9.15 Triple Integrals
INTRODUCTION
The steps leading to the definition of the three-dimensional definite integral or triple integral are quite similar to the steps leading to the definition of the double integral. Obvious differences: Instead of a function of two variables we are integrating a function f of three variables, not over a region R in a coordinate plane, but over a region D of 3-space.
- Let w = F(x, y, z) be defined over a closed and bounded region D of space.
- By means of a three-dimensional grid of vertical and horizontal planes parallel to the coordinate planes, form a partition P of D into n subregions (boxes) Dk of volumes ΔVk that lie entirely in D.
- Let be the norm of the partition or the length of the longest diagonal of the Dk.
- Choose a sample point (, , ) in each subregion Dk. See FIGURE 9.15.1.
- Form the sum (, , ) ΔVk.
The type of partition used in step 2, where all the lie completely within D, is called an inner partition of D. A sum F(, , ) ΔVk, where (, , ) is an arbitrary point within each Dk and denotes the volume of each Dk, is called a Riemann sum after the German mathematician Georg Friedrich Bernhard Riemann (1826–1866). Although Riemann made significant contributions to complex analysis, he is famous mostly for the first rigorous definition of the integral of a real function on an interval, known to every student of calculus as a definite integral.
DEFINITION 9.15.1 The Triple Integral
Let F be a function of three variables defined over a closed region D of 3-space. Then the triple integral of F over D is given by
.(1)
As in our previous discussions on the integral, when F is continuous over D, the limit in (1) exists; that is, F is integrable over D.
Evaluation by Iterated Integrals
If the region D is bounded above by the graph of z = f2(x, y) and bounded below by the graph of z = f1(x, y), then it can be shown that the triple integral (1) can be expressed as a double integral of the partial integral (x, y, z) dz; that is,
where R is the orthogonal projection of D onto the xy-plane. In particular, if R is a Type I region, then, as shown in FIGURE 9.15.2, the triple integral of F over D can be written as an iterated integral:
.(2)
To evaluate the iterated integral in (2) we begin by evaluating the partial integral
in which both x and y are held fixed.
In a double integral there are only two possible orders of integration: dy dx and dx dy. The triple integral in (2) illustrates one of six possible orders of integration:
dz dy dx, dz dx dy, dy dx dz,
dx dy dz, dx dz dy, dy dz dx.
The last two differentials tell the coordinate plane in which the region R is situated. For example, the iterated integral corresponding to the order of integration dx dz dy must have the form
.
The geometric interpretation of this integral and the region R of integration in the yz-plane are shown in FIGURE 9.15.3.
Applications
A list of some of the standard applications of the triple integral follows:
Volume: If F(x, y, z) = 1, then the volume of the solid D is
Mass: If ρ(x, y, z) is density, then the mass of the solid D is given by
First Moments: The first moments of the solid about the coordinate planes indicated by the subscripts are given by
Center of Mass: The coordinates of the center of mass of D are given by
Centroid: If ρ(x, y, z) = a constant, the center of mass is called the centroid of the solid.
Second Moments: The second moments, or moments of inertia of D about the coordinate axes indicated by the subscripts, are given by
Radius of Gyration: As in Section 9.10, if I is a moment of inertia of the solid about a given axis, then the radius of gyration is
EXAMPLE 1 Volume of a Solid
Find the volume of the solid in the first octant bounded by the graphs of z = 1 – y2, y = 2x, and x = 3.
SOLUTION
As indicated in FIGURE 9.15.4(a), the first integration with respect to z is from 0 to 1 – y2. Furthermore, from Figure 9.15.4(b) we see that the projection of the solid D in the
xy-plane is a region of Type II. Hence, we next integrate, with respect to x, from y/2 to 3. The last integration is with respect to y from 0 to 1. Thus,
EXAMPLE 2 Changing the Order of Integration
Change the order of integration in
to dy dx dz.
SOLUTION
As seen in FIGURE 9.15.5(a), the region D is the solid in the first octant bounded by the three coordinate planes and the plane 2x + 3y + 4z = 12. Referring to Figure 9.15.5(b) and the table, we conclude that
Depending on the geometry of a region in 3-space, the evaluation of a triple integral over that region may be made easier by utilizing a new coordinate system.
Cylindrical Coordinates
The cylindrical coordinate system combines the polar description of a point in the plane with the rectangular description of the z-component of a point in space. As seen in FIGURE 9.15.6(a), the cylindrical coordinates of a point P are denoted by the ordered triple (r, θ, z). The word cylindrical arises from the fact that a point P in space is determined by the intersection of the planes z = constant and θ = constant with a cylinder r = constant. See Figure 9.15.6(b).
Conversion of Cylindrical Coordinates to Rectangular Coordinates
From Figure 9.15.6(a) we also see that the rectangular coordinates (x, y, z) of a point can be obtained from the cylindrical coordinates (r, θ, z) by means of
(3)
EXAMPLE 3 Cylindrical to Rectangular Coordinates
Convert (8, π/3, 7) in cylindrical coordinates to rectangular coordinates.
SOLUTION
From (3),
Thus, (8, π/3, 7) is equivalent to (4, 4, 7) in rectangular coordinates. ≡
Conversion of Rectangular Coordinates to Cylindrical Coordinates
To express rectangular coordinates (x, y, z) as cylindrical coordinates, we use
(4)
EXAMPLE 4 Rectangular to Cylindrical Coordinates
Convert () in rectangular coordinates to cylindrical coordinates.
SOLUTION
From (4) we see that
If we take r = 2, then, consistent with the fact that x < 0 and y > 0, we take θ = 3π/4.* Consequently, ( 1) is equivalent to (2, 3π/4, 1) in cylindrical coordinates. See FIGURE 9.15.7. ≡
Triple Integrals in Cylindrical Coordinates
Recall from Section 9.11 that the area of a polar rectangle is ΔA = r* Δr Δθ, where r* is the average radius. From FIGURE 9.15.8(a) we see that the volume of a cylindrical wedge is simply ΔV = (area of base)(height) = r* Δr Δθ Δz. Thus, if F(r, θ, z) is a continuous function over the region D, as shown in Figure 9.15.8(b), then the triple integral of F over D is given by
.
EXAMPLE 5 Center of Mass
A solid in the first octant has the shape determined by the graph of the cone z = and the planes z = 1, x = 0, and y = 0. Find the center of mass if the density is given by ρ(r, θ, z) = r.
SOLUTION
In view of (4), the equation of the cone is z = r. Hence, we see from FIGURE 9.15.9 that
In the integrals for Mxz and Myz we substitute y = r sin θ and x = r cos θ:
Hence,
The center of mass has the approximate coordinates (0.38, 0.38, 0.8). ≡
Spherical Coordinates
As seen in FIGURE 9.15.10(a), the spherical coordinates of a point P are given by the ordered triple (ρ, ϕ, θ), where ρ is the distance from the origin to P, ϕ is the angle between the positive z-axis and the vector , and θ is the angle measured from the positive x-axis to the vector projection of .* Figure 9.15.10(b) shows that a point P in space is determined by the intersection of a cone ϕ = constant, a plane θ = constant, and a sphere ρ = constant, whence arises the name “spherical” coordinates.
Conversion of Spherical Coordinates to Rectangular and Cylindrical Coordinates
To transform from spherical coordinates (ρ, ϕ, θ) to rectangular coordinates (x, y, z), we observe from Figure 9.15.10(a) that
Since = ρ sin ϕ and = ρ, the foregoing equations become
(5)
It is customary to take ρ ≥ 0 and 0 ≤ ϕ ≤ π. Also, since = ρ sin ϕ = r, the formulas
(6)
enable us to transform from spherical coordinates (ρ, ϕ, θ) to cylindrical coordinates (r, θ, z).
EXAMPLE 6 Spherical to Rectangular and Cylindrical Coordinates
Convert (6, π/4, π/3) in spherical coordinates to rectangular coordinates and cylindrical coordinates.
SOLUTION
Identifying ρ = 6, ϕ = π/4, and θ = π/3, we find from (5) that
The rectangular coordinates of the point are
From (6) we obtain
Thus, the cylindrical coordinates of the point are ≡
Conversion of Rectangular Coordinates to Spherical Coordinates
To transform from rectangular coordinates to spherical coordinates, we use
(7)
Triple Integrals in Spherical Coordinates
As seen in FIGURE 9.15.11, the volume of a spherical wedge is given by the approximation
ΔV ≈ ρ2 sin ϕ Δρ Δϕ Δθ.
Thus, in a triple integral of a continuous spherical coordinate function F(ρ, ϕ, θ), the differential of volume dV is given by
dV = ρ2 sin ϕ dρ dϕ dθ.
A typical triple integral in spherical coordinates has the form
.
EXAMPLE 7 Moment of Inertia
Find the moment of inertia about the z-axis of the homogeneous solid bounded between the spheres
x2 + y2 + z2 = a2 and x2 + y2 + z2 = b2, a < b.
SOLUTION
If δ(ρ, ϕ, θ) = k is the density,* then
From (5) we find x2 + y2 = ρ2 sin2 ϕ and x2 + y2 + z2 = ρ2. Thus the equations of the spheres are simply ρ = a and ρ = b. See FIGURE 9.15.12. Consequently, in spherical coordinates the foregoing integral becomes
REMARKS
Spherical coordinates are used in navigation. If we think of the Earth as a sphere of fixed radius centered at the origin, then a point P can be located by specifying two angles θ and ϕ. As shown in FIGURE 9.15.13, when ϕ is held constant, the resulting curve is called a parallel. Fixed values of θ result in curves called great circles. Half of one of these great circles joining the north and south poles is called a meridian. The intersection of a parallel and a meridian gives the position of a point P. If 0° ≤ ϕ ≤ 180° and –180° ≤ θ ≤ 180°, the angles 90° – ϕ and θ are said to be the latitude and longitude of P, respectively. The prime meridian corresponds to a longitude of 0°. The latitude of the equator is 0°; the latitudes of the north and south poles are, in turn, +90° (or 90° North) and –90° (or 90° South).
9.15 Exercises Answers to selected odd-numbered problems begin on page ANS-26.
In Problems 1–8, evaluate the given iterated integral.
- Evaluate DzdV, where D is the region in the first octant bounded by the graphs of y = x, y = x – 2, y = 1, y = 3, z = 0, and z = 5.
- Evaluate D(x2 + y2) dV, where D is the region bounded by the graphs of y = x2, z = 4 – y, and z = 0.
In Problems 11 and 12, change the indicated order of integration to each of the other five orders.
In Problems 13 and 14, consider the solid given in the figure. Set up, but do not evaluate, the integrals giving the volume V of the solid using the indicated orders of integration.
-
- dz dy dx
- dx dz dy
- dy dx dz
-
- dx dz dy
- dy dx dz
- dz dx dy
[Hint: Part (c) will require two integrals.]
In Problems 15–20, sketch the region D whose volume V is given by the iterated integral.
In Problems 21–24, find the volume of the solid bounded by the graphs of the given equations.
- x = y2, 4 – x = y2, z = 0, z = 3
- x2 + y2 = 4, z = x + y, the coordinate planes, first octant
- y = x2 + z2, y = 8 – x2 – z2
- x = 2, y = x, y = 0, z = x2 + y2, z = 0
- Find the center of mass of the solid given in FIGURE 9.15.14 if the density at a point P is directly proportional to the distance from the xy-plane.
- Find the centroid of the solid in FIGURE 9.15.15 if the density is constant.
- Find the center of mass of the solid bounded by the graphs of x2 + z2 = 4, y = 0, and y = 3 if the density at a point P is directly proportional to the distance from the xz-plane.
- Find the center of mass of the solid bounded by the graphs of y = x2, y = x, z = y + 2, and z = 0 if the density at a point P is directly proportional to the distance from the xy-plane.
In Problems 29 and 30, set up, but do not evaluate, the iterated integrals giving the mass of the solid that has the given shape and density.
- x2 + y2 = 1, z + y = 8, z – 2y = 2; ρ(x, y, z) = x + y + 4
- x2 + y2 – z2 = 1, z = –1, z = 2; ρ(x, y, z) = z2 [Hint: Do not use dz dy dx.]
- Find the moment of inertia of the solid in Figure 9.15.14 about the y-axis if the density is as given in Problem 25. Find the radius of gyration.
- Find the moment of inertia of the solid in Figure 9.15.15 about the x-axis if the density is constant. Find the radius of gyration.
- Find the moment of inertia about the z-axis of the solid in the first octant that is bounded by the coordinate planes and the graph of x + y + z = 1 if the density is constant.
- Find the moment of inertia about the y-axis of the solid bounded by the graphs of z = y, z = 4 – y, z = 1, z = 0, x = 2, and x = 0 if the density at a point P is directly proportional to the distance from the yz-plane.
In Problems 35–38, convert the point given in cylindrical coordinates to rectangular coordinates.
In Problems 39–42, convert the point given in rectangular coordinates to cylindrical coordinates.
- (1, –1, –9)
- , 2, 17)
- (1, 2, 7)
In Problems 43–46, convert the given equation to cylindrical coordinates.
- x2 + y2 + z2 = 25
- x + y – z = 1
- x2 + y2 – z2 = 1
- x2 + z2 = 16
In Problems 47–50, convert the given equation to rectangular coordinates.
- z = r2
- z = 2r sin θ
- r = 5 sec θ
- θ = π/6
In Problems 51–58, use triple integrals and cylindrical coordinates. In Problems 51–54, find the volume of the solid that is bounded by the graphs of the given equations.
- x2 + y2 = 4, x2 + y2 + z2 = 16, z = 0
- z = 10 – x2 – y2, z = 1
- z = x2 + y2, x2 + y2 = 25, z = 0
- y = x2 + z2, 2y = x2 + z2 + 4
- Find the centroid of the homogeneous solid that is bounded by the hemisphere z = and the plane z = 0.
- Find the center of mass of the solid that is bounded by the graphs of y2 + z2 = 16, x = 0, and x = 5 if the density at a point P is directly proportional to distance from the yz-plane.
- Find the moment of inertia about the z-axis of the solid that is bounded above by the hemisphere z = and below by the plane z = 2 if the density at a point P is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the z-axis.
- Find the moment of inertia about the x-axis of the solid that is bounded by the cone z = and the plane z = 1 if the density at a point P is directly proportional to the distance from the z-axis.
In Problems 59–62, convert the point given in spherical coordinates to (a) rectangular coordinates and (b) cylindrical coordinates.
In Problems 63–66, convert the points given in rectangular coordinates to spherical coordinates.
In Problems 67–70, convert the given equation to spherical coordinates.
- x2 + y2 + z2 = 64
- x2 + y2 + z2 = 4z
- z2 = 3x2 + 3y2
- −x2 – y2 + z2 = 1
In Problems 71–74, convert the given equation to rectangular coordinates.
- ρ = 10
- ϕ = π/3
- ρ = 2 sec ϕ
- ρ sin2 ϕ = cos ϕ
In Problems 75–82, use triple integrals and spherical coordinates. In Problems 75–78, find the volume of the solid that is bounded by the graphs of the given equations.
- z = + y2 + z2 = 9
- x2 + y2 + z2 = 4, y = x, y = x, z = 0, first octant
- z2 = 3x2 + 3y2, x = 0, y = 0, z = 2, first octant
- Inside x2 + y2 + z2 = 1 and outside z2 = x2 + y2
- Find the centroid of the homogeneous solid that is bounded by the cone z = and the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = 2z.
- Find the center of mass of the solid that is bounded by the hemisphere z = and the plane z = 0 if the density at a point P is directly proportional to the distance from the xy-plane.
- Find the mass of the solid that is bounded above by the hemisphere z = and below by the plane z = 4 if the density at a point P is inversely proportional to the distance from the origin. [Hint: Express the upper ϕ limit of integration as an inverse cosine.]
- Find the moment of inertia about the z-axis of the solid that is bounded by the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = a2 if the density at a point P is directly proportional to the distance from the origin.
* If we use θ = tan-1(–1) = –π/4, then we can use r = –2. Notice that the combinations r = 2, θ = –π/4 and r = –2, θ = 3π/4 are inconsistent.
* θ is the same angle as in polar and cylindrical coordinates.
* We must use a different symbol to denote density to avoid confusion with the symbol ρ of spherical coordinates.