifies* our new method. Fortunately, just as Fubini's Theorem let us use iterated integrals for rectangles, we can use them for general regions, but with a new twist: the bounds of integration can be functions.


Topic 2: Type I Regions (Vertically Simple)

A region $D$ is called Type I if it lies between the graphs of two continuous functions of $x$.

Definition: Type I Region

A domain $D$ is Type I if it can be described as:

$$ D = \{ (x,y) \mid a \le x \le b, \quad g_1(x) \le y \le g_2(x) \} $$
  • The outer bounds, $a$ and $b$, are constants.
  • The inner bounds, $g_1(x)$ (bottom curve) and $g_2(x)$ (top curve), are functions of $x$.

To integrate over a Type I region, we slice vertically first:

$$ \iint_D f(x,y) \, dA = \int_a^b \left[ \int_{g_1(x)}^{g_2(x)} f(x,y) \, dy \right] dx $$

Key Rule for Iterated Integrals

The bounds of the outer integral must be constants. The bounds of the inner integral can be variables (functions of the outer variable).

Illegal: $\displaystyle \int_{g_1(x)}^{g_2(x)} \int_a^b f(x,y) \, dx \, dy$. The final answer must be a number, not a function of $x$!

Example 1: Evaluating over a Type I Region

Evaluate $\iint_D (x+2y) \, dA$, where $D$ is the region bounded by the parabolas $y=2x^2$ and $y=1+x^2$.

Solution:

1. Sketch the region and find bounds:

First, find the intersection points by setting the functions equal:

$$ 2x^2 = 1+x^2 \implies x^2 = 1 \implies x = -1 \text{ and } x = 1 $$

For $x$ in $[-1, 1]$, $1+x^2 \ge 2x^2$. Thus, $g_2(x) = 1+x^2$ (top curve) and $g_1(x) = 2x^2$ (bottom curve).

The region $D$ is Type I: $D = \{ (x,y) \mid -1 \le x \le 1, \quad 2x^2 \le y \le 1+x^2 \}$.

2. Set up and solve the integral:

$$ \iint_D (x+2y) \, dA = \int_{-1}^1 \int_{2x^2}^{1+x^2} (x+2y) \, dy \, dx $$

Inner integral (w.r.t. $y$): Treat $x$ as a constant.

$$ \int_{2x^2}^{1+x^2} (x+2y) \, dy = \left[ xy + y^2 \right]_{y=2x^2}^{y=1+x^2} $$ $$ = \left( x(1+x^2) + (1+x^2)^2 \right) - \left( x(2x^2) + (2x^2)^2 \right) $$ $$ = (x+x^3 + 1+2x^2+x^4) - (2x^3 + 4x^4) $$ $$ = -3x^4 - x^3 + 2x^2 + x + 1 $$

Outer integral (w.r.t. $x$):

$$ \int_{-1}^1 (-3x^4 - x^3 + 2x^2 + x + 1) \, dx = \left[ -\frac{3}{5}x^5 - \frac{1}{4}x^4 + \frac{2}{3}x^3 + \frac{1}{2}x^2 + x \right]_{-1}^1 $$

This is $(-\frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{2} + 1) - (\frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{4} - \frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{2} - 1) = -\frac{6}{5} + \frac{4}{3} + 2 = \frac{-18+20+30}{15} = \frac{32}{15}$.

Example 2: Volume as a Type I Integral

Find the volume of the solid under the surface $z=x^2+y^2$ and above the region $D$ in the xy-plane bounded by $y=\sqrt{x}$ and $y=x$.

Solution:

1. Sketch the region and find bounds:

Intersections: $\sqrt{x} = x \implies x = x^2 \implies x^2-x=0 \implies x(x-1)=0$. So $x=0$ and $x=1$.

In the interval $[0,1]$, $\sqrt{x} \ge x$. So, $g_2(x) = \sqrt{x}$ (top) and $g_1(x) = x$ (bottom).

The region is $D = \{ (x,y) \mid 0 \le x \le 1, \quad x \le y \le \sqrt{x} \}$.

2. Set up and solve the integral:

$$ V = \int_0^1 \int_x^{\sqrt{x}} (x^2+y^2) \, dy \, dx $$

Inner: $\int_x^{\sqrt{x}} (x^2+y^2) \, dy = \left[ x^2y + \frac{1}{3}y^3 \right]_{y=x}^{y=\sqrt{x}} = \left( x^2\sqrt{x} + \frac{1}{3}(\sqrt{x})^3 \right) - \left( x^2(x) + \frac{1}{3}x^3 \right) $

$$ = \left( x^{5/2} + \frac{1}{3}x^{3/2} \right) - \left( x^3 + \frac{1}{3}x^3 \right) = x^{5/2} + \frac{1}{3}x^{3/2} - \frac{4}{3}x^3 $$

Outer: $\int_0^1 (x^{5/2} + \frac{1}{3}x^{3/2} - \frac{4}{3}x^3) \, dx = \left[ \frac{2}{7}x^{7/2} + \frac{1}{3}\cdot\frac{2}{5}x^{5/2} - \frac{4}{3}\cdot\frac{1}{4}x^4 \right]_0^1 $

$$ = \left[ \frac{2}{7} + \frac{2}{15} - \frac{1}{3} \right] - 0 = \frac{30 + 14 - 35}{105} = \frac{9}{105} = \frac{3}{35}. $$

Explore the Graph: Click the circle next to the top function ($z=x^2+y^2$) to see the solid volume from Example 2.

Check Your Understanding 🤔

Set up, but do not evaluate, the double integral $\iint_D (x\cos y) \, dA$ where $D$ is the region bounded by $y=0$, $y=x^2$, and $x=1$.

Solution:

The region is bounded by $x=1$ on the right, $y=0$ on the bottom, and $y=x^2$ on the top. The intersection of $y=x^2$ and $y=0$ is at $x=0$.

This is a Type I region: $D = \{ (x,y) \mid 0 \le x \le 1, \quad 0 \le y \le x^2 \}$.

The integral is:

$$ \int_0^1 \int_0^{x^2} (x\cos y) \, dy \, dx $$

Topic 3: Type II Regions (Horizontally Simple)

A region $D$ is called Type II if it lies between the graphs of two continuous functions of $y$.

Definition: Type II Region

A domain $D$ is Type II if it can be described as:

$$ D = \{ (x,y) \mid c \le y \le d, \quad h_1(y) \le x \le h_2(y) \} $$
  • The outer bounds, $c$ and $d$, are constants.
  • The inner bounds, $h_1(y)$ (left curve) and $h_2(y)$ (right curve), are functions of $y$.

To integrate over a Type II region, we slice horizontally first:

$$ \iint_D f(x,y) \, dA = \int_c^d \left[ \int_{h_1(y)}^{h_2(y)} f(x,y) \, dx \right] dy $$

Example 1: A Region as Type I or Type II

Set up the integral for the volume from Example 2 (under $z=x^2+y^2$ over $D$ bounded by $y=\sqrt{x}$ and $y=x$) as a Type II region.

Solution:

1. Sketch the region and find bounds:

The region is bounded by $y=x$ and $y=\sqrt{x}$. We must express the boundaries as functions of $y$ ($x=h(y)$).

  • $y = x \implies x = y$
  • $y = \sqrt{x} \implies x = y^2$

The intersection points are $(0,0)$ and $(1,1)$, so the $y$-values range from $c=0$ to $d=1$.

For $y$ in $[0,1]$, $y \ge y^2$. So the "right curve" is $h_2(y)=y$ and the "left curve" is $h_1(y)=y^2$.

The region is $D = \{ (x,y) \mid 0 \le y \le 1, \quad y^2 \le x \le y \}$.

2. Set up the integral:

$$ V = \int_0^1 \int_{y^2}^y (x^2+y^2) \, dx \, dy $$

(Note: Evaluating this integral will also yield $3/35$.)

Example 2: A Type II Integral

Evaluate $\iint_D xy \, dA$ where $D$ is the region bounded by the line $y=x-1$ and the parabola $y^2=2x+6$.

Solution:

1. Sketch the region and find bounds:

This region is complicated as Type I (the bottom curve is defined piecewise). It is much simpler as Type II.

We solve for $x$ in terms of $y$:

  • Right curve: $y = x-1 \implies x = y+1$
  • Left curve: $y^2 = 2x+6 \implies 2x = y^2-6 \implies x = \frac{1}{2}y^2-3$

Find intersections: $y+1 = \frac{1}{2}y^2-3 \implies 2y+2 = y^2-6 \implies y^2-2y-8 = 0 \implies (y-4)(y+2)=0$. So $y=-2$ and $y=4$.

The region is $D = \{ (x,y) \mid -2 \le y \le 4, \quad \frac{1}{2}y^2-3 \le x \le y+1 \}$.

2. Set up and solve the integral:

$$ \int_{-2}^4 \int_{\frac{1}{2}y^2-3}^{y+1} xy \, dx \, dy $$

Inner: $\int_{\frac{1}{2}y^2-3}^{y+1} xy \, dx = y \left[ \frac{1}{2}x^2 \right]_{\frac{1}{2}y^2-3}^{y+1} = \frac{y}{2} \left[ (y+1)^2 - (\frac{1}{2}y^2-3)^2 \right]$

$$ = \frac{y}{2} \left[ (y^2+2y+1) - (\frac{1}{4}y^4 - 3y^2 + 9) \right] = \frac{y}{2} \left[ -\frac{1}{4}y^4 + 4y^2 + 2y - 8 \right] $$ $$ = -\frac{1}{8}y^5 + 2y^3 + y^2 - 4y $$

Outer: $\int_{-2}^4 (-\frac{1}{8}y^5 + 2y^3 + y^2 - 4y) \, dy = \left[ -\frac{1}{48}y^6 + \frac{1}{2}y^4 + \frac{1}{3}y^3 - 2y^2 \right]_{-2}^4 $

$$ = \left( -\frac{4096}{48} + \frac{256}{2} + \frac{64}{3} - 32 \right) - \left( -\frac{64}{48} + \frac{16}{2} - \frac{8}{3} - 8 \right) $$ $$ = \left( -\frac{256}{3} + 128 + \frac{64}{3} - 32 \right) - \left( -\frac{4}{3} + 8 - \frac{8}{3} - 8 \right) $$ $$ = \left( -\frac{192}{3} + 96 \right) - \left( -\frac{12}{3} \right) = (-64 + 96) - (-4) = 32+4 = 36. $$

Check Your Understanding 🤔

Set up the integral $\iint_D (x\cos y) \, dA$ from the previous CYU (where $D$ is bounded by $y=0$, $y=x^2$, and $x=1$) as a Type II integral.

Solution:

The region is $D = \{ (x,y) \mid 0 \le x \le 1, \quad 0 \le y \le x^2 \}$.

To express as Type II, we solve for $x$: $y=x^2 \implies x=\sqrt{y}$ (since $x \ge 0$).

The $y$ values range from $y=0$ to $y=1$ (the value of $y$ when $x=1$).

The left curve is $x=h_1(y)=\sqrt{y}$. The right curve is $x=h_2(y)=1$.

The region is $D = \{ (x,y) \mid 0 \le y \le 1, \quad \sqrt{y} \le x \le 1 \}$.

The integral is:

$$ \int_0^1 \int_{\sqrt{y}}^1 (x\cos y) \, dx \, dy $$

Topic 4: Reversing the Order of Integration

One of the most powerful applications of Type I and Type II regions is reversing the order of integration. Why would we do this?

Sometimes, an integral is difficult or impossible to compute in one order, but becomes simple in the other order. For example, $\int \sin(y^2) \, dy$ and $\int e^{x^2} \, dx$ do not have elementary antiderivatives.

Process for Reversing Integration Order

  1. Sketch the Region: Use the bounds of the given integral to draw the domain of integration $D$.
  2. Re-describe the Region: If the integral was Type I ($dy \, dx$), describe $D$ as a Type II region (with $dx \, dy$ bounds). If it was Type II, describe it as Type I.
  3. Rewrite the Integral: Write the new integral with the new bounds and the new order of integration.

Example 1: Reversing Order (Impossible Integral)

Evaluate the integral $\displaystyle \int_0^1 \int_x^1 \sin(y^2) \, dy \, dx$.

Solution:

1. Sketch the Region:

The integral is $dy \, dx$, so it's Type I. The bounds are:

  • $x \le y \le 1$ (vertical bounds)
  • $0 \le x \le 1$ (horizontal bounds)

This describes the triangle bounded by $y=x$ (bottom), $y=1$ (top), and $x=0$ (left). The vertices are (0,0), (0,1), and (1,1).

2. Re-describe as Type II:

We need $dx \, dy$ bounds (horizontal slices).

  • Left bound: $x=0$
  • Right bound: $y=x \implies x=y$
  • Constant bounds for $y$: $0 \le y \le 1$

The region is $D = \{ (x,y) \mid 0 \le y \le 1, \quad 0 \le x \le y \}$.

3. Rewrite and Solve:

$$ \int_0^1 \int_0^y \sin(y^2) \, dx \, dy $$

Inner: $\int_0^y \sin(y^2) \, dx = \sin(y^2) \left[ x \right]_0^y = y\sin(y^2)$.

Outer: $\int_0^1 y\sin(y^2) \, dy$. (Now it's solvable! Use u-sub: $u=y^2, du=2y\,dy$)

$$ = \frac{1}{2} \int_0^1 \sin(u) \, du = \frac{1}{2} \left[ -\cos(u) \right]_0^1 = -\frac{1}{2} (\cos(1) - \cos(0)) = \frac{1}{2}(1 - \cos(1)). $$

Example 2: Another Impossible Integral

Evaluate $\displaystyle \int_0^8 \int_{\sqrt[3]{y}}^2 e^{x^4} \, dx \, dy$.

Solution:

1. Sketch the Region:

The integral is $dx \, dy$, so it's Type II. The bounds are:

  • $\sqrt[3]{y} \le x \le 2$ (horizontal bounds)
  • $0 \le y \le 8$ (vertical bounds)

The boundaries are $x=\sqrt[3]{y} \implies y=x^3$, $x=2$, and $y=0$. This is the region under the curve $y=x^3$ from $x=0$ to $x=2$. (Note: when $x=2$, $y=2^3=8$, which matches our $y$-bound).

2. Re-describe as Type I:

We need $dy \, dx$ bounds (vertical slices).

  • Bottom bound: $y=0$
  • Top bound: $y=x^3$
  • Constant bounds for $x$: $0 \le x \le 2$

3. Rewrite and Solve:

$$ \int_0^2 \int_0^{x^3} e^{x^4} \, dy \, dx $$

Inner: $\int_0^{x^3} e^{x^4} \, dy = e^{x^4} \left[ y \right]_0^{x^3} = x^3e^{x^4}$.

Outer: $\int_0^2 x^3e^{x^4} \, dx$. (Use u-sub: $u=x^4, du=4x^3\,dx$)

$$ = \frac{1}{4} \int_0^{16} e^u \, du = \frac{1}{4} \left[ e^u \right]_0^{16} = \frac{1}{4}(e^{16} - e^0) = \frac{1}{4}(e^{16} - 1). $$

Check Your Understanding 🤔

Reverse the order of integration for $\displaystyle \int_1^2 \int_0^{\ln x} f(x,y) \, dy \, dx$.

Solution:

1. Sketch Region (Type I):

Bounds: $0 \le y \le \ln x$ and $1 \le x \le 2$.

Boundaries are $y=\ln x$, $y=0$, $x=1$ (note $\ln(1)=0$), and $x=2$.

2. Re-describe (Type II):

Solve $y=\ln x$ for $x \implies x=e^y$.

Left bound: $x=e^y$. Right bound: $x=2$.

Constant $y$ bounds: $y$ goes from $0$ to $\ln(2)$ (the value of $y$ when $x=2$).

3. Rewrite Integral:

$$ \int_0^{\ln 2} \int_{e^y}^2 f(x,y) \, dx \, dy $$

Topic 5: Properties and Area

The properties of double integrals (like linearity) still hold for general regions. We also gain two important applications.

Properties for General Regions

  1. Area: The area of a region $D$ is given by the integral of the function $f(x,y)=1$ over $D$. $$ \text{Area}(D) = \iint_D 1 \, dA $$
  2. Additivity: If $D$ is the union of two non-overlapping regions $D_1$ and $D_2$ (i.e., $D = D_1 \cup D_2$), then $$ \iint_D f(x,y) \, dA = \iint_{D_1} f(x,y) \, dA + \iint_{D_2} f(x,y) \, dA $$

    This is extremely useful for regions that are neither Type I nor Type II, but can be split into Type I or Type II pieces.

Example 1: Finding Area with a Double Integral

Use a double integral to find the area of the region $D$ bounded by $y=x^2$ and $y=2x-x^2$.

Solution:

Intersections: $x^2 = 2x-x^2 \implies 2x^2-2x=0 \implies 2x(x-1)=0$. So $x=0, x=1$.

In $[0,1]$, $2x-x^2 \ge x^2$. This is a Type I region.

We set up the integral for area, $f(x,y)=1$.

$$ \text{Area} = \int_0^1 \int_{x^2}^{2x-x^2} 1 \, dy \, dx $$

Inner: $\int_{x^2}^{2x-x^2} 1 \, dy = [y]_{x^2}^{2x-x^2} = (2x-x^2) - (x^2) = 2x-2x^2$.

Outer: $\int_0^1 (2x-2x^2) \, dx = \left[ x^2 - \frac{2}{3}x^3 \right]_0^1 = (1 - \frac{2}{3}) - 0 = \frac{1}{3}$.

(Note: This is the exact same result as $\int_0^1 (f_{top} - f_{bottom}) \, dx$ from Calculus I. The double integral is the formal justification for that method.)

Example 2: Splitting a Region

Set up the integral(s) for $\iint_D f(x,y) \, dA$ where $D$ is the triangle with vertices $(0,0)$, $(1,3)$, and $(5,1)$.

Solution:

This region is neither Type I (the top boundary changes) nor Type II (the right boundary changes). We must split it.

Method 1: Split as Type I

We split the region at $x=1$.

Line 1 (from (0,0) to (1,3)): $y=3x$

Line 2 (from (0,0) to (5,1)): $y=x/5$

Line 3 (from (1,3) to (5,1)): $m = \frac{1-3}{5-1} = \frac{-2}{4} = -\frac{1}{2}$. So $y-1 = -\frac{1}{2}(x-5) \implies y = -\frac{1}{2}x + \frac{5}{2} + 1 \implies y = -\frac{1}{2}x + \frac{7}{2}$.

  • Region $D_1$ ($0 \le x \le 1$): Bounded by $y=3x$ (top) and $y=x/5$ (bottom).
  • Region $D_2$ ($1 \le x \le 5$): Bounded by $y=-\frac{1}{2}x+\frac{7}{2}$ (top) and $y=x/5$ (bottom).

The integral is:

$$ \int_0^1 \int_{x/5}^{3x} f(x,y) \, dy \, dx + \int_1^5 \int_{x/5}^{-\frac{1}{2}x + \frac{7}{2}} f(x,y) \, dy \, dx $$

Check Your Understanding 🤔

Set up a Type I double integral to find the area of the region bounded by $y=e^x$, $y=0$, $x=0$, and $x=1$.

Solution:

The region is $D = \{ (x,y) \mid 0 \le x \le 1, \quad 0 \le y \le e^x \}$.

To find the area, we integrate $f(x,y)=1$.

$$ \text{Area} = \int_0^1 \int_0^{e^x} 1 \, dy \, dx $$

(If we solve it: $\int_0^1 [y]_0^{e^x} \, dx = \int_0^1 e^x \, dx = [e^x]_0^1 = e^1 - e^0 = e-1$.)


Lecture Conclusion

Today we broke free from rectangular domains. We learned how to integrate over general regions by defining Type I (vertical) and Type II (horizontal) regions, which use functions as integration bounds.

The most important skills are sketching the domain $D$ and choosing the correct order of integration. Sometimes, an integral is impossible in one order but simple in the other, making reversing the order a critical problem-solving technique.

What You Should Have Learned

  • How to identify and define Type I and Type II regions.
  • How to set up and evaluate double integrals over Type I and Type II regions.
  • The process for reversing the order of integration.
  • How to use double integrals to find the area of a general region $D$.
  • How to split a complex region $D$ into a sum of simpler regions $D_1 + D_2$.

Final Practice Problems

Practice Problem #1 (Volume)

Find the volume of the solid under the plane $z=2x+y$ and above the region $D$ in the first quadrant bounded by $y=x$ and $y=x^3$.

Solution:

1. Find Bounds:

Intersections: $x=x^3 \implies x^3-x=0 \implies x(x^2-1)=0$. In the first quadrant, $x=0$ and $x=1$.

In $[0,1]$, $x \ge x^3$. So $g_2(x)=x$ (top) and $g_1(x)=x^3$ (bottom).

2. Set up and Solve:

$$ V = \int_0^1 \int_{x^3}^x (2x+y) \, dy \, dx $$

Inner: $\int_{x^3}^x (2x+y) \, dy = \left[ 2xy + \frac{1}{2}y^2 \right]_{y=x^3}^{y=x} $

$$ = \left( 2x(x) + \frac{1}{2}x^2 \right) - \left( 2x(x^3) + \frac{1}{2}(x^3)^2 \right) = \left( 2x^2 + \frac{1}{2}x^2 \right) - \left( 2x^4 + \frac{1}{2}x^6 \right) $$ $$ = \frac{5}{2}x^2 - 2x^4 - \frac{1}{2}x^6 $$

Outer: $\int_0^1 (\frac{5}{2}x^2 - 2x^4 - \frac{1}{2}x^6) \, dx = \left[ \frac{5}{2}\cdot\frac{x^3}{3} - 2\frac{x^5}{5} - \frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{x^7}{7} \right]_0^1 $

$$ = \left( \frac{5}{6} - \frac{2}{5} - \frac{1}{14} \right) - 0 = \frac{5 \cdot 35 - 2 \cdot 42 - 1 \cdot 15}{210} = \frac{175 - 84 - 15}{210} = \frac{76}{210} = \frac{38}{105}. $$

Practice Problem #2 (Reversing Order)

Evaluate $\displaystyle\int_0^1 \int_{\sqrt{y}}^1 \sqrt{x^3+1} \, dx \, dy$.

Solution:

The integral $\int \sqrt{x^3+1} \, dx$ is not elementary. We must reverse the order.

1. Sketch Region (Type II):

Bounds: $\sqrt{y} \le x \le 1$ and $0 \le y \le 1$.

Boundaries are $x=\sqrt{y} \implies y=x^2$, $x=1$, and $y=0$. This is the region under $y=x^2$ from $x=0$ to $x=1$. (Wait, $x$ starts at $\sqrt{y}$, so $x$ is to the *right* of the parabola. The region is bounded by $y=x^2$ (left), $x=1$ (right), and $y=0$ (bottom).)

2. Re-describe (Type I):

Vertical slices: $0 \le y \le x^2$ and $0 \le x \le 1$.

3. Rewrite and Solve:

$$ \int_0^1 \int_0^{x^2} \sqrt{x^3+1} \, dy \, dx $$

Inner: $\int_0^{x^2} \sqrt{x^3+1} \, dy = \sqrt{x^3+1} [y]_0^{x^2} = x^2\sqrt{x^3+1}$.

Outer: $\int_0^1 x^2\sqrt{x^3+1} \, dx$. (Let $u=x^3+1, du=3x^2\,dx$)

$$ = \frac{1}{3} \int_1^2 \sqrt{u} \, du = \frac{1}{3} \left[ \frac{2}{3}u^{3/2} \right]_1^2 = \frac{2}{9} \left( 2^{3/2} - 1^{3/2} \right) = \frac{2}{9}(2\sqrt{2} - 1). $$

Practice Problem #3 (Splitting a Region)

Set up the iterated integral(s) to evaluate $\iint_D y \, dA$ where $D$ is the triangular region with vertices $(0,0)$, $(1,3)$, and $(1,-1)$.

Solution:

This region is much simpler as a Type II region (slicing horizontally) than a Type I region.

As Type I (Difficult): We would have to split at $x=...$ wait, the line $x=1$ is a boundary. The left boundary is $y=3x$ (from (0,0) to (1,3)) on top, and $y=-x$ (from (0,0) to (1,-1)) on the bottom. This is a simple Type I region!

Type I Setup:

Bounds: $0 \le x \le 1$. Top curve $g_2(x)=3x$. Bottom curve $g_1(x)=-x$.

$$ \int_0^1 \int_{-x}^{3x} y \, dy \, dx $$

As Type II (Illustrating the split):

We would need to split at $y=0$.

Left curve 1 (for $y>0$): $y=3x \implies x=y/3$.

Left curve 2 (for $y<0$): $y=-x \implies x=-y$.

Right curve (for all $y$): $x=1$.

The $y$-bounds are $-1 \le y \le 3$.

$$ \int_{-1}^0 \int_{-y}^1 y \, dx \, dy + \int_0^3 \int_{y/3}^1 y \, dx \, dy $$

Clearly, the Type I setup is far easier. This problem shows why it's crucial to sketch the region first and choose the best setup.