5.

3 Area Under Polar Curve

Here we determine the area A of the region R bounded by the polar graph r = f (θ)
and the rays θ = α and θ = β.

Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 1/3

5.3 Area Under Polar Curve
Here we determine the area A of the region R bounded by the polar graph r = f (θ)
and the rays θ = α and θ = β.
Assume that β > α and that f is continuous for α < θ < β.

Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 1/3

5.3 Area Under Polar Curve
Here we determine the area A of the region R bounded by the polar graph r = f (θ)
and the rays θ = α and θ = β.
Assume that β > α and that f is continuous for α < θ < β.

dθ
β
α
Figure: Area under polar curve

Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 1/3

5.3 Area Under Polar Curve
Here we determine the area A of the region R bounded by the polar graph r = f (θ)
and the rays θ = α and θ = β.
Assume that β > α and that f is continuous for α < θ < β.

dθ
β
α
Figure: Area under polar curve

The area element is thus a sector of a circle of angular width dθ so that

Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 1/3

5.3 Area Under Polar Curve
Here we determine the area A of the region R bounded by the polar graph r = f (θ)
and the rays θ = α and θ = β.
Assume that β > α and that f is continuous for α < θ < β.

dθ
β
α
Figure: Area under polar curve

The area element is thus a sector of a circle of angular width dθ so that

dθ 2 1 1
dA = πr = r 2 dθ = (f (θ))2 dθ.
2π 2 2

Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 1/3

5.3 Area Under Polar Curve
Here we determine the area A of the region R bounded by the polar graph r = f (θ)
and the rays θ = α and θ = β.
Assume that β > α and that f is continuous for α < θ < β.

dθ
β
α
Figure: Area under polar curve

The area element is thus a sector of a circle of angular width dθ so that

dθ 2 1 1
dA = πr = r 2 dθ = (f (θ))2 dθ.
2π 2 2

Thus the required area is given by

1
Z β
A= (f (θ))2 dθ.
2 α
Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 1/3
5. Polar Coordinates
5.1 Polar Coordinates and Polar Curves
Example
Find the area bounded by the cardoid r = a (1 + cos θ).

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5. Polar Coordinates
5.1 Polar Coordinates and Polar Curves
Example
Find the area bounded by the cardoid r = a (1 + cos θ).

90
120 60

150 30

0 0.5 1 1.5 2
180 0

210 330

240 300
270

Figure: Polar curve of r = 1 + cos θ

Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 2/3

5. Polar Coordinates
5.1 Polar Coordinates and Polar Curves
Example
Find the area bounded by the cardoid r = a (1 + cos θ).

90
120 60

150 30

0 0.5 1 1.5 2
180 0

210 330

240 300
270

Figure: Polar curve of r = 1 + cos θ

Solution
By symmetry, the area is twice that of the top half;

Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 2/3

5. Polar Coordinates
5.1 Polar Coordinates and Polar Curves
Example
Find the area bounded by the cardoid r = a (1 + cos θ).

90
120 60

150 30

0 0.5 1 1.5 2
180 0

210 330

240 300
270

Figure: Polar curve of r = 1 + cos θ

Solution
By symmetry, the area is twice that of the top half;

1
Z π Z π
a2 (1 + cos θ)2 dθ = a2 1 + 2 cos θ + cos2 θ dθ


A=2×
2 0 0

Dr Rao (SOM) PURE MATH II 2/3

5. Polar Coordinates
5.1 Polar Coordinates and Polar Curves

Solution
Z π 
1

∴ A = a2 1 + 2 cos θ + (1 + cos 2θ) dθ
0 2
   π
1 1
= a2

θ + 2 sin θ + θ + sin 2θ 
2 2 
0

3 2
= ··· = πa square units.
2

END OF PURE MATH II

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