Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the integral ∫₀ʳ √(r² - x²) dx.

Solution

The integral shown in the image is:

0rr2x2dx\int_0^r \sqrt{r^2 - x^2} \, dx

This integral is the area of a quarter-circle with radius rr. Let me solve it step-by-step.


Step 1: Recognizing the Geometry

The integrand r2x2\sqrt{r^2 - x^2} represents the equation of a semicircle (upper half) in the Cartesian plane. Therefore, integrating from x=0x = 0 to x=rx = r will give one-quarter of the area of a full circle.

The area of a full circle is πr2\pi r^2, so the integral result is:

Result=14πr2\text{Result} = \frac{1}{4} \pi r^2


Step 2: Solving Analytically

To confirm this result, we can evaluate the integral using a substitution method.

  1. Substitute x=rsinθx = r \sin\theta, so dx=rcosθdθdx = r \cos\theta \, d\theta.
  2. Then, r2x2=r2(1sin2θ)=r2cos2θr^2 - x^2 = r^2 (1 - \sin^2\theta) = r^2 \cos^2\theta.
  3. The bounds transform as follows:
    • When x=0x = 0: θ=0\theta = 0,
    • When x=rx = r: θ=π2\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}.

The integral becomes: 0rr2x2dx=0π/2r2cos2θrcosθdθ\int_0^r \sqrt{r^2 - x^2} \, dx = \int_0^{\pi/2} \sqrt{r^2 \cos^2\theta} \cdot r \cos\theta \, d\theta

Simplify: 0π/2r2cos2θdθ\int_0^{\pi/2} r^2 \cos^2\theta \, d\theta

  1. Use the identity cos2θ=1+cos(2θ)2\cos^2\theta = \frac{1 + \cos(2\theta)}{2}: 0π/2r2cos2θdθ=r20π/21+cos(2θ)2dθ\int_0^{\pi/2} r^2 \cos^2\theta \, d\theta = r^2 \int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{1 + \cos(2\theta)}{2} \, d\theta

Split the integral: 0π/2r2cos2θdθ=r220π/21dθ+r220π/2cos(2θ)dθ\int_0^{\pi/2} r^2 \cos^2\theta \, d\theta = \frac{r^2}{2} \int_0^{\pi/2} 1 \, d\theta + \frac{r^2}{2} \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos(2\theta) \, d\theta

  • The first term: r220π/21dθ=r22π2=πr24\frac{r^2}{2} \int_0^{\pi/2} 1 \, d\theta = \frac{r^2}{2} \cdot \frac{\pi}{2} = \frac{\pi r^2}{4}

  • The second term: r220π/2cos(2θ)dθ=r22[sin(2θ)2]0π/2=0\frac{r^2}{2} \int_0^{\pi/2} \cos(2\theta) \, d\theta = \frac{r^2}{2} \cdot \left[ \frac{\sin(2\theta)}{2} \right]_0^{\pi/2} = 0

Thus: 0rr2x2dx=πr24\int_0^r \sqrt{r^2 - x^2} \, dx = \frac{\pi r^2}{4}


Final Answer:

0rr2x2dx=πr24\int_0^r \sqrt{r^2 - x^2} \, dx = \frac{\pi r^2}{4}


Would you like a deeper explanation of any step? Let me know!


Related Questions:

  1. How do you compute the area of a full circle using integration?
  2. How does the substitution x=rsinθx = r\sin\theta simplify integrals of this type?
  3. Can this problem be solved using polar coordinates directly?
  4. What other physical problems result in quarter-circle integrals?
  5. How does the geometric interpretation of integrals relate to trigonometric substitutions?

Tip:

For integrals involving a2x2\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}, trigonometric substitution (x=asinθx = a \sin\theta) is often the best approach to simplify the problem systematically.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Definite Integration
Trigonometric Substitution
Geometry of Circles

Formulas

Area of a Circle = πr²
Trigonometric substitution x = r sin(θ)
cos²θ = (1 + cos(2θ))/2

Theorems

Trigonometric Substitution
Geometric Interpretation of Definite Integrals

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus or Advanced High School