[Math] Finding the area between two curves and the x-axis

calculusintegration

The two curves $y = 3\sqrt{4-x}$ and $y = 3\sqrt{x-2}$ are given. The task is to find the area enclosed by the curves and the x-axis.

As far as I see, the root of the first function is $x = 4$ and the root of the second function is $x = 2$. Their intersection is at $x = 3$.

My question is now the following: How do I have to chose the intervals of integration such that I get the area mentioned?

Simply integrating $\int_{2}^4 \left( 3\sqrt{4-x} – 3\sqrt{x-2} \right) dx$ seems to be wrong, isn't it?

Thanks.

Best Answer

Notice that $3 \sqrt{4 - x}$ is only defined for $x \le 4$, where it's values are non-negative. Similarly, $3 \sqrt{x - 2}$ is only defined for $x \ge 2$, where it's values are non-negative.

As you've correctly observed, the two curves intersect at $x = 3$, where $y = 3$ as well. The two curves, together with the $x$-axis (which is yet another curve, namely $y = 0$) form the boundary of a region.

Sketch the picture. (You ought to know what the graph of $y = \sqrt{x}$ looks like. Hint: it's a parabola. Now, your curves are obtained by some transformations.)

Now, the area is calculated as: $$ \begin{align} A &= \int_2^4 \min\{ 3 \sqrt{x - 2}, 3 \sqrt{4 - x} \}\;dx \\ &= \int_2^3 3 \sqrt{x - 2}\;dx + \int_3^4 3 \sqrt{4 - x}\;dx. \end{align} $$ enter image description here