45–60. Areas of regions Find the area of the following regions.
The region outside the circle r = 1/2 and inside the circle r = cos θ
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First, understand the problem: we want to find the area of the region that lies outside the circle given by \(r = \frac{1}{2}\) and inside the circle given by \(r = \cos \theta\) in polar coordinates.
Next, find the points of intersection between the two circles by setting their equations equal: \(\frac{1}{2} = \cos \theta\). Solve this equation for \(\theta\) to determine the limits of integration.
Recall that the area enclosed by a polar curve \(r = f(\theta)\) between angles \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) is given by the integral \(\frac{1}{2} \int_{\alpha}^{\beta} (f(\theta))^2 \, d\theta\). We will use this formula to find the areas inside each circle.
Set up the integral for the area inside \(r = \cos \theta\) but outside \(r = \frac{1}{2}\) by subtracting the area inside \(r = \frac{1}{2}\) from the area inside \(r = \cos \theta\) over the interval between the intersection points found in step 2.
Finally, evaluate the integral expressions (or leave them in integral form if not asked to compute) to express the area of the desired region.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polar Coordinates and Graphs
Polar coordinates represent points using a radius and an angle (r, θ). Understanding how to graph and interpret curves like r = 1/2 and r = cos θ is essential to visualize the regions bounded by these curves.
The area enclosed by a polar curve r(θ) from θ = a to θ = b is given by (1/2) ∫[a to b] (r(θ))^2 dθ. This formula is fundamental for finding areas of regions defined by polar curves.
Determining Intersection Points and Limits of Integration
To find the area between two polar curves, it is crucial to identify their points of intersection by solving r1 = r2. These intersection angles set the limits for integration when calculating the enclosed area.