Double integrals
A double integral integrates a function over a region in the plane. Compute it as an iterated integral, one variable at a time.
Basic, Standard, Advanced: University Year 1 · 2nd semester
Math problem generator
Iterated integrals
If the region can be written , then
In the inner integral, treat as a constant and integrate in ; then integrate the result in . On a rectangle with , the integral is the product of an -integral and a -integral.
Describing the region
To set up an iterated integral, describe with inequalities. For example, the region bounded by and is , . Always draw a picture.
Changing the order of integration
cannot be computed as it stands, because has no elementary antiderivative. Rewrite the region as and swap the order:
Polar coordinates
With and ,
Disks and sectors become rectangles in and . Don't forget the Jacobian .
Worked examples
Let . Evaluate the double integral.
Hint
The region is a rectangle, so integrate with respect to first (treating as a constant), then with respect to .
Answer
Solution
Write it as an iterated integral and integrate with respect to first, treating as a constant.
Evaluate the iterated integral.
Hint
cannot be written in terms of elementary functions. Change the order of integration.
Answer
Solution
An antiderivative of with respect to is not elementary, so change the order of integration. The region is .
Hence
Let . Evaluate the double integral.
Hint
For regions involving circles, switch to polar coordinates , . Remember that .
Answer
Solution
Switching to polar coordinates and gives , and the region becomes a rectangle in and .
Practice problems
Let . Evaluate the double integral.
Hint
If the integrand is (a function of only) × (a function of only) and the region is a rectangle, the integral is the product of the two single integrals.
Answer
Solution
The integrand is a product of a function of and a function of , and the region is a rectangle, so the integral splits into a product.
Evaluate the iterated integral.
Hint
cannot be written in terms of elementary functions. Change the order of integration.
Answer
Solution
An antiderivative of with respect to is not elementary, so change the order of integration. The region is .
Hence
Let . Evaluate the double integral.
Hint
For regions involving circles, switch to polar coordinates , . Remember that .
Answer
Solution
Switching to polar coordinates and gives , and the region becomes a rectangle in and .
This matches the volume of a hemisphere of radius .