Chapter 11

Multiple Integrals

11.1 Double Riemann Sums and Double Inte-

grals over Rectangles
Motivating Questions
• What is a double Riemann sum?
• How is the double integral of a continuous function f = f (x, y) defined?
• What are two things the double integral of a function can tell us?
In single-variable calculus, recall that we approximated the area under the
graph of a positive function f on an interval [a, b] by adding areas of rectangles
whose heights are determined by the curve. The general process involved
subdividing the interval [a, b] into smaller subintervals, constructing rectangles
on each of these smaller intervals to approximate the region under the curve on
that subinterval, then summing the areas of these rectangles to approximate
the area under the curve. We will extend this process in this section to its
three-dimensional analogs, double Riemann sums and double integrals over
rectangles.
Preview Activity 11.1.1 In this activity we introduce the concept of a double
Riemann sum.
a. Review the concept of the Riemann sum from single-variable calculus.
Rb
Then, explain how we define the definite integral a f (x) dx of a contin-
uous function of a single variable x on an interval [a, b]. Include a sketch
of a continuous function on an interval [a, b] with appropriate labeling in
order to illustrate your definition.
b. In our upcoming study of integral calculus for multivariable functions,
we will first extend the idea of the single-variable definite integral to
functions of two variables over rectangular domains. To do so, we will
need to understand how to partition a rectangle into subrectangles. Let
R be rectangular domain R = {(x, y) : 0 ≤ x ≤ 6, 2 ≤ y ≤ 4} (we can
also represent this domain with the notation [0, 6] × [2, 4]), as pictured in
Figure 11.1.1.

199
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 200

2
0 6

Figure 11.1.1 Rectangular domain R with subrectangles.

To form a partition of the full rectangular region, R, we will partition both

intervals [0, 6] and [2, 4]; in particular, we choose to partition the interval
[0, 6] into three uniformly sized subintervals and the interval [2, 4] into
two evenly sized subintervals as shown in Figure 11.1.1. In the following
questions, we discuss how to identify the endpoints of each subinterval
and the resulting subrectangles.
i. Let 0 = x0 < x1 < x2 < x3 = 6 be the endpoints of the subintervals
of [0, 6] after partitioning. What is the length ∆x of each subinterval
[xi−1 , xi ] for i from 1 to 3?
ii. Explicitly identify x0 , x1 , x2 , and x3 . On Figure 11.1.1 or your own
version of the diagram, label these endpoints.
iii. Let 2 = y0 < y1 < y2 = 4 be the endpoints of the subintervals of
[2, 4] after partitioning. What is the length ∆y of each subinterval
[yj−1 , yj ] for j from 1 to 2? Identify y0 , y1 , and y2 and label these
endpoints on Figure 11.1.1.
iv. Let Rij denote the subrectangle [xi−1 , xi ]×[yj−1 , yj ]. Appropriately
label each subrectangle in your drawing of Figure 11.1.1. How does
the total number of subrectangles depend on the partitions of the
intervals [0, 6] and [2, 4]?
v. What is area ∆A of each subrectangle?

11.1.1 Double Riemann Sums over Rectangles

For the definite integral in single-variable calculus, we considered a continuous
function over a closed, bounded interval [a, b]. In multivariable calculus, we
will eventually develop the idea of a definite integral over a closed, bounded
region (such as the interior of a circle). We begin with a simpler situation by
thinking only about rectangular domains, and will address more complicated
domains in Section 11.3.
Let f = f (x, y) be a continuous function defined on a rectangular domain
R = {(x, y) : a ≤ x ≤ b, c ≤ y ≤ d}. As we saw in Preview Activity 11.1.1, the
domain is a rectangle R and we want to partition R into subrectangles. We do
this by partitioning each of the intervals [a, b] and [c, d] into subintervals and
using those subintervals to create a partition of R into subrectangles. In the
first activity, we address the quantities and notations we will use in order to
define double Riemann sums and double integrals.
Activity 11.1.2 Let f (x, y) = 100 − x2 − y 2 be defined on the rectangular
domain R = [a, b] × [c, d]. Partition the interval [a, b] into four uniformly
sized subintervals and the interval [c, d] into three evenly sized subintervals as
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 201

shown in Figure 11.1.2. As we did in Preview Activity 11.1.1, we will need

a method for identifying the endpoints of each subinterval and the resulting
subrectangles.

y
d

c
x
a b

Figure 11.1.2 Rectangular domain with subrectangles.

a. Let a = x0 < x1 < x2 < x3 < x4 = b be the endpoints of the subintervals

of [a, b] after partitioning. Label these endpoints in Figure 11.1.2.

b. What is the length ∆x of each subinterval [xi−1 , xi ]? Your answer should

be in terms of a and b.
c. Let c = y0 < y1 < y2 < y3 = d be the endpoints of the subintervals of
[c, d] after partitioning. Label these endpoints in Figure 11.1.2.
d. What is the length ∆y of each subinterval [yj−1 , yj ]? Your answer should
be in terms of c and d.
e. The partitions of the intervals [a, b] and [c, d] partition the rectangle R
into subrectangles. How many subrectangles are there?
f. Let Rij denote the subrectangle [xi−1 , xi ] × [yj−1 , yj ]. Label each sub-
rectangle in Figure 11.1.2.
g. What is area ∆A of each subrectangle?
h. Now let [a, b] = [0, 8] and [c, d] = [2, 6]. Let (x∗11 , y11
∗
) be the point in the
upper right corner of the subrectangle R11 . Identify and correctly label
this point in Figure 11.1.2. Calculate the product

f (x∗11 , y11
∗
)∆A.

Explain, geometrically, what this product represents.

i. For each i and j, choose a point (x∗ij , yij∗
) in the subrectangle Ri,j . Iden-
tify and correctly label these points in Figure 11.1.2. Explain what the
product
f (x∗ij , yij
∗
)∆A
represents.
j. If we were to add all the values f (x∗ij , yij
∗
)∆A for each i and j, what does
the resulting number approximate about the surface defined by f on the
domain R? (You don’t actually need to add these values.)

k. Write a double sum using summation notation that expresses the arbi-
trary sum from part (j).
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 202

11.1.2 Double Riemann Sums and Double Integrals

Now we use the process from the most recent activity to formally define double
Riemann sums and double integrals.
Definition 11.1.3 Let f be a continuous function on a rectangle R = {(x, y) :
a ≤ x ≤ b, c ≤ y ≤ d}. A double Riemann sum for f over R is created as
follows.
• Partition the interval [a, b] into m subintervals of equal length ∆x = b−a m .
Let x0 , x1 , . . ., xm be the endpoints of these subintervals, where a = x0 <
x1 < x2 < · · · < xm = b.
• Partition the interval [c, d] into n subintervals of equal length ∆y = d−c n .
Let y0 , y1 , . . ., yn be the endpoints of these subintervals, where c = y0 <
y1 < y2 < · · · < yn = d.
• These two partitions create a partition of the rectangle R into mn subrect-
angles Rij with opposite vertices (xi−1 , yj−1 ) and (xi , yj ) for i between
1 and m and j between 1 and n. These rectangles all have equal area
∆A = ∆x · ∆y.
• Choose a point (x∗ij , yij
∗
) in each rectangle Rij . Then, a double Riemann
sum for f over R is given by
n X
X m
f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) · ∆A.
j=1 i=1

♦
If f (x, y) ≥ 0 on the rectangle R, we may ask to find the volume of the
solid bounded above by f over R, as illustrated on the left of Figure 11.1.4.
This volume is approximated by a Riemann sum, which sums the volumes of
the rectangular boxes shown on the right of Figure 11.1.4.
z z
z = f (x, y)

y y

x x

Figure 11.1.4 The volume under a graph approximated by a Riemann Sum.

As we let the number of subrectangles increase without bound (in other
words, as both m and n in a double Riemann sum go to infinity), as illustrated
in Figure 11.1.5, the sum of the volumes of the rectangular boxes approaches
the volume of the solid bounded above by f over R. The value of this limit,
provided it exists, is the double integral.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 203

z z

y y

x x

Figure 11.1.5 Finding better approximations by using smaller subrectangles.

Definition 11.1.6 Let R be a rectangular region in the xy-plane and f a
continuous function over R. With terms defined as in a double Riemann sum,
the double integral of f over R is
ZZ n X
X m
f (x, y) dA = lim f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) · ∆A.
R m,n→∞
j=1 i=1

R ♦
Some textbooks use the notation R f (x, y) dA for a double integral. You
will see this in some of the WeBWorK problems.

11.1.3 Interpretation of Double Riemann Sums and Dou-

ble integrals.
At the moment, there are two ways we can interpret the value of the double
integral.
• Suppose that f (x, y) assumes both positive and negatives values on the
rectangle R, as shown on the left of Figure 11.1.7. When constructing
a Riemann sum, for each i and j, the product f (x∗ij , yij ∗
) · ∆A can be
interpreted as a “signed” volume of a box with base area ∆A and “signed”
height f (x∗ij , yij
∗
). Since f can have negative values, this “height” could
be negative. The sum
n X
X m
f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) · ∆A
j=1 i=1

can then be interpreted as a sum of “signed” volumes of boxes, with a

negative sign attached to those boxes whose heights are below the xy-
plane.

z = f (x, y)

y
R

Figure 11.1.7 The integral measures signed volume.

CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 204

RR
RR realize the double integral R f (x, y) dA as a difference in
We can then
volumes: R f (x, y) dA tells us the volume of the solids the graph of f
bounds above the xy-plane over the rectangle R minus the volume of the
solids the graph of f bounds below the xy-plane under the rectangle R.
This is shown on the right of Figure 11.1.7.
• The average of the finitely many mn values f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) that we take in a
double Riemann sum is given by
n m
1 XX
Avgmn = f (x∗ij , yij
∗
).
mn j=1 i=1

If we take the limit as m and n go to infinity, we obtain what we define

as the average value of f over the region R, which is connected to the
value of the double integral. First, to view Avg mn as a double Riemann
sum, note that
b−a d−c
∆x = and ∆y = .
m n
Thus,
1 ∆x · ∆y ∆A
= = ,
mn (b − a)(d − c) A(R)
where A(R) denotes the area of the rectangle R. Then, the average value
of the function f over R, fAVG(R) , is given by
n m
1 XX
fAVG(R) = lim f (x∗ij , yij
∗
)
m,n→∞ mn
j=1 i=1
n m
1 XX
= lim f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) · ∆A
m,n→∞ A(R)
j=1 i=1
ZZ
1
= f (x, y) dA.
A(R) R

Therefore, the double integral of f over R divided by the area of R gives

us the average value of the function f on R. Finally, if f (x, y) ≥ 0 on
R, we can interpret this average value of f on R as the height of the
box with base R that has the same volume as the volume of the surface
defined by f over R.
Activity 11.1.3 Let f (x, y) = x + 2y and let R = [0, 2] × [1, 3].
a. Draw a picture of R. Partition [0, 2] into 2 subintervals of equal length
and the interval [1, 3] into two subintervals of equal length. Draw these
partitions on your picture of R and label the resulting subrectangles using
the labeling scheme we established in the definition of a double Riemann
sum.
b. For each i and j, let (x∗ij , yij
∗
) be the midpoint of the rectangle Rij .
Identify the coordinates of each (x∗ij , yij
∗
). Draw these points on your
picture of R.
c. Calculate the Riemann sum
n X
X m
f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) · ∆A
j=1 i=1
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 205

using the partitions we have described. If we let (x∗ij , yij

∗
) be the midpoint
of the rectangle Rij for each i and j, then the resulting Riemann sum is
called a midpoint sum.

d. Give two interpretations for the meaning of the sum you just calculated.
p
Activity 11.1.4 Let f (x, y) = 4 − y 2 on the rectangular domain R =
[1, 7] × [−2, 2]. Partition [1, 7] into 3 equal length subintervals and [−2, 2]
into 2 equal length subintervals. A table of values of f at some points in R is
given in Table 11.1.8, and a graph of f with the indicated partitions is shown
in Figure 11.1.9.
Table 11.1.8
p Table of values of
f (x, y) = 4 − y 2 .

−2 −1 0 1 2
√ √
1 0 3 2 3 0
√ √ 1
2 0 3 2 3 0
√ √
3 0 3 2 3 0 3
√ √
4 0 3 2 3 0 x
√ √
5 0
√
3 2
√
3 0 5
6 0 3 2 3 0
√ √
7 0 3 2 3 0 -2 -1 0 1
y
Figure 11.1.9 Graph of f (x, y) =
p
4 − y 2 on R.

a. Sketch the region R in the plane using the values in Table 11.1.8 as the
partitions.
b. Calculate the double Riemann sum using the given partition of R and
the values of f in the upper right corner of each subrectangle.
RR
c. Use geometry to calculate the exact value of R f (x, y) dA and compare
it to your approximation. Describe one way we could obtain a better
approximation using the given data.
We conclude this section with a list of properties of double integrals. Since
similar properties are satisfied by single-variable integrals and the arguments
for double integrals are essentially the same, we omit their justification.

Properties of Double Integrals.

Let f and g be continuous functions on a rectangle R = {(x, y) : a ≤

x ≤ b, c ≤ y ≤ d}, and let k be a constant. Then
RR RR RR
1. R (f (x, y) + g(x, y)) dA = R f (x, y) dA + R g(x, y) dA.
RR RR
2. R kf (x, y) dA = k R f (x, y) dA.
RR RR
3. If f (x, y) ≥ g(x, y) on R, then R f (x, y) dA ≥ R g(x, y) dA.

11.1.4 Summary
• Let f be a continuous function on a rectangle R = {(x, y) : a ≤ x ≤ b, c ≤
y ≤ d}. The double Riemann sum for f over R is created as follows.

◦ Partition the interval [a, b] into m subintervals of equal length ∆x =

CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 206

b−a
m . Let x0 , x1 , . . ., xm be the endpoints of these subintervals,
where a = x0 < x1 < x2 < · · · < xm = b.
◦ Partition the interval [c, d] into n subintervals of equal length ∆y =
d−c
n . Let y0 , y1 , . . ., yn be the endpoints of these subintervals, where
c = y0 < y1 < y2 < · · · < yn = d.
◦ These two partitions create a partition of the rectangle R into mn
subrectangles Rij with opposite vertices (xi−1 , yj−1 ) and (xi , yj ) for
i between 1 and m and j between 1 and n. These rectangles all have
equal area ∆A = ∆x · ∆y.
∗
◦ Choose a point (x∗ij , yij ) in each rectangle Rij . Then a double Rie-
mann sum for f over R is given by
n X
X m
f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) · ∆A.
j=1 i=1

• With terms defined as in the Double Riemann Sum, the double integral
of f over R is
ZZ n X
X m
f (x, y) dA = lim f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) · ∆A.
R m,n→∞
j=1 i=1

RR
• Two interpretations of the double integral R
f (x, y) dA are:
◦ The volume of the solids the graph of f bounds above the xy-plane
over the rectangle R minus the volume of the solids the graph of f
bounds below the xy-plane under the rectangle R;
◦ Dividing the double integral of f over R by the area of R gives us
the average value of the function f on R. If f (x, y) ≥ 0 on R, we
can interpret this average value of f on R as the height of the box
with base R that has the same volume as the volume of the surface
defined by f over R.

11.1.5 Exercises
1. Suppose f (x, y) = 25 − x2 − y 2 and R is theZ Zrectangle with vertices (0,0),
(6,0), (6,4), (0,4). In each part, estimate f (x, y) dA using Riemann
R
sums. For underestimates or overestimates, consistently use either the
lower left-hand corner or the upper right-hand corner of each rectangle in
a subdivision, as appropriate.
(a) Without subdividing R,
Underestimate =
Overestimate =
(b) By partitioning R into four equal-sized rectangles.
Underestimate =
Overestimate =
Answer 1. −648
Answer 2. 600
Answer 3. −180
Answer 4. 444
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 207

2. Consider the solid that lies above the square (in the xy-plane) R = [0, 1]×
[0, 1], and below the elliptic paraboloid z = 100 − x2 + 6xy − 3y 2 .
Estimate the volume by dividing R into 9 equal squares and choosing
the sample points to lie in the midpoints of each square.
Answer. 100.203703703704
3. Let R be the
√ rectangle with vertices (0, 0), (2, 0), (2, 2), and (0, 2) and let
f (x, y) = 0.333333xy. R
(a) Find reasonable upper and lower bounds for R f dA without sub-
dividing R.
upper bound =
lower bound =R
(b) Estimate R f dA three ways: by partitioning R into four subrect-
angles and evaluating f at its maximum and minimum values on each
subrectangle, and then by considering the average of these (over and un-
der) estimates. R
overestimate: RR f dA ≈
underestimate:
R R
f dA ≈
average: R f dA ≈
q
Answer 1. 4 13 · 2 · 2
Answer 2. 0  
q1 q1 q
3 ·4 3 ·4
Answer 3. 44 4 + 2 2 + 1
3 · 4
q1
·4
Answer 4. 44 34
 q q1 q 
1
4 3 ·4 3 ·4 1
Answer 5. 8 2 4 +2 2 + 3 ·4

4. Using Riemann sums with four subdivisions in each direction, find upper
and lower bounds for the volume under the graph of f (x, y) = 6 + 3xy
above the rectangle R with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 6.
upper bound =
lower bound =
Answer 1. 0.25 · 1.5 · 208.5
Answer 2. 0.25 · 1.5 · 136.5
5. Consider the solid that lies above the square (in the xy-plane) R = [0, 2] ×
[0, 2],
and below the elliptic paraboloid z = 36 − x2 − 2y 2 .
(A) Estimate the volume by dividing R into 4 equal squares and choos-
ing the sample points to lie in the lower left hand corners.
(B) Estimate the volume by dividing R into 4 equal squares and choos-
ing the sample points to lie in the upper right hand corners..
(C) What is the average of the two answers from (A) and (B)?
Answer 1. 138
Answer 2. 114
Answer 3. 126
6. The figure below shows contours of g(x, y) on the region R, with 5 ≤ x ≤
11 and 2 ≤ y ≤ 8.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 208

R Using ∆x = ∆y = 2, find an overestimate and an underestimate for

R
g(x, y) dA.
Overestimate =
Underestimate =
Answer 1. (4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 0) · 2 · 2
Answer 2. (2 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 0 + −1 + 0 + −1 + −2) · 2 · 2
7. The figure below shows the distribution of temperature, in degrees C, in
a 5 meter by 5 meter heated room.

Using Riemann sums, estimate the average temperature in the room.

average temperature =
667+621
Answer. 50
8. Values of f (x, y) are given in the table below. Let R be the rectangle
1 ≤ x ≤ 1.6,R2 ≤ y ≤ 3.2. Find a Riemann sum which is a reasonable
estimate for R f (x, y) da with ∆x = 0.2 and ∆y = 0.4. Note that the
values given in the table correspond to midpoints.

y\x 1.1 1.3 1.5

2.2 4 2 −1
2.6 5 2 0
3.0 9 −5 0
R
R
f (x, y) da ≈
Answer. 1.28
9. Values of f (x, y) are shown in the table below.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 209

x=3 x = 3.3 x = 3.6

y=4 7 9 12
y = 4.4 5 7 9
y = 4.8 3 5 18
Let R be the rectangle 3 ≤ x ≤ 3.6, 4 ≤ y ≤ 4.8. Find the val-
ues
R of Riemann sums which are reasonable over- and under-estimates for
R
f (x, y) dA with ∆x = 0.3 and ∆y = 0.4.
over-estimate:
under-estimate:
Answer 1. 46 · 0.3 · 0.4
Answer 2. 20 · 0.3 · 0.4
10. The temperature at any point on a metal plate in the xy plane is given
by T (x, y) = 100 − 4x2 − y 2 , where x and y are measured in inches and
T in degrees Celsius. Consider the portion of the plate that lies on the
rectangular region R = [1, 5] × [3, 6].
RR
a. Estimate the value of R T (x, y) dA by using a double Riemann
sum with two subintervals in each direction and choosing (x∗i , yj∗ ) to
be the point that lies in the upper right corner of each subrectangle.

b. Determine the area of the rectangle R.

c. Estimate the average temperature, TAVG(R) , over the region R.
d. Do you think your estimate in (c) is an over- or under-estimate of
the true temperature? Why?
11. Let f be a function of independent variables x and y that is increasing
in both the positive x and y directions on a rectangular domain R. For
each of the following situations, determine if the double Riemann sum
RR f over R is an overestimate or underestimate of the double integral
of
R
f (x, y) dA, or if it impossible to determine definitively. Provide justi-
fication for your responses.
a. The double Riemann sum of f over R where f is evaluated at the
lower left point of each subrectangle.
b. The double Riemann sum of f over R where f is evaluated at the
upper right point of each subrectangle.
c. The double Riemann sum of f over R where f is evaluated at the
midpoint of each subrectangle.

d. The double Riemann sum of f over R where f is evaluated at the

lower right point of each subrectangle.
12. The wind chill, as frequently reported, is a measure of how cold it feels
outside when the wind is blowing. In Table 11.1.10, the wind chill w =
w(v, T ), measured in degrees Fahrenheit, is a function of the wind speed
v, measured in miles per hour, and the ambient air temperature T , also
measured in degrees Fahrenheit. Approximate the average wind chill on
the rectangle [5, 35] × [−20, 20] using 3 subintervals in the v direction, 4
subintervals in the T direction, and the point in the lower left corner in
each subrectangle.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 210

Table 11.1.10 Wind chill as a function of wind speed and tem-

perature.
v\T −20 −15 −10 −5 0 5 10 15 20
5 −34 −28 −22 −16 −11 −5 1 7 13
10 −41 −35 −28 −22 −16 −10 −4 3 9
15 −45 −39 −32 −26 −19 −13 −7 0 6
20 −48 −42 −35 −29 −22 −15 −9 −2 4
25 −51 −44 −37 −31 −24 −17 −11 −4 3
30 −53 −46 −39 −33 −26 −19 −12 −5 1
35 −55 −48 −41 −34 −27 −21 −14 −7 0
13. Consider the box with a sloped top that is given by the following descrip-
tion: the base is the rectangle R = [0, 4] × [0, 3], while the top is given by
the plane z = p(x, y) = 20 − 2x − 3y.
RR
a. Estimate the value of R p(x, y) dA by using a double Riemann sum
with four subintervals in the x direction and three subintervals in
the y direction, and choosing (x∗i , yj∗ ) to be the point that is the
midpoint of each subrectangle.
b. What important quantity does your double Riemann sum in (a)
estimate?
RR
c. Suppose it can be determined that R p(x, y) dA = 138. What is
the exact average value of p over R?
d. If you wanted to build a rectangular box (with the same base) that
has the same volume as the box with the sloped top described here,
how tall would the rectangular box have to be?

11.2 Iterated Integrals

Motivating Questions
• How do we evaluate a double integral over a rectangle as an iterated
integral, and why does this process work?
Recall that we defined the double integral of a continuous function f =
f (x, y) over a rectangle R = [a, b] × [c, d] as
ZZ n X
X m
f x∗ij , yij
∗


f (x, y) dA = lim · ∆A,
R m,n→∞
j=1 i=1

whereRRthe different variables and notation are as described in Section 11.1.

Thus R f (x, y) dA is a limit of double Riemann sums, but while this definition
tells us exactly what a double integral is, it is not very helpful for determining
the value of a double integral. Fortunately, there is a way to view a double
integral as an iterated integral, which will make computations feasible in many
cases.
The viewpoint of an iterated integral is closely connected to an important
idea from single-variable calculus. When we studied solids of revolution, such
as the one shown in Figure 11.2.1, we saw that in some circumstances we could
slice the solid perpendicular to an axis and have each slice be approximately
a circular disk. From there, we were able to find the volume of each disk, and
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 211

then use an integral to add the volumes of the slices. In what follows, we are
able to use single integrals to generalize this approach to handle even more
general geometric shapes.

y = 4 − x2

Figure 11.2.1 A solid of revolution.

Preview Activity 11.2.1 Let f (x, y) = 25−x2 −y 2 on the rectangular domain

R = [−3, 3] × [−4, 4].
As with partial derivatives, we may treat one of the variables in f as con-
stant and think of the resulting function as a function of a single variable. Now
we investigate what happens if we integrate instead of differentiate.
a. Choose a fixed value of x in the interior of [−3, 3]. Let
Z 4
A(x) = f (x, y) dy.
−4

What is the geometric meaning of the value of A(x) relative to the surface
defined by f . (Hint: Think about the trace determined by the fixed
value of x, and consider how A(x) is related to the image at left in
Figure 11.2.2.)
z 25 z 25
20 20
15 15
10 10
5 5

-3 -3
-1 -1
1 x 1 x
-4 -2 0 y 2 -4 -2 0 y 2

Figure 11.2.2 Left: A cross section with fixed x. Right: A cross section
with fixed x and ∆x.

b. For a fixed value of x, say x∗i , what is the geometric meaning of A(x∗i ) ∆x?
(Hint: Consider how A(x∗i )∆x is related to the image at right in Fig-
ure 11.2.2.)
c. Since f is continuous on R, we can define the function A = A(x) at every
value of x in [−3, 3]. Now think about subdividing the x-interval [−3, 3]
into m subintervals, and choosing a value
Pm x∗i in each of those subintervals.
What will be the meaning of the sum i=1 A(x∗i ) ∆x?
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 212
R3
d. Explain why −3 A(x) dx will determine the exact value of the volume
under the surface z = f (x, y) over the rectangle R.

11.2.1 Iterated Integrals

The ideas that we explored in Preview Activity 11.2.1 work more generally and
lead to the idea of an iterated integral. Let f be a continuous function on a
rectangular domain R = [a, b] × [c, d], and let
Z d
A(x) = f (x, y) dy.
c

The function A = A(x) determines the value of the cross sectional area (by
area we mean “signed” area) in the y direction for the fixed value of x of the
solid bounded between the surface defined by f and the xy-plane.
z 25 z 25 z 25
20 20 20
15 15 15
10 10 10
5 5 5

-3 -3 -3
-1 -1 -1
1 x 1 x 1 x
-4 2 0 y 2 -4 2 0 y 2 -4 2 0 y 2

Figure 11.2.3 Summing volumes of cross section slices.

The value of this cross sectional area is determined by the input x in A.
Since A is a function of x, it follows that we can integrate A with respect to
x. In doing so, we use a partition of [a, b] and make an approximation to the
integral given by
Z b Xm
A(x) dx ≈ A(x∗i )∆x,
a i=1

where x∗i
is any number in the subinterval [xi−1 , xi ]. Each term A(x∗i )∆x in the
sum represents an approximation of a fixed cross sectional slice of the surface
in the y direction with a fixed width of ∆x as illustrated in Figure 11.2.3. We
add the signed volumes of these slices as shown in the frames in Figure 11.2.3
to obtain an approximation of the total signed volume.
Pm in the x direction approach infinity,
As we let the number of subintervals
we can see that the Riemann sum i=1 A(x∗i )∆x approaches a limit and that
limit is the sum of signed volumes bounded by the function f on R. Therefore,
since A(x) is itself determined by an integral, we have
ZZ m Z b Z b Z d !
X
f (x, y) dA = lim A(x∗i )∆x = A(x) dx = f (x, y) dy dx.
R m→∞ a a c
i=1

Hence, we can compute the double integral of f over R by first integrating

f with respect to y on [c, d], then integrating the resulting function of x with
respect to x on [a, b]. The nested integral
!
Z Z b d
Z Z b d
f (x, y) dy dx = f (x, y) dy dx
a c a c

is called an iterated integral, and we see that each double integral may be
represented by two single integrals.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 213

We made a choice to integrate first with respect to y. The same argu-

ment shows that we can also find the double integral as an iterated integral
integrating with respect to x first, or
ZZ Z d Z b ! Z dZ b
f (x, y) dA = f (x, y) dx dy = f (x, y) dx dy.
R c a c a

The fact that integrating in either order results in the same value is known
as Fubini’s Theorem.
Fubini’s Theorem.
If f = f (x, y) is a continuous function on a rectangle R = [a, b] × [c, d],
then
ZZ Z dZ b Z bZ d
f (x, y) dA = f (x, y) dx dy = f (x, y) dy dx.
R c a a c

Fubini’s theorem enables us to evaluate iterated integrals without resorting

to the limit definition. Instead, working with one integral at a time, we can
use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus from single-variable calculus to find
the exact value of each integral, starting with the inner integral.
Activity 11.2.2 Let f (x, y) = 25 − x2 − y 2 on the rectangular domain R =
[−3, 3] × [−4, 4].
a. Viewing x as a fixed constant, use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
to evaluate the integral
Z 4
A(x) = f (x, y) dy.
−4

Note that you will be integrating with respect to y, and holding x con-
stant. Your result should be a function of x only.
b. Next, use your result from (a) along with the Fundamental Theorem of
R3
Calculus to determine the value of −3 A(x) dx.
RR
c. What is the value of R f (x, y) dA? What are two different ways we may
interpret the meaning of this value?
Activity 11.2.3 Let f (x, y) = x + y 2 on the rectangle R = [0, 2] × [0, 3].
RR
a. Evaluate R f (x, y) dA using an iterated integral. Choose an order for
integration by deciding whether you want to integrate first with respect
to x or y.
RR
b. Evaluate R f (x, y) dA using the iterated integral whose order of inte-
gration is the opposite of the order you chose in (a).

11.2.2 Summary
RR
• We can evaluate the double integral R f (x, y) dA over a rectangle R =
[a, b] × [c, d] as an iterated integral in one of two ways:
R b R d 
◦ a c f (x, y) dy dx, or
R d R b 
◦ c a
f (x, y) dx dy.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 214

This process works because each inner integral represents a cross-sectional

(signed) area and the outer integral then sums all of the cross-sectional
(signed) areas. Fubini’s Theorem guarantees that the resulting value is
the same, regardless of the order in which we integrate.

11.2.3 Exercises
R4R4
1. Evaluate the iterated integral 0 0
12x2 y 3 dxdy
Answer. 16384
R5R3
2. Evaluate the iterated integral 4 2
(3x + y)−2 dydx
Answer. 0.00394481921566777
R 1 R 13
3. Find 0 9 (x + ln y) dydx
Answer. 11.569320450974
R5R4
4. Find 0 2 xyex+y dydx
Answer. 93006.8798911913
RR
5. Calculate the double integral R
(4x + 4y + 16) dA where R is the region:
0 ≤ x ≤ 2, 0 ≤ y ≤ 2.
Answer. 96
RR
6. Calculate the double integral R
x cos(x + y) dA where R is the region:
0 ≤ x ≤ π6 , 0 ≤ y ≤ π4
Answer. 0.0767515510438744
7. Consider the solid that lies above the square (in the xy-plane) R = [0, 2] ×
[0, 2],
and below the elliptic paraboloid z = 49 − x2 − 3y 2 .
(A) Estimate the volume by dividing R into 4 equal squares and choos-
ing the sample points to lie in the lower left hand corners.
(B) Estimate the volume by dividing R into 4 equal squares and choos-
ing the sample points to lie in the upper right hand corners..
(C) What is the average of the two answers from (A) and (B)?
(D) Using iterated integrals, compute the exact value of the volume.
Answer 1. 188
Answer 2. 156
Answer 3. 172
Answer 4. 174.666666666667
Z 3 Z −4 ZZ
8. If f (x)dx = −2 and g(x)dx = 4, what is the value of f (x)g(y)dA
1 −5 D
where D is the rectangle: 1 ≤ x ≤ 3, −5 ≤ y ≤ −4?
Answer. −8
9. Find the average value of f (x, y) = 4x6 y 3 over the rectangle R with ver-
tices (−3, 0), (−3, 6), (3, 0), (3, 6).
Average value =
Answer. 22494.8571428571
√
10. Find the average value of f (x, y) = 7ey x + ey over the rectangle R =
[0, 8] × [0, 5].
Average value =
Answer. 1745.04372328632
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 215

11. Evaluate each of the following double or iterated integrals exactly.

R 3 R 5 
a. 1 2 xy dy dx
R π/4 R π/3 
b. 0 0
sin(x) cos(y) dx dy
R 1 R 1 
c. 0 0
e−2x−3y dy dx
RR √
d. R
2x + 5y dA, where R = [0, 2] × [0, 3].
12. The temperature at any point on a metal plate in the xy plane is given
by T (x, y) = 100 − 4x2 − y 2 , where x and y are measured in inches and
T in degrees Celsius. Consider the portion of the plate that lies on the
rectangular region R = [1, 5] × [3, 6].
a. Write an iterated integral whose value represents the volume under
the surface T over the rectangle R.
b. Evaluate the iterated integral you determined in (a).
c. Find the area of the rectangle, R.
d. Determine the exact average temperature, TAVG(R) , over the region
R.
13. Consider the box with a sloped top that is given by the following descrip-
tion: the base is the rectangle R = [1, 4] × [2, 5], while the top is given by
the plane z = p(x, y) = 30 − x − 2y.
a. Write an iterated integral whose value represents the volume under
p over the rectangle R.
b. Evaluate the iterated integral you determined in (a).
c. What is the exact average value of p over R?

d. If you wanted to build a rectangular box (with an identical base)

that has the same volume as the box with the sloped top described
here, how tall would the rectangular box have to be?

11.3 Double Integrals over General Regions

Motivating Questions
• How do we define a double integral over a non-rectangular region?
• What general form does an iterated integral over a non-rectangular region
have?
Recall that we defined the double integral of a continuous function f =
f (x, y) over a rectangle R = [a, b] × [c, d] as
ZZ n X
X m
f (x, y) dA = lim f (x∗ij , yij
∗
) · ∆A,
R m,n→∞
j=1 i=1

where the notation is as described in Section

RR 11.1. Furthermore, we have seen
that we can evaluate a double integral R f (x, y) dA over R as an iterated
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 216

integral of either of the forms

Z bZ d Z d Z b
f (x, y) dy dx or f (x, y) dx dy.
a c c a
It is natural to wonder how we might define and evaluate a double integral
over a non-rectangular region; we explore one such example in the following
preview activity.
Preview Activity 11.3.1 A tetrahedron is a three-dimensional figure with
four faces, each of which is a triangle. A picture of the tetrahedron T with
vertices (0, 0, 0), (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), and (0, 0, 1) is shown at left in Figure 11.3.1.
If we place one vertex at the origin and let vectors a, b, and c be determined
by the edges of the tetrahedron that have one end at the origin, then a formula
that tells us the volume V of the tetrahedron is
1
V = |a · (b × c)|. (11.3.1)
6
z
c y
1.0

b y
0.5

a
x
x
0.5 1.0

Figure 11.3.1 Left: The tetrahedron T . Right: Projecting T onto the xy-
plane.

a. Use the formula (11.3.1) to find the volume of the tetrahedron T .

b. Instead of memorizing or looking up the formula for the volume of a

tetrahedron, we can use a double integral to calculate the volume of the
tetrahedron T . To see how, notice that the top face of the tetrahedron
T is the plane whose equation is

z = 1 − (x + y).

Provided that we can use an iterated integral on a non-rectangular region,

the volume of the tetrahedron will be given by an iterated integral of the
form Z x=?
Z y=?
1 − (x + y) dy dx.
x=? y=?

The issue that is new here is how we find the limits on the integrals;
note that the outer integral’s limits are in x, while the inner ones are in
y, since we have chosen dA = dy dx. To see the domain over which we
need to integrate, think of standing way above the tetrahedron looking
straight down on it, which means we are projecting the entire tetrahedron
onto the xy-plane. The resulting domain is the triangular region shown
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 217

at right in Figure 11.3.1. Explain why we can represent the triangular

region with the inequalities

0≤y ≤1−x and 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.

(Hint: Consider the cross sectional slice shown at right in Figure 11.3.1.)
c. Explain why it makes sense to now write the volume integral in the form
Z x=? Z y=? Z x=1 Z y=1−x
1 − (x + y) dy dx = 1 − (x + y) dy dx.
x=? y=? x=0 y=0

d. Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate the iterated inte-

gral Z x=1 Z y=1−x
1 − (x + y) dy dx
x=0 y=0

and compare to your result from part (a). (As with iterated integrals
over rectangular regions, start with the inner integral.)

11.3.1 Double Integrals over General Regions

So far, we have learned that a double integral over a rectangular region may
be interpreted in one of two ways:
RR
• R f (x, y) dA tells us the volume of the solids the graph of f bounds
above the xy-plane over the rectangle R minus the volume of the solids
the graph of f bounds below the xy-plane under the rectangle R;
1
RR
• A(R) R
f (x, y) dA, where A(R) is the area of R tells us the average
value of the function f on R. If f (x, y) ≥ 0 on R, we can interpret this
average value of f on R as the height of the box with base R that has
the same volume as the volume of the surface defined by f over R.
As we saw in Preview Activity 11.1.1, a function f = f (x, y) may be consid-
ered over regions other than rectangular ones, and thus we want to understand
how to set up and evaluate double integrals over non-rectangular regions. Note
that if we can, then the two interpretations of the double integral noted above
will naturally extend to solid regions with non-rectangular bases.
So, suppose f is a continuous function on a closed, bounded domain D.
For example, consider D as the circular domain shown at left in Figure 11.3.2.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 218

2 y 2 y

1 R 1
D D
x x
-2 -1 1 2 -2 -1 1 2

-1 -1

-2 -2
Figure 11.3.2 Left: A non-rectangular domain. Right: Enclosing this domain
in a rectangle.
We can enclose D in a rectangular domain R as shown at right in Fig-
ure 11.3.2 and extend the function f to be defined over R in order to be able
to use the definition of the double integral over a rectangle. We extend f in
such a way that its values at the points in R that are not in D contribute 0 to
the value of the integral. In other words, define a function F = F (x, y) on R
as (
f (x, y), if (x, y) ∈ D,
F (x, y) = .
0, if (x, y) 6∈ D
We then say that the double integral of f over D is the same as the double
integral of F over R, and thus
ZZ ZZ
f (x, y) dA = F (x, y) dA.
D R

In practice, we just ignore everything that is in R but not in D, since these

regions contribute 0 to the value of the integral.
Just as with double integrals over rectangles, a double integral over a do-
main D can be evaluated as an iterated integral. If the region D can be de-
scribed by the inequalities g1 (x) ≤ y ≤ g2 (x) and a ≤ x ≤ b, where g1 = g1 (x)
and g2 = g2 (x) are functions of only x, then
ZZ Z x=b Z y=g2 (x)
f (x, y) dA = f (x, y) dy dx.
D x=a y=g1 (x)

Alternatively, if the region D is described by the inequalities h1 (y) ≤ x ≤

h2 (y) and c ≤ y ≤ d, where h1 = h1 (y) and h2 = h2 (y) are functions of only
y, we have
ZZ Z y=d Z x=h2 (y)
f (x, y) dA = f (x, y) dx dy.
D y=c x=h1 (y)

The structure of an iterated integral is of particular note:

In an iterated double integral:
• the limits on the outer integral must be constants;
• the limits on the inner integral must be constants or in terms of only the
remaining variable — that is, if the inner integral is with respect to y,
then its limits may only involve x and constants, and vice versa.
We next consider a detailed example.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 219

Example 11.3.3 Let f (x, y) = x2 y be defined on the triangle D with vertices

(0, 0), (2, 0), and (2, 3) as shown at left in Figure 11.3.4.
3 y 3 y 3 y

2 D 2 D 2 D

1 1 1

x x x
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

Figure 11.3.4 A triangular domain and slices in the y and x directions.

RR
To evaluate D f (x, y) dA, we must first describe the region D in terms of
the variables x and y. We take two approaches.

Approach 1: Integrate first with respect to y. In this case we choose to

evaluate the double integral as an iterated integral in the form
ZZ Z x=b Z y=g2 (x)
2
x y dA = x2 y dy dx,
D x=a y=g1 (x)

and therefore we need to describe D in terms of inequalities

g1 (x) ≤ y ≤ g2 (x) and a ≤ x ≤ b.

Since we are integrating with respect to y first, the iterated integral has
the form ZZ Z x=b
x2 y dA = A(x) dx,
D x=a

where A(x) is a cross sectional area in the y direction. So we are slicing

the domain perpendicular to the x-axis and want to understand what a
cross sectional area of the overall solid will look like. Several slices of the
domain are shown in the middle image in Figure 11.3.4. On a slice with
fixed x value, the y values are bounded below by 0 and above by the y
coordinate on the hypotenuse of the right triangle. Thus, g1 (x) = 0; to
find y = g2 (x), we need to write the hypotenuse as a function of x. The
hypotenuse connects the points (0,0) and (2,3) and hence has equation
y = 23 x. This gives the upper bound on y as g2 (x) = 23 x. The leftmost
vertical cross section is at x = 0 and the rightmost one is at x = 2, so we
have a = 0 and b = 2. Therefore,
ZZ Z x=2 Z y= 32 x
x2 y dA = x2 y dy dx.
D x=0 y=0

We evaluate the iterated integral by applying the Fundamental Theorem

of Calculus first to the inner integral, and then to the outer one, and find
that
Z x=2 Z y= 23 x Z x=2  2
 y= 32 x
2 2 y
x y dy dx = x · dx
x=0 y=0 x=0 2 y=0
Z x=2
9 4
= x dx
x=0 8
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 220

x=2
9 x5
=
8 5 x=0
  
9 32
=
8 5
36
= .
5

Approach 2: Integrate first with respect to x. In this case, we choose to

evaluate the double integral as an iterated integral in the form
ZZ Z y=d Z x=h2 (y)
2
x y dA = x2 y dx dy
D y=c x=h1 (y)

and thus need to describe D in terms of inequalities

h1 (y) ≤ x ≤ h2 (y) and c ≤ y ≤ d.

Since we are integrating with respect to x first, the iterated integral has
the form ZZ Z d
x2 y dA = A(y) dy,
D c
where A(y) is a cross sectional area of the solid in the x direction. Several
slices of the domain — perpendicular to the y-axis — are shown at right
in Figure 11.3.4. On a slice with fixed y value, the x values are bounded
below by the x coordinate on the hypotenuse of the right triangle and
above by 2. So h2 (y) = 2; to find h1 (y), we need to write the hypotenuse
as a function of y. Solving the earlier equation we have for the hypotenuse
(y = 23 x) for x gives us x = 23 y. This makes h1 (y) = 23 y. The lowest
horizontal cross section is at y = 0 and the uppermost one is at y = 3,
so we have c = 0 and d = 3. Therefore,
ZZ Z y=3 Z x=2
2
x y dA = x2 y dx dy.
D y=0 x=(2/3)y

We evaluate the resulting iterated integral as before by twice applying

the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and find that
Z y=3 Z 2 Z y=3  3  x=2
2 x
x y dx dy = y dx
y=0 x= 23 y y=0 3 x= 23 y
Z y=3  
8 8 4
= y − y dy
y=0 3 81
 2 5
 y=3
8y 8 y
= −
3 2 81 5 y=0
     
8 9 8 243
= −
3 2 81 5
24
= 12 −
5
36
= .
5

We see, of course, that in the situation where D can be described in two

different ways, the order in which we choose to set up and evaluate the double
integral doesn’t matter, and the same value results in either case. 
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 221

The meaning of a double integral over a non-rectangular region, D, parallels

the meaning over a rectangular region. In particular,
RR
• D f (x, y) dA tells us the volume of the solids the graph of f bounds
above the xy-plane over the closed, bounded region D minus the volume
of the solids the graph of f bounds below the xy-plane under the region
D;
1
RR
• A(D) R
f (x, y) dA, where A(D) is the area of D tells us the average
value of the function f on D. If f (x, y) ≥ 0 on D, we can interpret
this average value of f on D as the height of the solid with base D and
constant cross-sectional area D that has the same volume as the volume
of the surface defined by f over D.
RR
Activity 11.3.2 Consider the double integral D (4 − x − 2y) dA, where D is
the triangular region with vertices (0,0), (4,0), and (0,2).
RR
a. Write the given integral as an iterated integral of the form D (4 − x −
2y) dy dx. Draw a labeled picture of D with relevant cross sections.
RR
b. Write the given integral as an iterated integral of the form D (4 − x −
2y) dx dy. Draw a labeled picture of D with relevant cross sections.
c. Evaluate the two iterated integrals from (a) and (b), and verify that they
produce the same value. Give at least one interpretation of the meaning
of your result.
R x=1 R y=√x
Activity 11.3.3 Consider the iterated integral x=0 y=x (4x + 10y) dy dx.
a. Sketch the region of integration, D, for which
√
ZZ Z x=1 Z y= x
(4x + 10y) dA = (4x + 10y) dy dx.
D x=0 y=x

b. Determine the equivalent iterated integral that results from integrating

in the opposite order (dx dy, instead of dy dx). That is, determine the
limits of integration for which
ZZ Z y=? Z x=?
(4x + 10y) dA = (4x + 10y) dx dy.
D y=? x=?

c. Evaluate one of the two iterated integrals above. Explain what the value
you obtained tells you.

d. Set up and evaluate a single definite integral to determine the exact area
of D, A(D).
e. Determine the exact average value of f (x, y) = 4x + 10y over D.
R x=4 R y=2 2
Activity 11.3.4 Consider the iterated integral x=0 y=x/2 ey dy dx.
2
a. Explain why we cannot find a simpleR antiderivative for ey with respect to
x=4 R y=2 y2
y, and thus are unable to evaluate x=0 y=x/2 e dy dx in the indicated
order using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
2 R x=4 R y=2 2
b. Given that D ey dA = x=0 y=x/2 ey dy dx, sketch the region of inte-
RR

gration, D.
c. Rewrite the given iterated integral in the opposite order, using dA =
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 222

dx dy. (Hint: You may need more than one integral.)

d. Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate the iterated inte-
gral you developed in (d). Write one sentence to explain the meaning of
the value you found.
e. What is the important lesson this activity offers regarding the order in
which we set up an iterated integral?

11.3.2 Summary
RR
• For a double integral D f (x, y) dA over a non-rectangular region D, we
enclose D in a rectangle R and then extend integrand f to a function
F so that F (x, y) = 0 at all points in R RRoutside of D and F (x, y) =
fRR(x, y) for all points in D. We then define D f (x, y) dA to be equal to
R
F (x, y) dA.
• In an iterated double integral, the limits on the outer integral must be
constants while the limits on the inner integral must be constants or in
terms of only the remaining variable. In other words, an iterated double
integral has one of the following forms (which result in the same value):
Z x=b Z y=g2 (x)
f (x, y) dy dx,
x=a y=g1 (x)

where g1 = g1 (x) and g2 = g2 (x) are functions of x only and the region
D is described by the inequalities g1 (x) ≤ y ≤ g2 (x) and a ≤ x ≤ b or
Z y=d Z x=h2 (y)
f (x, y) dx dy,
y=c x=h1 (y)

where h1 = h1 (y) and h2 = h2 (y) are functions of y only and the region
D is described by the inequalities h1 (y) ≤ x ≤ h2 (y) and c ≤ y ≤ d.

11.3.3 Exercises
ZZ
1. Evaluate the double integral I = xy dA where D is the triangular
D
region with vertices (0, 0), (6, 0), (0, 2).
Answer. 6
ZZ
2. Evaluate the double integral I = xy dA where D is the triangular
D
region with vertices (0, 0), (1, 0), (0, 6).
Answer. 1.5
3. Evaluate
R 1R 3 the integral by reversing the order of integration.
x2
0 3y
e dxdy =
Answer. 1350.34732126256
4. Decide, without calculation, if each of the integrals below are positive,
negative, or zero. Let D be the region inside the unit circle centered at
the origin. Let T, B, R, and L denote the regions enclosed by the top half,
the bottom half, the right half, and the left half of unit circle, respectively.
ZZ
(a) (y 3 + y 5 ) dA
T
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 223
ZZ
(b) (y 3 + y 5 ) dA
L
ZZ
(c) (y 3 + y 5 ) dA
D
ZZ
(d) (y 3 + y 5 ) dA
R
ZZ
(e) (y 3 + y 5 ) dA
B
2 2
5. The region W lies below the surface f (x, y) = 8e−(x−3) −y and above the
disk x2 + y 2 ≤ 16 in the xy-plane.
(a) Think about what the contours of f look like. You may want to
using f (x, y) = 1 as an example. Sketch a rough contour diagram on a
separate sheet of paper.
(b) Write an integral giving the area of the cross-section of W in the
plane x = 3.
Rb
Area = a d
,
where a = and b =
(c) Use your work from (b) to write an iterated double integral giving
the volume of W , using the work from (b) to inform the construction of
the inside integral.
RbRd
Volume = a c
d d ,
where a = ,b= c= and d =

2
Answer 1. 8e−y
Answer 2. y
Answer 3. −2.64575
Answer 4. 2.64575
2
−y 2
Answer 5. 8e−(x−3)
Answer 6. y
Answer 7. x
Answer 8. −4
Answer 9. 4
√

Answer 10. − 16 − x2
√
Answer 11. 16 − x2
6. Set up a double integral in rectangular coordinates for calculating the
volume of the solid under the graph of the function f (x, y) = 22 − x2 − y 2
and above the plane z = 6.
Instructions: Please enter the integrand in the first answer box. De-
pending on the order of integration you choose, enter dx and dy in either
order into the second and third answer boxes with only one dx or dy in
each box. Then, enter the limits of integration.
Z BZ D

A C
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 224

A=
B=
C=
D=
p  p
Answer. 16 − x2 − y 2 ; dx; dy; −4; 4; − 16 − y 2 ; 16 − y 2
7. Find the volume of the solid bounded by the planes x = 0, y = 0, z = 0,
and x + y + z = 6.
Answer. 36
Z 6 Z √36−y
8. Consider the integral f (x, y)dxdy. If we change the order of
0 0
integration we obtain the sum of two integrals:
Z b Z g2 (x) Z d Z g4 (x)
f (x, y)dydx + f (x, y)dydx
a g1 (x) c g3 (x)
a= b=
g1 (x) = g2 (x) =
c= d=
g3 (x) = g4 (x) =
Answer 1. 0
Answer 2. 5.47722557505166
Answer 3. 0
Answer 4. 6
Answer 5. 5.47722557505166
Answer 6. 6
Answer 7. 0
Answer 8. 36 − x2
9. A pile of earth standing on flat ground has height 36 meters. The ground
is the xy-plane. The origin is directly below the top of the pile and the
z-axis is upward. The cross-section at height z is given by x2 + y 2 = 36 − z
for 0 ≤ z ≤ 36, with x, y, and z in meters.
(a) What equation gives the edge of the base of the pile?

x2 + y 2 = 36
x + y = 36
x2 + y 2 = 6
x+y =6
None of the above

(b) What is the area of the base of the pile?

(c) What equation gives the cross-section of the pile with the plane
z = 5?

x2 + y 2 = 25
√
x2 + y 2 = 31
x2 + y 2 = 31
x2 + y 2 = 5
None of the above
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 225

(d) What is the area of the cross-section z = 5 of the pile?

(e) What is A(z), the area of a horizontal cross-section at height z?
A(z) =
square meters
(f) Use your answer in part (e) to find the volume of the pile.
Volume =
cubic meters
Answer 1. A
Answer 2. 113.097
Answer 3. C
Answer 4. 31π
10. Match the following integrals with the verbal descriptions of the solids
whose volumes they give. Put the letter of the verbal description to the
left of the corresponding integral.
Z √1 Z 12 √1−3y2 p
3
(a) 1 − 4x2 − 3y 2 dxdy
0 0
√
Z 1Z y
(b) 4x2 + 3y 2 dxdy
0 y2
√
Z 1Z 1−x2
(c) √ 1 − x2 − y 2 dydx
−1 − 1−x2
Z 2Z 2 p
(d) 4 − y 2 dydx
0 −2
√
Z 2Z 4+ 4−x2
(e) 4x + 3y dydx
−2 4

A. Solid under an elliptic paraboloid and over a planar region bounded

by two parabolas.
B. Solid under a plane and over one half of a circular disk.
C. One half of a cylindrical rod.
D. One eighth of an ellipsoid.

E. Solid bounded by a circular paraboloid and a plane.

11. For each of the following iterated integrals,
• sketch the region of integration,
• write an equivalent iterated integral expression in the opposite order
of integration,
• choose one of the two orders and evaluate the integral.
R x=1 R y=x
a. x=0 y=x2 xy dy dx
R y=2 R x=0 √
b. y=0 x=− 4−y 2
xy dx dy
R x=1 R y=x1/4
c. x=0 y=x4
x + y dy dx
R y=2 R x=2y
d. y=0 x=y/2
x + y dx dy
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 226

12. The temperature at any point on a metal plate in the xy-plane is given
by T (x, y) = 100 − 4x2 − y 2 , where x and y are measured in inches and
T in degrees Celsius. Consider the portion of the plate that lies on the
region D that is the finite region that lies between the parabolas x = y 2
and x = 3 − 2y 2 .
a. Construct a labeled sketch of the region D.
RR
b. Set up an iterated integral whose value is D T (x, y) dA, using dA =
dxdy. (Hint: It is possible that more than one integral is needed.)
RR
c. Set up an integrated integral whose value is D T (x, y) dA, using
dA = dydx. (Hint: It is possible that more than one integral is
needed.)
d. Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate the integrals
you determined in (b) and (c).
e. Determine the exact average temperature, TAVG(D) , over the region
D.
13. Consider the solid that is given by the following description: the base is
the given region D, while the top is given by the surface z = p(x, y). In
each setting below, set up, but do not evaluate, an iterated integral whose
value is the exact volume of the solid. Include a labeled sketch of D in
each case.
a. D is the interior of the quarter circle of radius 2, centered at the
origin, that lies in the second quadrant of the plane; p(x, y) = 16 −
x2 − y 2 .
b. D is the finite region between the line y = x + 1 and the parabola
y = x2 ; p(x, y) = 10 − x − 2y.
c. D is the triangular region with vertices (1, 1), (2, 2), and (2, 3);
p(x, y) = e−xy .
√
d. D is the region bounded by the y-axis, y = 4 and x = y; p(x, y) =
p
1 + x2 + y 2 .
Z x=4 Z y=2
14. Consider the iterated integral I = √
cos(y 3 ) dy dx.
x=0 y= x
a. Sketch the region of integration.

b. Write an equivalent iterated integral with the order of integration

reversed.
c. Choose one of the two orders of integration and evaluate the iterated
integral you chose by hand. Explain the reasoning behind your
choice.

d. Determine the exact average value of cos(y 3 ) over the region D that
is determined by the iterated integral I.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 227

11.4 Applications of Double Integrals

Motivating Questions
• If we have a mass density function for a lamina (thin plate), how does a
double integral determine the mass of the lamina?
• How may a double integral be used to find the area between two curves?

• Given a mass density function on a lamina, how can we find the lamina’s
center of mass?
• What is a joint probability density function? How do we determine the
probability of an event if we know a probability density function?
So far, we have interpreted the double RR integral of a function f over a do-
main D in two different ways. First, D f (x, y) dA tells us a difference of
volumes — the volume the surface defined by f bounds above the xy-plane on
D minus
RR the volume the surface bounds below the xy-plane on D. In addition,
1
A(D) D
f (x, y) dA determines the average value of f on D. In this section, we
investigate several other applications of double integrals, using the integration
process as seen in Preview Activity 11.4.1: we partition into small regions,
approximate the desired quantity on each small region, then use the integral
to sum these values exactly in the limit.
The following preview activity explores how a double integral can be used to
determine the density of a thin plate with a mass density distribution. Recall
that in single-variable calculus, we considered a similar problem and computed
the mass of a one-dimensional rod with a mass-density distribution. There, as
here, the key idea is that if density is constant, mass is the product of density
and volume.
Preview Activity 11.4.1 Suppose that we have a flat, thin object (called a
lamina) whose density varies across the object. We can think of the density
on a lamina as a measure of mass per unit area. As an example, consider a
circular plate D of radius 1 cm centered at the origin whose density δ varies
depending on the distance from its center so that the density in grams per
square centimeter at point (x, y) is

δ(x, y) = 10 − 2(x2 + y 2 ).

a. Suppose that we partition the plate into subrectangles Rij , where 1 ≤

i ≤ m and 1 ≤ j ≤ n, of equal area ∆A, and select a point (x∗ij , yij ∗
) in
∗ ∗
Rij for each i and j. What is the meaning of the quantity δ(xij , yij )∆A?
b. State a double Riemann sum that provides an approximation of the mass
of the plate.
c. Explain why the double integral
ZZ
δ(x, y) dA
D

tells us the exact mass of the plate.

d. Determine an iterated integral which, if evaluated, would give the exact
mass of the plate. Do not actually evaluate the integral. (This integral is
considerably easier to evaluate in polar coordinates, which we will learn
more about in Section 11.5.)
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 228

11.4.1 Mass
Density is a measure of some quantity per unit area or volume. For example,
we can measure the human population density of some region as the number
of humans in that region divided by the area of that region. In physics, the
mass density of an object is the mass of the object per unit area or volume.
As suggested by Preview Activity 11.4.1, the following holds in general.

The mass of a lamina.

If δ(x, y) describes the density of a lamina defined by RR
a planar region
D, then the mass of D is given by the double integral D δ(x, y) dA.

Activity 11.4.2 Let D be a half-disk lamina of radius 3 in quadrants IV and

I, centered at the origin as shown in Figure 11.4.1. Assume the density at point
(x, y) is given by δ(x, y) = x + y. Find the exact mass of the lamina.

3 y

2
D
1
x
-1 1 2 3 4
-1

-2

-3
Figure 11.4.1 A half disk lamina.

11.4.2 Area
If we consider the situation where the mass-density distribution is constant,
we can also see how a double integral may be used to determine the area of
a region. Assuming that δ(x, y) = 1 over a closed bounded RR region D, where
the units of δ are “mass per unit of area,” it follows that D 1 dA is the mass
of the lamina. But since the density is constant, the numerical value of the
integral is simply the area.
As the following activity demonstrates, we can also see this fact by consid-
ering a three-dimensional solid whose height is always 1.
Activity 11.4.3 Suppose we want to find the area of the bounded region D
between the curves

y = 1 − x2 and y = x − 1.

A picture of this region is shown in Figure 11.4.2.

a. The volume of a solid with constant height is given by the area of the
base times the height. Hence, we may interpret the area of the region D
with base D and of uniform height 1. That is, the
as the volume of a solidRR
area of D is given by D 1 dA. Write an iterated integral whose value
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 229
RR
is D 1 dA. (Hint: Which order of integration might be more efficient?
Why?)

2 y

1
x
-1 D 1 2 3
-1

-2

-3

Figure 11.4.2 The graphs of y = 1 − x2 and y = x − 1.

b. Evaluate the iterated integral from (a). What does the result tell you?
We now formally state the conclusion from our earlier discussion and Ac-
tivity 11.4.3.

The double integral and area.

Given a closed, bounded region D in the plane, the area of D, denoted

A(D), is given by the double integral
ZZ
A(D) = 1 dA.
D

11.4.3 Center of Mass

The center of mass of an object is a point at which the object will balance
perfectly. For example, the center of mass of a circular disk of uniform density
is located at its center. For any object, if we throw it through the air, it will
spin around its center of mass and behave as if all the mass is located at the
center of mass.
In order to understand the role that integrals play in determining the center
of a mass of an object with a nonuniform mass distribution, we start by finding
the center of mass of a collection of N distinct point-masses in the plane.
Let m1 , m2 , . . ., mN be N masses located in the plane. Think of these
masses as connected by rigid rods of negligible weight from some central point
(x, y). A picture with four masses is shown in Figure 11.4.3. Now imagine bal-
ancing this system by placing it on a thin pole at the point (x, y) perpendicular
to the plane containing the masses. Unless the masses are perfectly balanced,
the system will fall off the pole. The point (x, y) at which the system will
balance perfectly is called the center of mass of the system. Our goal is to
determine the center of mass of a system of discrete masses, then extend this
to a continuous lamina.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 230

y
(x2 , y2 )
(x3 , y3 )

(x, y)

(x4 , y4 )
(x1 , y1 )
x

Figure 11.4.3 A center of mass (x, y) of four masses.

Each mass exerts a force (called a moment) around the lines x = x and
y = y that causes the system to tilt in the direction of the mass. These
moments are dependent on the mass and the distance from the given line. Let
(x1 , y1 ) be the location of mass m1 , (x2 , y2 ) the location of mass m2 , etc. In
order to balance perfectly, the moments in the x direction and in the y direction
must be in equilibrium. We determine these moments and solve the resulting
system to find the equilibrium point (x, y) at the center of mass.
The force that mass m1 exerts to tilt the system from the line y = y is
m1 g(y − y1 ),
where g is the gravitational constant. Similarly, the force mass m2 exerts to
tilt the system from the line y = y is
m2 g(y − y2 ).
In general, the force that mass mk exerts to tilt the system from the line
y = y is
mk g(y − yk ).
For the system to balance, we need the forces to sum to 0, so that
N
X
mk g(y − yk ) = 0.
k=1

Solving for y, we find that

PN
mk yk
y = Pk=1
N
.
k=1 mk
A similar argument shows that
PN
k=1 m k xk
x= PN
.
k=1 mk
PN
The value Mx = k=1 mk yk is called the total moment with respect
PN
to the x-axis; My = k=1 mk xk is the total moment with respect to the
y-axis. Hence, the respective quotients of the moments to the total mass, M ,
determines the center of mass of a point-mass system:
 
My Mx
(x, y) = , .
M M
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 231

Now, suppose that rather than a point-mass system, we have a continuous

lamina with a variable mass-density δ(x, y). We may estimate its center of
mass by partitioning the lamina into mn subrectangles of equal area ∆A, and
treating the resulting partitioned lamina as a point-mass system. In particular,
∗
we select a point (x∗ij , yij ) in the ijth subrectangle, and observe that the quanity

δ(x∗ij , yij
∗
)∆A

is density times area, so δ(x∗ij , yij

∗
)∆A approximates the mass of the small
portion of the lamina determined by the subrectangle Rij .
We now treat δ(x∗ij , yij∗ ∗
)∆A as a point mass at the point (x∗ij , yij ). The
coordinates (x, y) of the center of mass of these mn point masses are thus
given by
Pn Pm ∗ ∗ ∗
Pn Pm ∗ ∗ ∗
j=1 i=1 xij δ(xij , yij )∆A j=1 i=1 yij δ(xij , yij )∆A
x= P n P m ∗ ∗ and y = Pn Pm ∗ ∗ .
j=1 i=1 δ(xij , yij )∆A j=1 i=1 δ(xij , yij )∆A

If we take the limit as m and n go to infinity, we obtain the exact center

of mass (x, y) of the continuous lamina.

The center of mass of a lamina.

The coordinates (x, y) of the center of mass of a lamina D with density
δ = δ(x, y) are given by
RR RR
D
xδ(x, y) dA yδ(x, y) dA
x = RR and y = RRD .
D
δ(x, y) dA D
δ(x, y) dA

The center of mass of a lamina can then be thought of as a weighted average

of all of the points in the lamina with the weights given by the density at each
point. The centroid of a lamina is the just the average of all of the points in
the lamina, or the center of mass if the density at each point is 1.
The numerators of x and y are called the respective moments of the lamina
about the coordinate axes. Thus, the moment of a lamina D with density
δ = δ(x, y) about the y-axis is
ZZ
My = xδ(x, y) dA
D

and the moment of D about the x-axis is

ZZ
Mx = yδ(x, y) dA.
D

If M is the mass of the lamina, it follows that the center of mass is

 
My Mx
(x, y) = , .
M M
Activity 11.4.4 In this activity we determine integrals that represent the
center of mass of a lamina D described by the triangular region bounded by
the x-axis and the lines x = 1 and y = 2x in the first quadrant if the density
at point (x, y) is δ(x, y) = 6x + 6y + 6. A picture of the lamina is shown in
Figure 11.4.4.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 232

2 y

x
1
Figure 11.4.4 The lamina bounded by the x-axis and the lines x = 1 and
y = 2x in the first quadrant.

a. Set up an iterated integral that represents the mass of the lamina.

b. Assume the mass of the lamina is 14. Set up two iterated integrals that
represent the coordinates of the center of mass of the lamina.

11.4.4 Probability
Calculating probabilities is a very important application of integration in the
physical, social, and life sciences. To understand the basics, consider the game
of darts in which a player throws a dart at a board and tries to hit a particular
target. Let us suppose that a dart board is in the form of a disk D with radius
10 inches. If we assume that a player throws a dart at random, and is not
aiming at any particular point, then it is equally probable that the dart will
strike any single point on the board. For instance, the probability that the dart
1
will strike a particular 1 square inch region is 100π , or the ratio of the area
of the desired target to the total area of D (assuming that the dart thrower
always hits the board itself at some point). Similarly, the probability that the
dart strikes a point in the disk D3 of radius 3 inches is given by the area of D3
divided by the area of D. In other words, the probability that the dart strikes
the disk D3 is ZZ
9π 1
= dA.
100π D3 100π
1
The integrand, 100π , may be thought of as a distribution function, describ-
ing how the dart strikes are distributed across the board. In this case the
distribution function is constant since we are assuming a uniform distribution,
but we can easily envision situations where the distribution function varies. For
example, if the player is fairly good and is aiming for the bulls eye (the center
of D), then the distribution function f could be skewed toward the center, say
2
+y 2 )
f (x, y) = Ke−(x

for some constant positive K. If we assume that the player is consistent enough
so that the dart always strikes the board, then the probability that the dart
strikes the board somewhere is 1, and the distribution function f will have to
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 233

satisfy1 ZZ
f (x, y) dA = 1.
D
For such a function f , the probability that the dart strikes in the disk D1
of radius 1 would be ZZ
f (x, y) dA.
D1

Indeed, the probability that the dart strikes in any region R that lies within
D is given by ZZ
f (x, y) dA.
R
The preceding discussion highlights the general idea behind calculating
probabilities. We assume we have a joint probability density function f , a
function of two independent variables x and y defined on a domain D that
satisfies the conditions
• f (x, y) ≥ 0 for all x and y in D,
• the probability that x is between some values a and b while y is between
some values c and d is given by
Z b Z d
f (x, y) dy dx,
a c

• The probability that the point (x, y) is in D is 1, that is

ZZ
f (x, y) dA = 1. (11.4.1)
D

Note that it is possible that D could be an infinite region and the limits
on the integral in Equation (11.4.1) could be infinite. When we have such a
probability density function f = f (x, y), the probability that the point (x, y)
is in some region R contained in the domain D (the notation we use here is
“P ((x, y) ∈ R)”) is determined by
ZZ
P ((x, y) ∈ R) = f (x, y) dA.
R

Activity 11.4.5 A firm manufactures smoke detectors. Two components for

the detectors come from different suppliers — one in Michigan and one in Ohio.
The company studies these components for their reliability and their data
suggests that if x is the life span (in years) of a randomly chosen component
from the Michigan supplier and y the life span (in years) of a randomly chosen
component from the Ohio supplier, then the joint probability density function
f might be given by
f (x, y) = e−x e−y .

a. Theoretically, the components might last forever, so the domain D of the

function f is the set D of all (x, y) such that x ≥ 0 and y ≥ 0. To show
that f is a probability density function on D we need to demonstrate
that Z Z
f (x, y) dA = 1,
D
1 This 1
makes K = , which you can check.
π (1−e−100 )
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 234

or that Z ∞ Z ∞
f (x, y) dy dx = 1.
0 0
Use your knowledge of improper integrals to verify that f is indeed a
probability density function.
b. Assume that the smoke detector fails only if both of the supplied compo-
nents fail. To determine the probability that a randomly selected detector
will fail within one year, we will need to determine the probability that
the life span of each component is between 0 and 1 years. Set up an
appropriate iterated integral, and evaluate the integral to determine the
probability.

c. What is the probability that a randomly chosen smoke detector will fail
between years 3 and 7?
d. Suppose that the manufacturer determines that one of the components is
more likely to fail than the other, and hence conjectures that the proba-
bility density function is instead f (x, y) = Ke−x e−2y . What is the value
of K?

11.4.5 Summary
RR mass of a lamina D with a mass density function δ = δ(x, y) is
• The
D
δ(x, y) dA.
• The area of a region D in the plane has the same numerical value as the
volume ofRRa solid of uniform height 1 and base D, so the area of D is
given by D 1 dA.
• The center of mass, (x, y), of a continuous lamina with a variable density
δ(x, y) is given by
RR RR
D
xδ(x, y) dA yδ(x, y) dA
x = RR and y = RRD .
D
δ(x, y) dA D
δ(x, y) dA

• Given a joint probability density function f is a function of two indepen-

dent variables x and y defined on a domain D, if R is some subregion of
D, then the probability that (x, y) is in R is given by
ZZ
f (x, y) dA.
R

11.4.6 Exercises
1. The masses mi are located at the points Pi . Find the center of mass of
the system.
m1 = 1, m2 = 8, m3 = 6.
P1 = (1, −4), P2 = (−6, 7), P3 = (9, −7).
x̄=
ȳ=
Answer 1. 0.466666666666667
Answer 2. 0.666666666666667
2. Find the centroid (x̄, ȳ) of the triangle with vertices at (0, 0), (5, 0), and
(0, 2).
x̄=
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 235

ȳ=
Answer 1. 1.66666666666667
Answer 2. 0.666666666666667
3. Find the mass of the rectangular region 0 ≤ x ≤ 2, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1 with density
function ρ (x, y) = 1 − y.
Answer. 1
4. Find the mass of the triangular region with vertices (0, 0), (3, 0), and (0,
5), with density function ρ (x, y) = x2 + y 2 .
Answer. 42.5
5. A lamina occupies the region inside the circle x2 + y 2 = 8y but outside the
circle x2 + y 2 = 16. The density at each point is inversely proportional to
its distance from the orgin.
Where is the center of mass?
( , )
Answer 1. 0
Answer 2. 5.05816623182515
6. A sprinkler distributes water in a circular pattern, supplying water to a
depth of e−r feet per hour at a distance of r feet from the sprinkler.
A. What is the total amount of water supplied per hour inside of a
circle of radius 6?

f t3 per hour
B. What is the total amount of water that goes through the sprinkler
per hour?

f t3 per hour
Answer 1. 6.1741640923836
Answer 2. 6.28318530717959
1
7. Let p be the joint density function such that p(x, y) = 144 xy in R, the
rectangle 0 ≤ x ≤ 6, 0 ≤ y ≤ 4, and p(x, y) = 0 outside R. Find the
fraction of the population satisfying the constraint x + y ≤ 10
fraction =
Answer. 1
8. A lamp has two bulbs, each of a type with an average lifetime of 10
hours. The probability density function for the lifetime of a bulb is f (t) =
1 −t/10
10 e , t ≥ 0.
What is the probability that both of the bulbs will fail within 3 hours?
Answer. 0.0671751947305907
9. For the following two functions p(x, y), check whether p is a joint density
function. Assume p(x, y) = 0 outside the region R.
(a) p(x, y) = 3, where R is −1 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.5.
p(x, y) ( is a joint density function  is not a joint density func-
tion)
(b) p(x, y) = 1, where R is 1 ≤ x ≤ 1.5, 0 ≤ y ≤ 2.
p(x, y) ( is a joint density function  is not a joint density func-
tion)
Then, for the region R given by −1 ≤ x ≤ 3, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3, what constant
function p(x, y) is a joint density function?
p(x, y) =
Answer 1. is not a joint density function
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 236

Answer 2. is a joint density function

1
Answer 3. 4·3
10. Let x and y have joint density function
(
2
(x + 2y) for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1,
p(x, y) = 3
0 otherwise.

Find the probability that

(a) x > 1/2:
probability =
(b) x < 12 + y:
probability =
2 1
Answer 1. 1 − 3·2 − 3·2·2
4 1 2 1


Answer 2. 1 − 9 − 2 + 3·2·2 − 9·23
11. A triangular plate is bounded by the graphs of the equations y = 2x, y =
4x, and y = 4. The plate’s density at (x, y) is given by δ(x, y) = 4xy 2 + 1,
measured in grams per square centimeter (and x and y are measured in
centimeters).
a. Set up an iterated integral whose value is the mass of the plate.
Include a labeled sketch of the region of integration. Why did you
choose the order of integration you did?
b. Determine the mass of the plate.

c. Determine the exact center of mass of the plate. Draw and label the
point you find on your sketch from (a).
d. What is the average density of the plate? Include units on your
answer.
12. Let D be a half-disk lamina of radius 3 in quadrants IV and I, centered
at the origin as in Activity 11.4.2. Assume the density at point (x, y) is
equal to x.
a. Before doing any calculations, what do you expect the y-coordinate
of the center of mass to be? Why?
b. Set up iterated integral expressions which, if evaluated, will deter-
mine the exact center of mass of the lamina.
c. Use appropriate technology to evaluate the integrals to find the cen-
ter of mass numerically.
13. Let x denote the time (in minutes) that a person spends waiting in a
checkout line at a grocery store and y the time (in minutes) that it takes
to check out. Suppose the joint probability density for x and y is
1 −x/4−y/2
f (x, y) = e .
8

a. What is the exact probability that a person spends between 0 to 5

minutes waiting in line, and then 0 to 5 minutes waiting to check
out?
b. Set up, but do not evaluate, an iterated integral whose value deter-
mines the exact probability that a person spends at most 10 minutes
total both waiting in line and checking out at this grocery store.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 237

c. Set up, but do not evaluate, an iterated integral expression whose

value determines the exact probability that a person spends at least
10 minutes total both waiting in line and checking out, but not more
than 20 minutes.

11.5 Double Integrals in Polar Coordinates

Motivating Questions
• What are the polar coordinates of a point in two-space?
• How do we convert between polar coordinates and rectangular coordi-
nates?
• What is the area element in polar coordinates?

• How do we convert a double integral in rectangular coordinates to a

double integral in polar coordinates?
While we have naturally defined double integrals in the rectangular coor-
dinate system, starting with domains that are rectangular regions, there are
many of these integrals that are difficult, if not impossible, to evaluate. For
2 2
example, consider the domain D that is the unit circle and f (x, y) = e−x −y .
To integrate f over D, we would use the iterated integral
√
ZZ Z x=1 Z y= 1−x2
2
−y 2
f (x, y) dA = √ e−x dy dx.
D x=−1 y=− 1−x2

For this particular integral, regardless of the order of integration, we are

unable to find an antiderivative of the integrand; in addition, even if we were
able to find an antiderivative, the inner limits of integration involve relatively
complicated functions.
It is useful, therefore, to be able to translate to other coordinate systems
where the limits of integration and evaluation of the involved integrals is sim-
pler. In this section we provide a quick discussion of one such system — polar
coordinates — and then introduce and investigate their ramifications for dou-
ble integrals. The rectangular coordinate system allows us to consider domains
and graphs relative to a rectangular grid. The polar coordinate system is an
alternate coordinate system that allows us to consider domains less suited to
rectangular coordinates, such as circles.
Preview Activity 11.5.1 The coordinates of a point determine its location.
In particular, the rectangular coordinates of a point P are given by an ordered
pair (x, y), where x is the (signed) distance the point lies from the y-axis to
P and y is the (signed) distance the point lies from the x-axis to P . In polar
coordinates, we locate the point by considering the distance the point lies from
the origin, O = (0, 0), and the angle the line segment from the origin to P
forms with the positive x-axis.
a. Determine the rectangular coordinates of the following points:
(a) The point P that lies 1 unit from the origin on the positive x-axis.
(b) The point Q that lies 2 units from the origin and such that OQ
makes an angle of π2 with the positive x-axis.
(c) The point R that lies 3 units from the origin such that OR makes
an angle of 2π
3 with the positive x-axis.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 238

b. Part (a) indicates that the two pieces of information completely deter-
mine the location of a point: either the traditional (x, y) coordinates, or
alternately, the distance r from the point to the origin along with the
angle θ that the line through the origin and the point makes with the
positive x-axis. We write “(r, θ)” to denote the point’s location in its
polar coordinate representation. Find polar coordinates for the points
with the given rectangular coordinates.
i. (0, −1) ii. (−2, 0) iii. (−1, 1)

c. For each of the following points whose coordinates are given in polar
form, determine the rectangular coordinates of the point.
√ 5π
i. (5, π4 ) ii. (2, 5π
6 ) iii. ( 3, 3 )

11.5.1 Polar Coordinates

The rectangular coordinate system is best suited for graphs and regions that
are naturally considered over a rectangular grid. The polar coordinate system
is an alternative that offers good options for functions and domains that have
more circular characteristics. A point P in rectangular coordinates that is
described by an ordered pair (x, y), where x is the displacement from P to
the y-axis and y is the displacement from P to the x-axis, as seen in Preview
Activity 11.5.1, can also be described with polar coordinates (r, θ), where r is
the distance from P to the origin and θ is the angle formed by the line segment
OP and the positive x-axis, as shown at left in Figure 11.5.1.

π/2

P 3π/4 π/4

π 0
r y 1 2 3 4

5π/4 7π/4
θ
3π/2
x

Figure 11.5.1 The polar coordinates of a point and the polar coordinate grid.
Trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem allow for straightforward con-
version from rectangular to polar, and vice versa.

Converting between rectangular and polar coordinates.

• If we are given the rectangular coordinates (x, y) of a point P ,

then the polar coordinates (r, θ) of P satisfy
p y
r = x2 + y 2 and tan(θ) = , assuming x 6= 0.
x
• If we are given the polar coordinates (r, θ) of a point P , then the
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 239

rectangular coordinates (x, y) of P satisfy

x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ).

Note: The angle θ in the polar coordinates of a point is not unique. We

could replace θ with θ +2π and still be at the same terminal point. In addition,
the sign of tan(θ) does not uniquely determine the quadrant in which θ lies, so
we have to determine the value of θ from the location of the point. In other
words, more care has to be paid when using polar coordinates than rectangular
coordinates.
We can draw graphs of curves in polar coordinates in a similar way to how
we do in rectangular coordinates. However, when plotting in polar coordinates,
we use a grid that considers changes in angles and changes in distance from
the origin. In particular, the angles θ and distances r partition the plane into
small wedges as shown at right in Figure 11.5.1.
Activity 11.5.2 Most polar graphing devices can plot curves in polar coordi-
nates of the form r = f (θ). Use such a device to complete this activity.
a. Before plotting the polar curve r = 1 (where θ can have any value), think
about what shape it should have, in light of how r is connected to x and
y. Then use appropriate technology to draw the graph and test your
intuition.

b. The equation θ = 1 does not define r as a function of θ, so we can’t graph

this equation on many polar plotters. What do you think the graph of
the polar curve θ = 1 looks like? Why?
c. Before plotting the polar curve r = θ, what do you think the graph looks
like? Why? Use technology to plot the curve and compare your intuition.

d. What does the region defined by 1 ≤ r ≤ 3 (where θ can have any value)
look like? (Hint: Compare to your response from part (a).)
e. What does the region defined by 1 ≤ r ≤ 3 and π/4 ≤ θ ≤ π/2 look like?
f. Consider the curve r = sin(θ). For some values of θ we will have r < 0.
In these situations, we plot the point (r, θ) as (|r|, θ + π) (in other words,
when r < 0, we reflect the point through the origin). With that in mind,
what do you think the graph of r = sin(θ) looks like? Plot this curve
using technology and compare to your intuition.

11.5.2 Integrating in Polar Coordinates

Consider the double integral
ZZ
2
+y 2
ex dA,
D

where D is the unit disk. While we cannot directly evaluate this integral in
rectangular coordinates, a change to polar coordinates will convert it to one
we can easily evaluate. ZZ
We have seen how to evaluate a double integral f (x, y) dA as an iter-
D
ated integral of the form
Z b Z g2 (x)
f (x, y) dy dx
a g1 (x)
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 240

in rectangular coordinates, because we know that dA = dy dx in rectangular

coordinates. To make the change to polar coordinates, we not only need to
represent the variables x and y in polar coordinates, but we also must under-
stand how to write the area element, dA, in polar coordinates. That is, we
must determine how the area element dA can be written in terms of dr and dθ
in the context of polar coordinates. We address this question in the following
activity.

ri+1

ri+1
ri
ri

θj+1
θj

Figure 11.5.2 Left: A polar rectangle. Right: An annulus.

Activity 11.5.3 Consider a polar rectangle R, with r between ri and ri+1 and
θ between θj and θj+1 as shown at left in Figure 11.5.2. Let ∆r = ri+1 − ri
and ∆θ = θj+1 − θj . Let ∆A be the area of this region.
a. Explain why the area ∆A in polar coordinates is not ∆r ∆θ.
b. Now find ∆A by the following steps:
i. Find the area of the annulus (the washer-like region) between ri and
ri+1 , as shown at right in Figure 11.5.2. This area will be in terms
of ri and ri+1 .
ii. Observe that the region R is only a portion of the annulus, so the
area ∆A of R is only a fraction of the area of the annulus. For
instance, if θi+1 − θi were π4 , then the resulting wedge would be
π
4 1
=
2π 8
of the entire annulus. In this more general context, using the wedge
between the two noted angles, what fraction of the area of the an-
nulus is the area ∆A?
iii. Write an expression for ∆A in terms of ri , ri+1 , θj , and θj+1 .
iv. Finally, write the area ∆A in terms of ri , ri+1 , ∆r, and ∆θ, where
each quantity appears only once in the expression. (Hint: Think
about how to factor a difference of squares.)
c. As we take the limit as ∆r and ∆θ go to 0, ∆r becomes dr, ∆θ becomes
dθ, and ∆A becomes dA, the area element. Using your work in (iv), write
dA in terms of r, dr, and dθ.
From the result of Activity 11.5.3, we see when we convert an integral from
rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates, we must not only convert x and
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 241

y to being in terms of r and θ, but we also have to change the area element
to dA = r dr dθ in polar coordinates. As we saw in Activity 11.5.3, the reason
the additional factor of r in the polar area element is due to the fact that
in polar coordinates, the cross sectional area element increases as r increases,
while the cross sectional area
RR element in rectangular coordinates is constant.
So, given a double integral D f (x, y) dA in rectangular coordinates, to write a
corresponding iterated integral in polar coordinates, we replace x with r cos(θ),
y with r sin(θ) and dA with r dr dθ. Of course, we need to describe the region
D in polar coordinates as well. To summarize:

Double integrals in polar coordinates.

RR
The double integral D f (x, y) dA in rectangular coordinates
RR can be
converted to a double integral in polar coordinates as D f (r cos(θ), r sin(θ)) r dr dθ.

2 2
Example 11.5.3RRLet f (x, y) = ex +y on the disk D = {(x, y) : x2 + y 2 ≤ 1}.
We will evaluate D f (x, y) dA. RR
In rectangular coordinates the double integral D f (x, y) dA can be written
as the iterated integral
√
ZZ Z x=1 Z y= 1−x2
2
+y 2
f (x, y) dA = √ ex dy dx.
D x=−1 y=− 1−x2

2 2
We cannot evaluate this iterated integral, because ex +y does not have
an elementary antiderivative with respect to either x or y. However, since
r2 = x2 + y 2 and the region D is circular, it is natural to wonder whether
converting to polar coordinates will allow us to evaluate the new integral. To
do so, we replace x with r cos(θ), y with r sin(θ), and dy dx with r dr dθ to
obtain ZZ ZZ
2
f (x, y) dA = er r dr dθ.
D D
The disc D is described in polar coordinates by the constraints 0 ≤ r ≤ 1
and 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π. Therefore, it follows that
ZZ Z θ=2π Z r=1
r2 2
e r dr dθ = er r dr dθ.
D θ=0 r=0

We can evaluate the resulting iterated polar integral as follows:

!
Z θ=2π Z r=1 Z 2π r=1
r2 1 r2
e r dr dθ = e dθ
θ=0 r=0 θ=0 2 r=0

1 θ=2π
Z
= (e − 1) dθ
2 θ=0
Z θ=2π
1
= (e − 1) dθ
2 θ=0
θ=2π
1
= (e − 1) [θ]
2 θ=0
= π(e − 1).


While there is no firm rule for when polar coordinates can or should be
used, they are a natural alternative anytime the domain of integration may be
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 242

expressed
psimply in polar form, and/or when the integrand involves expressions
such as x2 + y 2 .
Activity 11.5.4 Let f (x, y) = x + y and D = {(x, y) : x2 + y 2 ≤ 4}.
a. Sketch the region D and then write the double integral of f over D as
an iterated integral in rectangular coordinates.
b. Write the double integral of f over D as an iterated integral in polar
coordinates.
c. Evaluate one of the iterated integrals. Why is the final value you found
not surprising?
Activity 11.5.5 Consider the circle given by x2 + (y − 1)2 = 1 as shown in
Figure 11.5.4.

2 y

x
-1 1

Figure 11.5.4 The graphs of y = x and x2 + (y − 1)2 = 1, for use in Activ-

ity 11.5.5.

a. Determine a polar curve in the form r = f (θ) that traces out the circle
x2 + (y − 1)2 = 1. (Hint: Recall that a circle centered at the origin of
radius r can be described by the equations x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ).)
p
b. Find the exact average value of g(x, y) = x2 + y 2 over the interior of
the circle x2 + (y − 1)2 = 1.
c. Find the volume under the surface h(x, y) = x over the region D, where
D is the region bounded above by the line y = x and below by the circle
(this is the shaded region in Figure 11.5.4).
d. Explain why in both (b) and (c) it is advantageous to use polar coordi-
nates.

11.5.3 Summary
• The polar representation of a point P is the ordered pair (r, θ) where r
is the distance from the origin to P and θ is the angle the ray through
the origin and P makes with the positive x-axis.
• The polar coordinates r and θ of a point (x, y) in rectangular coordinates
satisfy p y
r = x2 + y 2 and tan(θ) = ;
x
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 243

the rectangular coordinates x and y of a point (r, θ) in polar coordinates

satisfy
x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ).

• The area element dA in polar coordinates is determined by the area of a

slice of an annulus and is given by

dA = r dr dθ.
RR
• To convert the double integral D f (x, y) dA to an iterated integral in
polar coordinates, we substitute r cos(θ) for x, r sin(θ) for y, and r dr dθ
for dA to obtain the iterated integral
ZZ
f (r cos(θ), r sin(θ)) r dr dθ.
D

11.5.4 Exercises
1. For each set of Polar coordinates, match the equivalent Cartesian coordi-
nates.
√
2. (a) The Cartesian coordinates of a point are (−1, − 3).
(i) Find polar coordinates (r, θ) of the point, where r > 0 and 0 ≤ θ <
2π.
r=
θ=
(ii) Find polar coordinates (r, θ) of the point, where r < 0 and 0 ≤
θ < 2π.
r=
θ=
(b) The Cartesian coordinates of a point are (−2, 3).
(i) Find polar coordinates (r, θ) of the point, where r > 0 and 0 ≤ θ <
2π.
r=
θ=
(ii) Find polar coordinates (r, θ) of the point, where r < 0 and 0 ≤
θ < 2π.
r=
θ=
Answer 1. 2
Answer 2. 4.18879020478639
Answer 3. −2
Answer 4. 1.0471975511966
Answer 5. 3.60555127546399
Answer 6. 2.15879893034246
Answer 7. −3.60555127546399
Answer 8. 5.30039158393226
3. (a) You are given the point (1, π/2) in polar coordinates.
(i) Find another pair of polar coordinates for this point such that r > 0
and 2π ≤ θ < 4π.
r=
θ=
(ii) Find another pair of polar coordinates for this point such that
r < 0 and 0 ≤ θ < 2π.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 244

r=
θ=
(b) You are given the point (−2, π/4) in polar coordinates.
(i) Find another pair of polar coordinates for this point such that r > 0
and 2π ≤ θ < 4π.
r=
θ=
(ii) Find another pair of polar coordinates for this point such that
r < 0 and −2π ≤ θ < 0.
r=
θ=
(c) You are given the point (3, 2) in polar coordinates.
(i) Find another pair of polar coordinates for this point such that r > 0
and 2π ≤ θ < 4π.
r=
θ=
(ii) Find another pair of polar coordinates for this point such that
r < 0 and 0 ≤ θ < 2π.
r=
θ=
Answer 1. 1
Answer 2. 7.85398163397448
Answer 3. −1
Answer 4. 4.71238898038469
Answer 5. 2
Answer 6. 10.2101761241668
Answer 7. −2
Answer 8. −5.49778714378214
Answer 9. 3
Answer 10. 8.28318530717959
Answer 11. −3
Answer 12. 5.14159265358979
4. Decide if the points given in polar coordinates are the same. If they are
the same, enter T . If they are different, enter F .
a.) (5, π3 ), (−5, −π 3 )
b.) (2, 35π
4 ), (2, − 35π
4 )
4π
c.) (0, 5π), (0, 4 )
π
d.) (1, 141π
4 ), (−1, 4 )
92π −π
e.) (2, 3 ), (−2, 3 )
f.)(5, 15π), (−5, 15π)
Answer 1. F
Answer 2. F
Answer 3. T
Answer 4. T
Answer 5. T
Answer 6. F
5. A curve with polar equation
17
r=
7 sin θ + 57 cos θ
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 245

represents a line. Write this line in the given Cartesian form.

y=
Note: Your answer should be a function of x .
Answer. 2.42857 − 8.14286x
6. Find a polar equation of the form r = f (θ) for the curve represented by
the Cartesian equation x = −y 2 .
Note: Since θ is not a symbol on your keyboard, use t in place of θ in
your answer.
r=
−1 cos(t)
sin(t)
Answer. sin(t)

7. By changing to polar coordinates, evaluate the integral

ZZ
(x2 + y 2 )3/2 dxdy
D

where D is the disk x2 + y 2 ≤ 36.

Answer =
Answer. 9771.60978972569
8. Convert the integral √
Z 10 Z x
dy dx
0 −x

to polar coordinates and evaluate it (use t for θ):

With a = ,b= ,c=
and d√= ,
R 10 R x RbRd
0 −x
dy dx = a c dr dt
Rb
= a dt
b
=
= .a
−π
Answer 1. 4
π
Answer 2. 4
Answer 3. 0
√
10
Answer 4. cos(t)
Answer 5. r
5
Answer 6. cos2(t)
Answer 7. 5 tan(t)
Answer 8. 10
9. For each of the following, set up the integral of an arbitrary function
f (x, y) over the region in whichever of rectangular or polar coordinates is
most appropriate. (Use t for θ in your expressions.)
(a) The region
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 246

With a = ,b= ,
c= , and d = ,
RbRd
integral = a c d d
(b) The region

With a = ,b= ,
c= , and d = ,
RbRd
integral = a c d d
Answer 1. 0
Answer 2. 4
Answer 3. 4
Answer 4. 7
Answer 5. f (x, y)
Answer 6. y
Answer 7. x
Answer 8. 1.0472
Answer 9. 1.5708
Answer 10. 0
Answer 11. 2
Answer 12. rf (r cos(t) , r sin(t))
Answer 13. r
Answer 14. t
10. A Cartesian equation for the polar equation r = 3 can be written as:
x2 + y 2 =
Answer. 9
11. Using polar coordinates, evaluate the integral which gives the area which
lies in the first quadrant between the circles x2 +y 2 = 36 and x2 −6x+y 2 =
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 247

0.
Answer. 14.1371669411541
12. (a) Graph r = 1/(4 cos θ) for −π/2 ≤ θ ≤ π/2 and r = 1. Then write
an iterated integral in polar coordinates representing the area inside the
curve r = 1 and to the right of r = 1/(4 cos θ). (Use t for θ in your work.)
With a = ,b= ,
c= , and d = ,
RbRd
area = a c d d
(b) Evaluate your integral to find the area.
area =
Answer 1. − cos−1 14

Answer 2. cos−1 14


1
Answer 3. 4 cos(t)
Answer 4. 1
Answer 5. r
Answer 6. r
Answer 7. t
tan(cos−1( 41 ))
Answer 8. cos−1 1


4 − 42
ZZ
13. Using polar coordinates, evaluate the integral sin(x2 + y 2 )dA where
R
R is the region 4 ≤ x2 + y 2 ≤ 25.
Answer. −5.16743746933879
14. Sketch the region of integration for the following integral.
Z π/4 Z 5/ cos(θ)
f (r, θ) r dr dθ
0 0
The region of integration is bounded by

y = 0, y = x, and y = 5
p
y = 0, x = 25 − y 2 , and y = 5
√
y = 0, y = 25 − x2 , and x = 5
y = 0, y = x, and x = 5

None of the above

15. Use the polar coordinates to find the volume of a sphere of radius 7.
Answer. 1436.75504024173
2 2
16. Consider the solid under the graph of z = e−x −y above the disk x2 +y 2 ≤
a2 , where a > 0.
(a) Set up the integral to find the volume of the solid.
Instructions: Please enter the integrand in the first answer box, typing
theta for θ. Depending on the order of integration you choose, enter dr
and dtheta in either order into the second and third answer boxes with
only one dr or dtheta in each box. Then, enter the limits of integration.
Z BZ D

A C

A=
B=
C=
D=
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 248

(b) Evaluate the integral and find the volume. Your answer will be in
terms of a.
Volume V =
(c) What does the volume approach as a → ∞?
lim V =
a→∞
2
Answer 1. e−r r; dr; dtheta; 0; 2π; 0; a
 2

Answer 2. π 1 − e−a
Answer 3. 3.14159
R 0 R 0√ y
17. Consider the iterated integral I = −3 − 9−y 2 x2 +y 2 +1
dx dy.
a. Sketch (and label) the region of integration.
b. Convert the given iterated integral to one in polar coordinates.
c. Evaluate the iterated integral in (b).

d. State one possible interpretation of the value you found in (c).

18. Let D be the region that lies inside the unit circle in the plane.
a. Set up and evaluate an iterated integral in polar coordinates whose
value is the area of D.
b. Determine the exact average value of f (x, y) = y over the upper half
of D.
c. Find the exact center of mass of the lamina over the portion of D
that lies in the first quadrant and has its mass density distribution
given by δ(x, y) = 1. (Before making any calculations, where do you
expect the center of mass to lie? Why?)

d. Find the exact volume of the solid that lies under the surface z =
8 − x2 − y 2 and over the unit disk, D.
19. For each of the following iterated integrals,
• sketch and label the region of integration,

• convert the integral to the other coordinate system (if given in polar,
to rectangular; if given in rectangular, to polar), and
• choose one of the two iterated integrals to evaluate exactly.
R 3π/2 R 3
a. π 0
r3 dr dθ
R 2 R √1−(x−1)2 p
b. 0
√ 2
x2 + y 2 dy dx
− 1−(x−1)

R π/2 R sin(θ) √
c. 0 0
r 1 − r2 dr dθ.
R √2/2 R √1−y2
d. 0 y
cos(x2 + y 2 ) dx dy.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 249

11.6 Surfaces Defined Parametrically and Sur-

face Area
Motivating Questions
• What is a parameterization of a surface?
• How do we find the surface area of a parametrically defined surface?
We have now studied at length how curves in space can be defined para-
metrically by functions of the form r(t) = hx(t), y(t), z(t)i, and surfaces can be
represented by functions z = f (x, y). In what follows, we will see how we can
also define surfaces parametrically. A one-dimensional curve in space results
from a vector function that relies upon one parameter, so a two-dimensional
surface naturally involves the use of two parameters. If x = x(s, t), y = y(s, t),
and z = z(s, t) are functions of independent parameters s and t, then the
terminal points of all vectors of the form

r(s, t) = x(s, t)i + y(s, t)j + z(s, t)k

form a surface in space. The equations x = x(s, t), y = y(s, t), and z = z(s, t)
are the parametric equations for the surface, or a parametrization of the surface.
In Preview Activity 11.6.1 we investigate how to parameterize a cylinder and
a cone.
Preview Activity 11.6.1 Recall the standard parameterization of the unit
circle that is given by

x(t) = cos(t) and y(t) = sin(t),

where 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.
a. Determine a parameterization of the circle of radius 1 in R3 that has its
center at (0, 0, 1) and lies in the plane z = 1.
b. Determine a parameterization of the circle of radius 1 in 3-space that has
its center at (0, 0, −1) and lies in the plane z = −1.
c. Determine a parameterization of the circle of radius 1 in 3-space that has
its center at (0, 0, 5) and lies in the plane z = 5.

d. Taking into account your responses in (a), (b), and (c), describe the graph
that results from the set of parametric equations

x(s, t) = cos(t), y(s, t) = sin(t), and z(s, t) = s,

where 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π and −5 ≤ s ≤ 5. Explain your thinking.

e. Just as a cylinder can be viewed as a “stack” of circles of constant radius,
a cone can be viewed as a stack of circles with varying radius. Modify
the parametrizations of the circles above in order to construct the param-
eterization of a cone whose vertex lies at the origin, whose base radius
is 4, and whose height is 3, where the base of the cone lies in the plane
z = 3. Use appropriate technology to plot the parametric equations you
develop. (Hint: The cross sections parallel to the xz-plane are circles,
with the radii varying linearly as z increases.)
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 250

11.6.1 Parametric Surfaces

In a single-variable setting, any function may have its graph expressed para-
metrically. For instance, given y = g(x), by considering the parameterization
ht, g(t)i (where t belongs to the domain of g), we generate the same curve.
What is more important is that certain curves that are not functions may
be represented parametrically; for instance, the circle (which cannot be rep-
resented by a single function) can be parameterized by hcos(t), sin(t)i, where
0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.
In the same way, in a two-variable setting, the surface z = f (x, y) may be
expressed parametrically by considering
hx(s, t), y(s, t), z(s, t)i = hs, t, f (s, t)i,
where (s, t) varies over the entire domain of f . Therefore, any familiar surface
that we have studied so far can be generated as a parametric surface. But what
is more powerful is that there are surfaces that cannot be generated by a single
function z = f (x, y) (such as the unit sphere), but that can be represented
parametrically. We now consider an important example.
Example 11.6.1 Consider the torus (or doughnut) shown in Figure 11.6.2.

Figure 11.6.2 A torus.

To find a parametrization of this torus, we recall our work in Preview
Activity 11.6.1. There, we saw that a circle of radius r that has its center at
the point (0, 0, z0 ) and is contained in the horizontal plane z = z0 , as shown in
Figure 11.6.3, can be parametrized using the vector-valued function r defined
by
r(t) = r cos(t)i + r sin(t)j + z0 k
where 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.

Figure 11.6.3 A circle in a horizontal plane centered at (0, 0, z0 ).

CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 251

To obtain the torus in Figure 11.6.2, we begin with a circle of radius a

in the xz-plane centered at (b, 0), as shown on the left of Figure 11.6.4. We
may parametrize the points on this circle, using the parameter s, by using the
equations
x(s) = b + a cos(s) and z(s) = a sin(s),
where 0 ≤ s ≤ 2π.

z z

r
a
x
b
y

Figure 11.6.4 Revolving a circle to obtain a torus.

Let’s focus our attention on one point on this circle, such as the indicated
point, which has coordinates (x(s), 0, z(s)) for a fixed value of the parameter
s. When this point is revolved about the z-axis, we obtain a circle contained
in a horizontal plane centered at (0, 0, z(s)) and having radius x(s), as shown
on the right of Figure 11.6.4. If we let t be the new parameter that generates
the circle for the rotation about the z-axis, this circle may be parametrized by

r(s, t) = x(s) cos(t)i + x(s) sin(t)j + z(s)k.

Now using our earlier parametric equations for x(s) and z(s) for the original
smaller circle, we have an overall parameterization of the torus given by

r(s, t) = (b + a cos(s)) cos(t)i + (b + a cos(s)) sin(t)j + a sin(s)k.

To trace out the entire torus, we require that the parameters vary through
the values 0 ≤ s ≤ 2π and 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. 
Activity 11.6.2 In this activity, we seek a parametrization of the sphere of
radius R centered at the origin, as shown on the left in Figure 11.6.5. Notice
that this sphere may be obtained by revolving a half-circle contained in the
xz-plane about the z-axis, as shown on the right.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 252

z z

R
x
y

Figure 11.6.5 A sphere obtained by revolving a half-circle.

a. Begin by writing a parametrization of this half-circle using the parameter

s:
x(s) = . . . z(s) = . . . .
Be sure to state the domain of the parameter s.
b. By revolving the points on this half-circle about the z-axis, obtain a
parametrization r(s, t) of the points on the sphere of radius R. Be sure
to include the domain of both parameters s and t. (Hint: What is the
radius of the circle obtained when revolving a point on the half-circle
around the z axis?)
c. Draw the surface defined by your parameterization with appropriate tech-
nology.

11.6.2 The Surface Area of Parametrically Defined Sur-

faces
Recall that a differentiable function is locally linear — that is, if we zoom in
on the surface around a point, the surface looks like its tangent plane. We
now exploit this idea in order to determine the surface area generated by a
parametrization hx(s, t), y(s, t), z(s, t)i. The basic idea is a familiar one: we
will subdivide the surface into small pieces, in the approximate shape of small
parallelograms, and thus estimate the entire the surface area by adding the
areas of these approximation parallelograms. Ultimately, we use an integral to
sum these approximations and determine the exact surface area.
Let
r(s, t) = x(s, t)i + y(s, t)j + z(s, t)k
define a surface over a rectangular domain a ≤ s ≤ b and c ≤ t ≤ d. As
a function of two variables, s and t, it is natural to consider the two partial
derivatives of the vector-valued function r, which we define by

rs (s, t) = xs (s, t)i + ys (s, t)j + zs (s, t)k

rt (s, t) = xt (s, t)i + yt (s, t)j + zt (s, t)k.

In the usual way, we slice the domain into small rectangles. In particular,
we partition the interval [a, b] into m subintervals of length ∆s = b−a
n and let
s0 , s1 , . . ., sm be the endpoints of these subintervals, where a = s0 < s1 <
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 253

s2 < · · · < sm = b. Also partition the interval [c, d] into n subintervals of equal
length ∆t = d−c n and let t0 , t1 , . . ., tn be the endpoints of these subintervals,
where c = t0 < t1 < t2 < · · · < tn = d. These two partitions create a partition
of the rectangle R = [a, b] × [c, d] in st-coordinates into mn sub-rectangles Rij
with opposite vertices (si−1 , tj−1 ) and (si , tj ) for i between 1 and m and j
between 1 and n. These rectangles all have equal area ∆A = ∆s · ∆t.
Now we want to think about the small piece of area on the surface itself
that lies above one of these small rectangles in the domain. Observe that if we
increase s by a small amount ∆s from the point (si−1 , tj−1 ) in the domain, then
r changes by approximately rs (si−1 , tj−1 )∆s. Similarly, if we increase t by a
small amount ∆t from the point (si−1 , tj−1 ), then r changes by approximately
rt (si−1 , tj−1 )∆t. So we can approximate the surface defined by r on the st-
rectangle [si−1 , si ]×[tj−1 , tj ] with the parallelogram determined by the vectors
rs (si−1 , tj−1 )∆s and rt (si−1 , tj−1 )∆t, as seen in Figure 11.6.6.

rt ∆t

rs ∆s

Figure 11.6.6 Approximation surface area with a parallelogram.

Say that the small parallelogram has area Sij . If we can find its area, then
all that remains is to sum the areas of all of the generated parallelograms and
take a limit. Recall from our earlier work in the course that given two vectors
u and v, the area of the parallelogram spanned by u and v is given by the
magnitude of their cross product, |u×v|. In the present context, it follows that
the area, Sij , of the parallelogram determined by the vectors rs (si−1 , tj−1 )∆s
and rt (si−1 , tj−1 )∆t is

Sij = |(rs (si−1 , tj−1 )∆s) × (rt (si−1 , tj−1 )∆t)|

= |rs (si−1 , tj−1 ) × rt (si−1 , tj−1 )|∆s∆t, (11.6.1)

where the latter equality holds from standard properties of the cross product
and length.
We sum the surface area approximations from Equation (11.6.1) over all
sub-rectangles to obtain an estimate for the total surface area, S, given by
m X
X n
S≈ |rs (si−1 , tj−1 ) × rt (si−1 , tj−1 )|∆s∆t.
i=1 j=1

Taking the limit as m, n → ∞ shows that the surface area of the surface
defined by r over the domain D is given as follows.

Surface area.
Let r(s, t) = hx(s, t), y(s, t), z(s, t)i be a parameterization of a smooth
surface over a domain D. The area of the surface defined by r on D is
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 254

given by ZZ
S= |rs × rt | dA. (11.6.2)
D

Activity 11.6.3 Consider the cylinder with radius a and height h defined
parametrically by
r(s, t) = a cos(s)i + a sin(s)j + tk
for 0 ≤ s ≤ 2π and 0 ≤ t ≤ h, as shown in Figure 11.6.7.
z

Figure 11.6.7 A cylinder.

a. Set up an iterated integral to determine the surface area of this cylinder.

b. Evaluate the iterated integral.
c. Recall that one way to think about the surface area of a cylinder is to
cut the cylinder horizontally and find the perimeter of the resulting cross
sectional circle, then multiply by the height. Calculate the surface area
of the given cylinder using this alternate approach, and compare your
work in (b).
As we noted earlier, we can take any surface z = f (x, y) and generate a
corresponding parameterization for the surface by writing hs, t, f (s, t)i. Hence,
we can use our recent work with parametrically defined surfaces to find the
surface area that is generated by a function f = f (x, y) over a given domain.
Activity 11.6.4 Let z = f (x, y) define a smooth surface, and consider the
corresponding parameterization r(s, t) = hs, t, f (s, t)i.
a. Let D be a region in the domain of f . Using Equation (11.6.2), show
that the area, S, of the surface defined by the graph of f over D is
ZZ q
2 2
S= (fx (x, y)) + (fy (x, y)) + 1 dA.
D

b. Use the formula developed

√ in (a) to calculate the area of the surface
defined by f (x, y) = 4 − x2 over the rectangle D = [−2, 2] × [0, 3].
c. Observe that the surface of the solid describe in (b) is half of a circular
cylinder. Use the standard formula for the surface area of a cylinder to
calculate the surface area in a different way, and compare your result
from (b).
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 255

11.6.3 Summary
• A parameterization of a curve describes the coordinates of a point on
the curve in terms of a single parameter t, while a parameterization of a
surface describes the coordinates of points on the surface in terms of two
independent parameters.
• If r(s, t) = hx(s, t), y(s, t), z(s, t)i describes a smooth surface in 3-space
on a domain D, then the area, S, of that surface is given by
ZZ
S= |rs × rt | dA.
D

11.6.4 Exercises
1. Consider the cone shown below.

If the height of the cone is 8 and the base radius is 9, write a parame-
terization of the cone in terms of r = s and θ = t.
x(s, t) = ,
y(s, t) = ,
and
z(s, t) = ,
with
≤s≤ and
≤t≤ .
Answer 1. s cos(t)
Answer 2. s sin(t)
Answer 3. 8 − 89 s
Answer 4. 0
Answer 5. 9
Answer 6. 0
Answer 7. 2π
2. Parameterize the plane through the point (−5, −1, 3) with the normal
vector h−5, 4, 2i
~r(s, t) =
(Use s and t for the parameters in your parameterization, and enter
your vector as a single vector, with angle brackets: e.g., as \lt 1
+ s + t, s - t, 3 - t \gt.)
Answer. h− (5 + 4s + 2t) , − (1 + 5s) , 3 − 5ti
√
3. Parameterize a vase formed by rotating the curve z = 2 x − 1, 1 ≤ x ≤ 2,
around the z-axis. Use s and t for your parameters.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 256

x(s, t) = ,
y(s, t) = ,
and
z(s, t) = ,
with
≤s≤ and
≤t≤
Answer 1. s cos(t)
Answer 2. s sin(t)
√
Answer 3. 2 s − 1
Answer 4. 1
Answer 5. 2
Answer 6. 0
Answer 7. 2π
4. Find parametric equations for the sphere centered at the origin and with
radius 4. Use the parameters s and t in your answer.
x(s, t) = ,
y(s, t) = ,
and
z(s, t) = ,
where
≤s≤ and
≤t≤ .
Answer 1. 4 cos(t) sin(s)
Answer 2. 4 sin(t) sin(s)
Answer 3. 4 cos(s)
Answer 4. 0
Answer 5. 2π
Answer 6. 0
Answer 7. π
5. Find the surface area of that part of the plane 5x + 10y + z = 3 that lies
2 2
inside the elliptic cylinder x16 + y81 = 1
Surface Area =
Answer. 1269.51444272221
6. Find the surface area of the part of the circular paraboloid z = x2 + y 2
that lies inside the cylinder x2 + y 2 = 9.
Answer. 117.318700709818
7. Find the surface area of the part of the plane 3x + 4y + z = 5 that lies
inside the cylinder x2 + y 2 = 16.
Answer. 256.304675910625
8. Write down the iterated integral which expresses the surface area of z =
y 6 cos4 x over the triangle with vertices (-1,1), (1,1), (0,2):
Z b Z g(y) p
h(x, y) dxdy
a f (y)
a=
b=
f (y) =
g(y) =
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 257

h(x, y) =
Answer 1. 1
Answer 2. 2
Answer 3. y − 2
Answer 4. 2 − y
Answer 5. 1 + y 12 · 16 cos6 (x) sin2 (x) + 36y 10 cos8 (x)
9. A decorative oak post is 60 inches long and is turned on a lathe so that
its profile is sinusoidal as shown in the figure below.

In this figure, r0 = 6 inches and a0 = 12 inches.

(a) Describe the surface of the post parametrically using cylindrical
coordinates and the parameters s and t.
x(s, t) = ,
y(s, t) = ,
and
z(s, t) = ,
where
≤s≤ and
≤t≤ .
(b) Find the volume of the post.
volume =
(Include units.)
Answer 1. 5 + cos πs



6 cos(t)
πs



Answer 2. 5 + cos 6 sin(t)
Answer 3. s
Answer 4. 0
Answer 5. 60
Answer 6. 0
Answer 7. 2π
Answer 8. 4806.64 in3
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 258

10. Consider the ellipsoid given by the equation

x2 y2 z2
+ + = 1.
16 25 9
In Activity 11.6.2, we found that a parameterization of the sphere S
of radius R centered at the origin is

x(r, s) = R cos(s) cos(t), y(s, t) = R cos(s) sin(t), and z(s, t) = R sin(s)

for − π2 ≤ s ≤ π
2 and 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.
a. Let (x, y, z) be a point on the ellipsoid and let X = x4 , Y = y5 , and
Z = z3 . Show that (X, Y, Z) lies on the sphere S. Hence, find a
parameterization of S in terms of X, Y , and Z as functions of s and
t.
b. Use the result of part (a) to find a parameterization of the ellipse in
terms of x, y, and z as functions of s and t. Check your parametriza-
tion by substituting x, y, and z into the equation of the ellipsoid.
Then check your work by plotting the surface defined by your pa-
rameterization.
11. In this exercise, we explore how to use a parametrization and iterated
integral to determine the surface area of a sphere.
a. Set up an iterated integral whose value is the portion of the surface
area of a sphere of radius R that lies in the first octant (see the
parameterization you developed in Activity 11.6.2).
b. Then, evaluate the integral to calculate the surface area of this por-
tion of the sphere.

c. By what constant must you multiply the value determined in (b) in

order to find the total surface area of the entire sphere.
d. Finally, compare your result to the standard formula for the surface
area of sphere.
12. Consider the plane generated by z = f (x, y) = 24−2x−3y over the region
D = [0, 2] × [0, 3].
a. Sketch a picture of the overall solid generated by the plane over the
given domain.

b. Determine a parameterization r(s, t) for the plane over the domain

D.
c. Use Equation (11.6.2) to determine the surface area generated by f
over the domain D.

d. Observe that the vector u = h2, 0, −4i points from (0, 0, 24) to
(2, 0, 20) along one side of the surface generated by the plane f
over D. Find the vector v such that u and v together span the
parallelogram that represents the surface defined by f over D, and
hence compute |u × v|. What do you observe about the value you
find?
13. A cone with basepradius a and height h can be realized as the surface
defined by z = ha x2 + y 2 , where a and h are positive.
p
a. Find a parameterization of the cone described by z = ha x2 + y 2 .
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 259

(Hint: Compare to the parameterization of a cylinder as seen in

Activity 11.6.3.)
b. Set up an iterated integral to determine the surface area of this cone.

c. Evaluate the iterated integral to find a formula for the lateral surface
area of a cone of height h and base a.

11.7 Triple Integrals

Motivating Questions
• How are a triple Riemann sum and the corresponding triple integral of a
continuous function f = f (x, y, z) defined?
• What are two things the triple integral of a function can tell us?
We have now learned that we define the double integral of a continuous
function f = f (x, y) over a rectangle R = [a, b] × [c, d] as a limit of a double
Riemann sum, and that these ideas parallel the single-variable integral of a
function g = g(x) on an interval [a, b]. Moreover, this double integral has
natural interpretations and applications, and can even be considered over non-
rectangular regions, D. For instance, given a continuous function f over a
region D, the average value of f , fAVG(D) , is given by
ZZ
1
fAVG(D) = f (x, y) dA,
A(D) D

where A(D) is the area of D. Likewise, if δ(x, y) describes a mass density

function on a lamina over D, the mass, M , of the lamina is given by
ZZ
M= δ(x, y) dA.
D

It is natural to wonder if it is possible to extend these ideas of double

Riemann sums and double integrals for functions of two variables to triple
Riemann sums and then triple integrals for functions of three variables. We
begin investigating in Preview Activity 11.7.1.
Preview Activity 11.7.1 Consider a solid piece of granite in the shape of a
box B = {(x, y, z) : 0 ≤ x ≤ 4, 0 ≤ y ≤ 6, 0 ≤ z ≤ 8}, whose density varies
from point to point. Let δ(x, y, z) represent the mass density of the piece of
granite at point (x, y, z) in kilograms per cubic meter (so we are measuring x,
y, and z in meters). Our goal is to find the mass of this solid.
Recall that if the density was constant, we could find the mass by multi-
plying the density and volume; since the density varies from point to point, we
will use the approach we did with two-variable lamina problems, and slice the
solid into small pieces on which the density is roughly constant.
Partition the interval [0, 4] into 2 subintervals of equal length, the interval
[0, 6] into 3 subintervals of equal length, and the interval [0, 8] into 2 subin-
tervals of equal length. This partitions the box B into sub-boxes as shown in
Figure 11.7.1.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 260

y
x
Figure 11.7.1 A partitioned three-dimensional domain.

a. Let 0 = x0 < x1 < x2 = 4 be the endpoints of the subintervals of

[0, 4] after partitioning. Draw a picture of Figure 11.7.1 and label these
endpoints on your drawing. Do likewise with 0 = y0 < y1 < y2 < y3 = 6
and 0 = z0 < z1 < z2 = 8 What is the length ∆x of each subinterval
[xi−1 , xi ] for i from 1 to 2? the length of ∆y? of ∆z?
b. The partitions of the intervals [0, 4], [0, 6] and [0, 8] partition the box B
into sub-boxes. How many sub-boxes are there? What is volume ∆V of
each sub-box?

c. Let Bijk denote the sub-box [xi−1 , xi ] × [yj−1 , yj ] × [zk−1 , zk ]. Say that
∗
we choose a point (x∗ijk , yijk ∗
, zijk ) in the i, j, kth sub-box for each possible
combination of i, j, k. What is the meaning of δ(x∗ijk , yijk ∗ ∗
, zijk )? What
∗ ∗ ∗
physical quantity will δ(xijk , yijk , zijk )∆V approximate?

d. What final step(s) would it take to determine the exact mass of the piece
of granite?

11.7.1 Triple Riemann Sums and Triple Integrals

Through the application of a mass density distribution over a three-dimensional
solid, Preview Activity 11.7.1 suggests that the generalization from double
Riemann sums of functions of two variables to triple Riemann sums of functions
of three variables is natural. In the same way, so is the generalization from
double integrals to triple integrals. By simply adding a z-coordinate to our
earlier work, we can define both a triple Riemann sum and the corresponding
triple integral.
Definition 11.7.2 Let f = f (x, y, z) be a continuous function on a box B =
[a, b] × [c, d] × [r, s]. The triple Riemann sum of f over B is created as
follows.
• Partition the interval [a, b] into m subintervals of equal length ∆x =
b−a
m . Let x0 , x1 , . . ., xm be the endpoints of these subintervals, where
a = x0 < x1 < x2 < · · · < xm = b. Do likewise with the interval [c, d]
using n subintervals of equal length ∆y = d−c n to generate c = y0 < y1 <
y2 < · · · < yn = d, and with the interval [r, s] using ` subintervals of
equal length ∆z = s−r ` to have r = z0 < z1 < z2 < · · · < zl = s.

• Let Bijk be the sub-box of B with opposite vertices (xi−1 , yj−1 , zk−1 )
and (xi , yj , zk ) for i between 1 and m, j between 1 and n, and k between
1 and `. The volume of each Bijk is ∆V = ∆x · ∆y · ∆z.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 261

• Let (x∗ijk , yijk

∗ ∗
, zijk ) be a point in box Bijk for each i, j, and k. The
resulting triple Riemann sum for f on B is

X n X
m X `
f (x∗ijk , yijk
∗ ∗
, zijk ) · ∆V.
i=1 j=1 k=1

♦
If f (x, y, z) represents the mass density of the box B, then, as we saw in
Preview Activity 11.7.1, the triple Riemann sum approximates the total mass
of the box B. In order to find the exact mass of the box, we need to let the
number of sub-boxes increase without bound (in other words, let m, n, and `
go to infinity); in this case, the finite sum of the mass approximations becomes
the actual mass of the solid B. More generally, we have the following definition
of the triple integral.
Definition 11.7.3 With following notation defined as in a triple Riemann
sum, the triple integral of f over B is
ZZZ m X
X n X
`
f (x, y, z) dV = lim f (x∗ijk , yijk
∗ ∗
, zijk ) · ∆V.
B m,n,`→∞
i=1 j=1 k=1

♦
As we noted earlier, if f (x, y, z) represents the density of the solid B at
each point (x, y, z), then
ZZZ
M= f (x, y, z) dV
B

is the mass of B. Even more importantly, for any continuous function f over
the solid B, we can use a triple integral to determine the average value of
f over B, fAVG(B) . We note this generalization of our work with functions
of two variables along with several others in the following important boxed
information. Note that each of these quantities may actually be considered
over a general domain S in R3 , not simply a box, B.
• The triple integral ZZZ
V (S) = 1 dV
S
represents the volume of the solid S.
• The average value of the function f = f (x, y, x) over a solid domain S is
given by   ZZZ
1
fAVG(S) = f (x, y, z) dV,
V (S) S

where V (S) is the volume of the solid S.

• The center of mass of the solid S with density δ = δ(x, y, z) is (x, y, z),
where
RRR
S
x δ(x, y, z) dV
x= ,
RRR M
S
y δ(x, y, z) dV
y= ,
RRR M
S
z δ(x, y, z) dV
z= ,
M
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 262
ZZZ
and M = δ(x, y, z) dV is the mass of the solid S.
S

In the Cartesian coordinate system, the volume element dV is dz dy dx,

and, as a consequence, a triple integral of a function f over a box B = [a, b] ×
[c, d] × [r, s] in Cartesian coordinates can be evaluated as an iterated integral
of the form
ZZZ Z bZ dZ s
f (x, y, z) dV = f (x, y, z) dz dy dx.
B a c r

If we want to evaluate a triple integral as an iterated integral over a solid

S that is not a box, then we need to describe the solid in terms of variable
limits.
Activity 11.7.2
a. Set up and evaluate the triple integral of f (x, y, z) = x − y + 2z over the
box B = [−2, 3] × [1, 4] × [0, 2].
p
b. Let S be the solid cone bounded by z = x2 + y 2 and z = 3. A picture
of S is shown at right in Figure 11.7.4. Our goal in what follows is to set
up an iterated integral of the form
Z x=? Z y=? Z z=?
δ(x, y, z) dz dy dx (11.7.1)
x=? y=? z=?

to represent the mass of S in the setting where δ(x, y, z) tells us the

density of S at the point (x, y, z). Our particular task is to find the
limits on each of the three integrals.

4 y

x
-4 -2 2 4
-3
-2
0
-3 0 3
-4
Figure 11.7.4 Left: The cone. Right: Its projection.

i. If we think about slicing up the solid, we can consider slicing the

domain of the solid’s projection onto the xy-plane (just as we would
slice a two-dimensional region in R2 ), and then slice in the z-direction
as well. The projection of the solid onto the xy-plane is shown at
left in Figure 11.7.4. If we decide to first slice the domain of the
solid’s projection perpendicular to the x-axis, over what range of
constant x-values would we have to slice?
ii. If we continue with slicing the domain, what are the limits on y on
a typical slice? How do these depend on x? What, therefore, are
the limits on the middle integral?
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 263

iii. Finally, now that we have thought about slicing up the two-dimensional
domain that is the projection of the cone, what are the limits on z
in the innermost integral? Note that over any point (x, y) in the
plane, a vertical slice in the z direction will involve a range of values
from the cone itself to its flat top. In particular, observe that at
least one of these limits is not constant but depends on x and y.
iv. In conclusion, write an iterated integral of the form (11.7.1) that
represents the mass of the cone S.
Note well: When setting up iterated integrals, the limits on a given variable
can be only in terms of the remaining variables. In addition, there are multiple
different ways we can choose to set up such an integral. For example,
RRR two pos-
sibilities for iterated integrals that represent a triple integral S
f (x, y, z) dV
over a solid S are
R b R g (x) R h (x,y)
• a g12(x) h12(x,y) f (x, y, z) dz dy dx
R s R p2 (z) R q2 (x,z)
• r p1 (z) q1 (x,z)
f (x, y, z) dy dx dz

where g1 , g2 , h1 , h2 , p1 , p2 , q1 , and q2 are functions of the indicated

variables. There are four other options beyond the two stated here, since the
variables x, y, and z can (theoretically) be arranged in any order. Of course, in
many circumstances, an insightful choice of variable order will make it easier
to set up an iterated integral, just as was the case when we worked with double
integrals.
Example 11.7.5 Find the mass of the tetrahedron in the first octant bounded
by the coordinate planes and the plane x + 2y + 3z = 6 if the density at point
(x, y, z) is given by δ(x, y, z) = x + y + z. A picture of the solid tetrahedron is
shown at left in Figure 11.7.6.

z 6 y
2
5
4
3
3
y 2
1
x
6
x 2 4 6
Figure 11.7.6 Left: The tetrahedron. Right: Its projection.
We find the mass, M , of the tetrahedron by the triple integral
ZZZ
M= δ(x, y, z) dV,
S

where S is the solid tetrahedron described above. In this example, we choose

to integrate with respect to z first for the innermost integral. The top of the
tetrahedron is given by the equation

x + 2y + 3z = 6;
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 264

solving for z then yields

1
(6 − x − 2y).
z=
3
The bottom of the tetrahedron is the xy-plane, so the limits on z in the
iterated integral will be 0 ≤ z ≤ 31 (6 − x − 2y).
To find the bounds on x and y we project the tetrahedron onto the xy-
plane; this corresponds to setting z = 0 in the equation z = 13 (6 − x − 2y). The
resulting relation between x and y is

x + 2y = 6.

The right image in Figure 11.7.6 shows the projection of the tetrahedron
onto the xy-plane.
If we choose to integrate with respect to y for the middle integral in the
iterated integral, then the lower limit on y is the x-axis and the upper limit
is the hypotenuse of the triangle. Note that the hypotenuse joins the points
(6, 0) and (0, 3) and so has equation y = 3 − 12 x. Thus, the bounds on y are
0 ≤ y ≤ 3 − 12 x. Finally, the x values run from 0 to 6, so the iterated integral
that gives the mass of the tetrahedron is
Z 6 Z 3−(1/2)x Z (1/3)(6−x−2y)
M= x + y + z dz dy dx. (11.7.2)
0 0 0

Evaluating the triple integral gives us

Z 6 Z 3−(1/2)x Z (1/3)(6−x−2y)
M= x + y + z dz dy dx
0 0 0
Z 6 Z 3−(1/2)x (1/3)(6−x−2y)
h zi
= xz + yz + dy dx
0 0 2 0
Z 6 Z 3−(1/2)x
4 5 2 4
= x − x2 − xy + y − y 2 + 2 dy dx
0 0 3 18 9 3 9
Z 6  3−(1/2)x
4 5 2 7 2 1 2 4 3
= xy − x y − xy + y − y + 2y dx
0 3 18 18 3 27 0
Z 6
1 7 13 3
= 5 + x − x2 + x dx
0 2 12 216
  6
1 7 13 4
= 5x + x2 − x3 + x
4 36 864 0
33
= .
2

Setting up limits on iterated integrals can require considerable geometric
intuition. It is important to not only create carefully labeled figures, but also
to think about how we wish to slice the solid. Further, note that when we say
“we will integrate first with respect to x,” by “first” we are referring to the
innermost integral in the iterated integral. The next activity explores several
different ways we might set up the integral in the preceding example.
Activity 11.7.3 There are several other ways we could have set up the integral
to give the mass of the tetrahedron in Example 11.7.5.
a. How many different iterated integrals could be set up that are equal to
the integral in Equation (11.7.2)?
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 265

b. Set up an iterated integral, integrating first with respect to z, then x,

then y that is equivalent to the integral in Equation (11.7.2). Before
you write down the integral, think about Figure 11.7.6, and draw an
appropriate two-dimensional image of an important projection.
c. Set up an iterated integral, integrating first with respect to y, then z,
then x that is equivalent to the integral in Equation (11.7.2). As in (b),
think carefully about the geometry first.

d. Set up an iterated integral, integrating first with respect to x, then y,

then z that is equivalent to the integral in Equation (11.7.2).
Now that we have begun to understand how to set up iterated triple in-
tegrals, we can apply them to determine important quantities, such as those
found in the next activity.
Activity 11.7.4 A solid S is bounded below by the square z = 0, −1 ≤ x ≤ 1,
−1 ≤ y ≤ 1 and above by the surface z = 2 − x2 − y 2 . A picture of the solid is
shown in Figure 11.7.7.
z 2

-1
0 x
-1 0 y 1

Figure 11.7.7 The solid bounded by the surface z = 2 − x2 − y 2 .

a. First, set up an iterated double integral to find the volume of the solid S
as a double integral of a solid under a surface. Then set up an iterated
triple integral that gives the volume of the solid S. You do not need to
evaluate either integral. Compare the two approaches.

b. Set up (but do not evaluate) iterated integral expressions that will tell us
the center of mass of S, if the density at point (x, y, z) is δ(x, y, z) = x2 +1.
c. Set up (but do not evaluate) an iterated integral to find the average
density on S using the density function from part (b).
d. Use technology appropriately to evaluate the iterated integrals you de-
termined in (a), (b), and (c); does the location you determined for the
center of mass make sense?

11.7.2 Summary
• Let f = f (x, y, z) be a continuous function on a box B = [a, b] × [c, d] ×
[r, s]. The triple integral of f over B is defined as
ZZZ m X
X n X
l
f (x, y, z) dV = lim f (x∗ijk , yijk
∗ ∗
, zijk ) · ∆V,
B ∆V →0
i=1 j=1 k=1
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 266

where the triple Riemann sum is defined in the usual way. The definition
of the triple integral naturally extends to non-rectangular solid regions
S.
RRR
• The triple integral S
f (x, y, z) dV can tell us
◦ the volume of the solid S if f (x, y, z) = 1,
◦ the mass of the solid S if f represents the density of S at the point
(x, y, z).
Moreover, ZZZ
1
fAVG(S) = f (x, y, z) dV,
V (S) S
is the average value of f over S.

11.7.3 Exercises
1. Find the triple integral of the function f (x, y, z) = x2 cos(y + z) over the
cube 6 ≤ x ≤ 8, 0 ≤ y ≤ π, 0 ≤ z ≤ π.
Answer. −394.667
2. Evaluate the triple integral
ZZZ
xyz dV
E

where E is the solid: 0 ≤ z ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ z, 0 ≤ x ≤ y.

Answer. 0.0208333333333333
3. Find the mass of the rectangular prism 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 4, 0 ≤ z ≤ 4,
with density function ρ (x, y, z) = x.
Answer. 8
4. Find the average value of the function f (x, y, z) = ye−xy over the rectan-
gular prism 0 ≤ x ≤ 2, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3, 0 ≤ z ≤ 2
Answer. 0.416873229348056
5. Find the volume of the solid bounded by the planes x = 0, y = 0, z = 0,
and x + y + z = 4.
Answer. 10.6666666666667
6. Find the mass of the solid bounded by the xy-plane, yz-plane, xz-plane,
and the plane (x/3) + (y/4) + (z/12) = 1, if the density of the solid is
given by δ(x, y, z) = x + 2y.
mass =
3·3·4·4·(3+4·2)
Answer. 24
7. The moment of inertia of a solid body about an axis in 3-space relates the
angular acceleration about this axis to torque (force twisting the body).
The moments of inertia about the coordinate axes of a body of constant
density and mass m occupying a region W of volume V are defined to be
Z Z Z
m m m
Ix = (y 2 +z 2 ) dV Iy = (x2 +z 2 ) dV Iz = (x2 +y 2 ) dV
V W V W V W

Use these definitions to find the moment of inertia about the z-axis of
the rectangular solid of mass 27 given by 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3, 0 ≤ z ≤ 3.
Ix =
Iy =
Iz =
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 267

1·3·3·3·(3·3+3·3)
Answer 1. 3
1·3·3·3·(3·3+3·3)
Answer 2. 3
1·3·3·3·(3·3+3·3)
Answer 3. 3
ZZZ
8. Express the integral f (x, y, z)dV as an iterated integral in six dif-
E
ferent ways, where E is the solid bounded by z = 0, x = 0, z = y − 6x and
y = 12.
Z b Z g2 (x) Z h2 (x,y)
1. f (x, y, z)dzdydx
a g1 (x) h1 (x,y)
a= b=
g1 (x) = g2 (x) =
h1 (x, y) = h2 (x, y) =
Z b Z g2 (y) Z h2 (x,y)
2. f (x, y, z)dzdxdy
a g1 (y) h1 (x,y)
a= b=
g1 (y) = g2 (y) =
h1 (x, y) = h2 (x, y) =
Z b Z g2 (z) Z h2 (y,z)
3. f (x, y, z)dxdydz
a g1 (z) h1 (y,z)
a= b=
g1 (z) = g2 (z) =
h1 (y, z) = h2 (y, z) =
Z b Z g2 (y) Z h2 (y,z)
4. f (x, y, z)dxdzdy
a g1 (y) h1 (y,z)
a= b=
g1 (y) = g2 (y) =
h1 (y, z) = h2 (y, z) =
Z b Z g2 (x) Z h2 (x,z)
5. f (x, y, z)dydzdx
a g1 (x) h1 (x,z)
a= b=
g1 (x) = g2 (x) =
h1 (x, z) = h2 (x, z) =
Z b Z g2 (z) Z h2 (x,z)
6. f (x, y, z)dydxdz
a g1 (z) h1 (x,z)
a= b=
g1 (z) = g2 (z) =
h1 (x, z) = h2 (x, z) =
Answer 1. 0
Answer 2. 2
Answer 3. 6x
Answer 4. 12
Answer 5. 0
Answer 6. y − 6x
Answer 7. 0
Answer 8. 12
Answer 9. 0
y
Answer 10. 6
Answer 11. 0
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 268

Answer 12. y − 6x
Answer 13. 0
Answer 14. 12
Answer 15. z
Answer 16. 12
Answer 17. 0
y−z
Answer 18. 6
Answer 19. 0
Answer 20. 12
Answer 21. 0
Answer 22. y
Answer 23. 0
y−z
Answer 24. 6
Answer 25. 0
Answer 26. 2
Answer 27. 0
Answer 28. 12 − 6x
Answer 29. 6x + z
Answer 30. 12
Answer 31. 0
Answer 32. 12
Answer 33. 0
z
Answer 34. 2 − 6
Answer 35. 6x + z
Answer 36. 12
9. Calculate the volume under the elliptic paraboloid z = 4x2 + 8y 2 and over
the rectangle R = [−2, 2] × [−3, 3].
Answer. 704
10. The motion of a solid object can be analyzed by thinking of the mass
as concentrated at a single point, the center of mass. If the object has
density ρ(x, y, z) at the point (x, y, z) and occupies a region W , then the
coordinates (x, y, z) of the center of mass are given by
Z Z Z
1 1 1
x= xρ dV y = yρ dV z = zρ dV,
m W m W m W

Assume x, y, z are in cm. Let C be a solid conep

with both height and
radius 5 and contained between the surfaces z = x2 + y 2 and z = 5.
If C has constant mass density of 3 g/cm3 , find the z-coordinate of C’s
center of mass.
z=
(Include units.)
Answer. 3.75 cm
11. Without calculation, decide if each of the integrals belowpare positive,
negative, or zero. Let W be the solid bounded by z = x2 + y 2 and
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 269

z = 2.Z Z Z
 p 
(a) z − x2 + y 2 dV
W
ZZZ
(b) (z − 2) dV
W
ZZZ
(c) e−xyz dV
W
12. Set up a triple integral to find the mass of the solid tetrahedron bounded
by the xy-plane, the yz-plane, the xz-plane, and the plane x/3+y/2+z/6 =
1, if the density function is given by δ(x, y, z) = x + y. Write an iterated
integral in the form below to find the mass of the solid.
ZZZ Z BZ DZ F
f (x, y, z) dV =
A C E
R
dz dy dx
with limits of integration
A=
B=
C=
D=
E=
F=
Answer 1. x + y
Answer 2. 0
Answer 3. 3
Answer 4. 0
Answer 5. 2 − 0.666667x
Answer 6. 0
Answer 7. 6 − 2x − 3y
13. Consider the solid S that is bounded by the parabolic cylinder y = x2 and
the planes z = 0 and z = 1 − y as shown in Figure 11.7.8.
z
1

y
1

x 1

Figure 11.7.8 The solid bounded by y = x2 and the planes z = 0 and

z = 1 − y.
Assume the density of S is given by δ(x, y, z) = z
a. Set up (but do not evaluate) an iterated integral that represents
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 270

the mass of S. Integrate first with respect to z, then y, then x. A

picture of the projection of S onto the xy-plane is shown at left in
Figure 11.7.9.

b. Set up (but do not evaluate) an iterated integral that represents the

mass of S. In this case, integrate first with respect to y, then z,
then x. A picture of the projection of S onto the xz-plane is shown
at center in Figure 11.7.9.
c. Set up (but do not evaluate) an iterated integral that represents the
mass of S. For this integral, integrate first with respect to x, then y,
then z. A picture of the projection of S onto the yz-plane is shown
at right in Figure 11.7.9.
d. Which of these three orders of integration is the most natural to
you? Why?

y z z
1.0 1.0 1.0

0.5 0.5
0.5

x x
y
-1 1 -1 1
0.5 1.0

Figure 11.7.9 Projections of S onto the xy, xz, and yz-planes.

14. This problem asks you to investigate the average value of some different
quantities.
a. Set up, but do not evaluate, an iterated integral expression whose
value is the average sum of all real numbers x, y, and z that have
the following property: y is between 0 and 2, x is greater than or
equal to 0 but cannot exceed 2y, and z is greater than or equal to 0
but cannot exceed x + y.
b. Set up, but do not evaluate, an integral expression whose value
represents the average value of f (x, y, z) = x + y + z over the solid
region in the first octant bounded by the surface z = 4 − x − y 2 and
the coordinate planes x = 0, y = 0, z = 0.
c. How are the quantities in (a) and (b) similar? How are they differ-
ent?
15. Consider the solid that lies between the paraboloids z = g(x, y) = x2 + y 2
and z = f (x, y) = 8 − 3x2 − 3y 2 .
a. By eliminating the variable z, determine the curve of intersection
between the two paraboloids, and sketch this curve in the xy-plane.
b. Set up, but do not evaluate, an iterated integral expression whose
value determines the mass of the solid, integrating first with respect
to z, then y, then x. Assume the the solid’s density is given by
δ(x, y, z) = x2 +y21+z2 +1 .
c. Set up, but do not evaluate, iterated integral expressions whose
values determine the mass of the solid using all possible remaining
orders of integration. Use δ(x, y, z) = x2 +y21+z2 +1 as the density of
the solid.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 271

d. Set up, but do not evaluate, iterated integral expressions whose

values determine the center of mass of the solid. Again, assume the
the solid’s density is given by δ(x, y, z) = x2 +y21+z2 +1 .

e. Which coordinates of the center of mass can you determine without

evaluating any integral expression? Why?
16. In each of the following problems, your task is to
• sketch, by hand, the region over which you integrate
• set up iterated integral expressions which, when evaluated, will de-
termine the value sought
• use appropriate technology to evaluate each iterated integral expres-
sion you develop
Note well: in some problems you may be able to use a double rather
than a triple integral, and polar coordinates may be helpful in some cases.
a. Consider the solid created by the region enclosed by the circular
paraboloid z = 4−x2 −y 2 over the region R in the xy-plane enclosed
by y = −x and the circle x2 + y 2 = 4 in the first, second, and fourth
quadrants. Determine the solid’s volume.
b. Consider the solid region that lies beneath the circular paraboloid
z = 9−x2 −y 2 over the triangular region between y = x, y = 2x, and
y = 1. Assuming that the solid has its density at point (x, y, z) given
by δ(x, y, z) = xyz + 1, measured in grams per cubic cm, determine
the center of mass of the solid.
c. In a certain room in a house, the walls can be thought of as being
formed by the lines y = 0, y = 12 + x/4, x = 0, and x = 12, where
length is measured in feet. In addition, the ceiling of the room is
vaulted and is determined by the plane z = 16 − x/6 − y/3. A
heater is stationed in the corner of the room at (0, 0, 0) and causes
the temperature in the room at a particular time to be given by
80
T (x, y, z) = x2 y2 z2
1+ 1000 + 1000 + 1000

What is the average temperature in the room?

d. Consider the solid enclosed by the cylinder x2 + y 2 = 9 and the
planes y + z = 5 andpz = 1. Assuming that the solid’s density is
given by δ(x, y, z) = x2 + y 2 , find the mass and center of mass of
the solid.

11.8 Triple Integrals in Cylindrical and Spherical

Coordinates
Motivating Questions
• What are the cylindrical coordinates of a point, and how are they related
to Cartesian coordinates?
• What is the volume element in cylindrical coordinates? How does this
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 272

inform us about evaluating a triple integral as an iterated integral in

cylindrical coordinates?
• What are the spherical coordinates of a point, and how are they related
to Cartesian coordinates?

• What is the volume element in spherical coordinates? How does this

inform us about evaluating a triple integral as an iterated integral in
spherical coordinates?
We have encountered two different coordinate systems in R2 — the rect-
angular and polar coordinates systems — and seen how in certain situations,
polar coordinates form a convenient alternative. In a similar way, there are
two additional natural coordinate systems in R3 . Given that we are already
familiar with the Cartesian coordinate system for R3 , we next investigate the
cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems (each of which builds upon polar
coordinates in R2 ). In what follows, we will see how to convert among the
different coordinate systems, how to evaluate triple integrals using them, and
some situations in which these other coordinate systems prove advantageous.
Preview Activity 11.8.1 In the following questions, we investigate the two
new coordinate systems that are the subject of this section: cylindrical and
spherical coordinates. Our goal is to consider some examples of how to convert
from rectangular coordinates to each of these systems, and vice versa. Triangles
and trigonometry prove to be particularly important.

z z

(ρ, θ, φ)
(r, θ, z)

z φ ρ

y y
θ r θ

x x

Figure 11.8.1 The cylindrical (left) and spherical (right) coordinates of a

point.

a. The cylindrical coordinates of a point in R3 are given by (r, θ, z) where

r and θ are the polar coordinates of the point (x, y) and z is the same z
coordinate as in Cartesian coordinates. An illustration is given at left in
Figure 11.8.1.
i. Find cylindrical
√ coordinates for the point whose Cartesian coordi-
nates are (−1, 3, 3). Draw a labeled picture illustrating all of the
coordinates.
ii. Find the Cartesian coordinates of the point whose cylindrical coor-
dinates are 2, 5π


4 , 1 . Draw a labeled picture illustrating all of the
coordinates.
b. The spherical coordinates of a point in R3 are ρ (rho), θ, and φ (phi),
where ρ is the distance from the point to the origin, θ has the same
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 273

interpretation it does in polar coordinates, and φ is the angle between the

positive z axis and the vector from the origin to the point, as illustrated
at right in Figure 11.8.1. You should convince yourself that any point in
R3 can be represented in spherical coordinates with ρ ≥ 0, 0 ≤ θ < 2π,
and 0 ≤ φ ≤ π.
For the following questions,
√ consider the point P whose Cartesian coor-
dinates are (−2, 2, 8).
i. What is the distance from P to the origin? Your result is the value
of ρ in the spherical coordinates of P .
ii. Determine the point that is the projection of P onto the xy-plane.
Then, use this projection to find the value of θ in the polar coor-
dinates of the projection of P that lies in the plane. Your result is
also the value of θ for the spherical coordinates of the point.
iii. Based on the illustration in Figure 11.8.1, how is the angle φ de-
termined by ρ and the z coordinate of P ? Use a well-chosen right
triangle to find the value of φ, which is the final component in the
spherical coordinates of P . Draw a carefully labeled picture that
clearly illustrates the values of ρ, θ, and φ in this example, along
with the original rectangular coordinates of P .
iv. Based on your responses to i., ii., and iii., if we are given the Carte-
sian coordinates (x, y, z) of a point Q, how are the values of ρ, θ,
and φ in the spherical coordinates of Q determined by x, y, and z?

11.8.1 Cylindrical Coordinates

As we stated in Preview Activity 11.8.1, the cylindrical coordinates of a point
are (r, θ, z), where r and θ are the polar coordinates of the point (x, y), and z
is the same z coordinate as in Cartesian coordinates. The general situation is
illustrated Figure 11.8.1.
Since we already know how to convert between rectangular and polar co-
ordinates in the plane, and the z coordinate is identical in both Cartesian and
cylindrical coordinates, the conversion equations between the two systems in
R3 are essentially those we found for polar coordinates.

Coverting between Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates.

• If we are given the Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) of a point P ,

then the cylindrical coordinates (r, θ, z) of P satisfy

x = r cos(θ) y = r sin(θ) and z = z.

• If we are given the cylindrical coordinates (r, θ, z) of a point P ,

then the Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) of P satisfy
y
r 2 = x2 + y 2 tan(θ) = and z = z,
x
assuming x 6= 0.

Just as with rectangular coordinates, where we usually write z as a function

of x and y to plot the resulting surface, in cylindrical coordinates, we often
express z as a function of r and θ. In the following activity, we explore several
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 274

basic equations in cylindrical coordinates and the corresponding surface each

generates.
Activity 11.8.2 In this activity, we graph some surfaces using cylindrical co-
ordinates. To improve your intuition and test your understanding, you should
first think about what each graph should look like before you plot it using
appropriate technology.
a. What familiar surface is described by the points in cylindrical coordinates
with r = 2, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π, and 0 ≤ z ≤ 2? How does this example suggest
that we call these coordinates cylindrical coordinates? How does your
answer change if we restrict θ to 0 ≤ θ ≤ π?
b. What familiar surface is described by the points in cylindrical coordinates
with θ = 2, 0 ≤ r ≤ 2, and 0 ≤ z ≤ 2?
c. What familiar surface is described by the points in cylindrical coordinates
with z = 2, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π, and 0 ≤ r ≤ 2?

d. Plot the graph of the cylindrical equation z = r, where 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π and

0 ≤ r ≤ 2. What familiar surface results?
e. Plot the graph of the cylindrical equation z = θ for 0 ≤ θ ≤ 4π. What
does this surface look like?
As the name and Activity 11.8.2 suggest, cylindrical coordinates are useful
for describing surfaces that are cylindrical in nature.

11.8.2 Triple Integrals in Cylindrical Coordinates

RRR
To evaluate a triple integral S
f (x, y, z) dV as an iterated integral in Carte-
sian coordinates, we use the fact that the volume element dV is equal to
dz dy dx (which corresponds to the volume of a small box). To evaluate a
triple integral in cylindrical coordinates, we similarly must understand the
volume element dV in cylindrical coordinates.
Activity 11.8.3 A picture of a cylindrical box, B = {(r, θ, z) : r1 ≤ r ≤
r2 , θ1 ≤ θ ≤ θ2 , z1 ≤ z ≤ z2 }, is shown in Figure 11.8.2. Let ∆r = r2 − r1 ,
∆θ = θ2 − θ1 , and ∆z = z2 − z1 . We want to determine the volume ∆V of B
in terms of ∆r, ∆θ, ∆z, r, θ, and z.

Figure 11.8.2 A cylindrical box.

a. Appropriately label ∆r, ∆θ, and ∆z in Figure 11.8.2.

CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 275

b. Let ∆A be the area of the projection of the box, B, onto the xy-plane,
which is shaded blue in Figure 11.8.2. Recall that we previously deter-
mined the area ∆A in polar coordinates in terms of r, ∆r, and ∆θ. In
light of the fact that we know ∆A and that z is the standard z coordi-
nate from Cartesian coordinates, what is the volume ∆V in cylindrical
coordinates?
Activity 11.8.3 demonstrates that the volume element dV in cylindrical
coordinates is given by dV = r dz dr dθ, and hence the following rule holds in
general.

Triple integrals in cylindrical coordinates.

Given a continuous function f = f (x, y, z) over a region S in R3 ,

ZZZ ZZZ
f (x, y, z) dV = f (r cos(θ), r sin(θ), z) r dz dr dθ.
S S

The latter expression is an iterated integral in cylindrical coordi-

nates.

Of course, to complete the task of writing an iterated integral in cylindrical

coordinates, we need to determine the limits on the three integrals: θ, r, and z.
In the following activity, we explore how to do this in several situations where
cylindrical coordinates are natural and advantageous.
Activity 11.8.4 In this activity we work with triple integrals in cylindrical
coordinates.
a. Let S be the solid bounded above by the graph of z = x2 + y 2 and below
by z = 0 on the unit disk in the xy-plane.

i. The projection of the solid S onto the xy-plane is a disk. Describe

this disk using polar coordinates.
ii. Now describe the surfaces bounding the solid S using cylindrical
coordinates.
iii. Determine an iterated triple integral expression in cylindrical coor-
dinates that gives the volume of S. You do not need to evaluate this
integral.
b. Suppose the density of the cone defined by r = 1 − z, with z ≥ 0, is given
by δ(r, θ, z) = z. A picture of the cone is shown at left in Figure 11.8.3,
and the projection of the cone onto the xy-plane in given at right in
Figure 11.8.3. Set up an iterated integral in cylindrical coordinates that
gives the mass of the cone. You do not need to evaluate this integral.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 276

1 y
1.0

z 0.5

x
-1.0 -0.5 0.5 1.0

-0.5

-1
-1.0
0
-1 0 1
Figure 11.8.3 The cylindrical cone r = 1 − z and its projection onto the
xy-plane.

c. Determine an iterated integral expression in cylindrical coordinates

p whose
value is the volume of the solid bounded
p below by the cone z = x2 + y 2
and above by the cone z = 4 − x2 + y 2 . A picture is shown in Fig-
ure 11.8.4. You do not need to evaluate this integral.

-2
0
-2 0 2
p
p 11.8.4 A solid bounded by the cones z =
Figure x2 + y 2 and z =
4 − x2 + y 2 .

11.8.3 Spherical Coordinates

As we saw in Preview Activity 11.8.1, the spherical coordinates of a point in
3-space have the form (ρ, θ, φ), where ρ is the distance from the point to the
origin, θ has the same meaning as in polar coordinates, and φ is the angle
between the positive z axis and the vector from the origin to the point. The
overall situation is illustrated at right in Figure 11.8.1.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 277

z
ρ sin φ
(ρ, θ, φ)

φ ρ ρ cos φ

y
θ
ρ sin φ

Figure 11.8.5 Converting from spherical to Cartesian coordinates.

The example in Preview Activity 11.8.1 and Figure 11.8.5 suggest how to
convert between Cartesian and spherical coordinates.

Coverting between Cartesian and spherical coordinates.

• If we are given the Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) of a point P ,

then the spherical coordinates (ρ, θ, φ) of P satisfy
p y z
ρ= x2 + y 2 + z 2 tan(θ) = and cos(φ) = ,
x ρ
where in the latter two equations, we require x 6= 0 and ρ 6= 0.
• If we are given the spherical coordinates (ρ, θ, φ) of a point P ,
then the Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) of P satisfy

x = ρ sin(φ) cos(θ) y = ρ sin(φ) sin(θ) and z = ρ cos(φ).

When it comes to thinking about particular surfaces in spherical coor-

dinates, similar to our work with cylindrical and Cartesian coordinates, we
usually write ρ as a function of θ and φ; this is a natural analog to polar coor-
dinates, where we often think of our distance from the origin in the plane as
being a function of θ. In spherical coordinates, we likewise often view ρ as a
function of θ and φ, thus viewing distance from the origin as a function of two
key angles.
In the following activity, we explore several basic equations in spherical
coordinates and the surfaces they generate.
Activity 11.8.5 In this activity, we graph some surfaces using spherical co-
ordinates. To improve your intuition and test your understanding, you should
first think about what each graph should look like before you plot it using
appropriate technology.
a. What familiar surface is described by the points in spherical coordinates
with ρ = 1, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π, and 0 ≤ φ ≤ π? How does this particular
example demonstrate the reason for the name of this coordinate system?
What if we restrict φ to 0 ≤ φ ≤ π2 ?
b. What familiar surface is described by the points in spherical coordinates
with φ = π3 , 0 ≤ ρ ≤ 1, and 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π?

c. What familiar shape is described by the points in spherical coordinates

CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 278

π
with θ = 6, 0 ≤ ρ ≤ 1, and 0 ≤ φ ≤ π?

d. Plot the graph of ρ = θ, for 0 ≤ φ ≤ π and 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π. How does the

resulting surface appear?
As the name and Activity 11.8.5 indicate, spherical coordinates are partic-
ularly useful for describing surfaces that are spherical in nature; they are also
convenient for working with certain conical surfaces.

11.8.4 Triple Integrals in Spherical Coordinates

RRR
As with rectangular and cylindrical coordinates, a triple integral S
f (x, y, z) dV
in spherical coordinates can be evaluated as an iterated integral once we un-
derstand the volume element dV .
Activity 11.8.6 To find the volume element dV in spherical coordinates, we
need to understand how to determine the volume of a spherical box of the form
ρ1 ≤ ρ ≤ ρ2 (with ∆ρ = ρ2 − ρ1 ), φ1 ≤ φ ≤ φ2 (with ∆φ = φ2 − φ1 ), and
θ1 ≤ θ ≤ θ2 (with ∆θ = θ2 −θ1 ). An illustration of such a box is given at left in
Figure 11.8.6. This spherical box is a bit more complicated than the cylindrical
box we encountered earlier. In this situation, it is easier to approximate the
volume ∆V than to compute it directly. Here we can approximate the volume
∆V of this spherical box with the volume of a Cartesian box whose sides have
the lengths of the sides of this spherical box. In other words,
_ _
∆V ≈ |P S| |P R| |P Q|,
_
where |P R| denotes the length of the circular arc from P to R.
z z

R
R
Q
Q P
S
P
S
y

y
x

x
Figure 11.8.6 Left: A spherical box. Right: A spherical volume element.

a. What is the length |P S| in terms of ρ?

_ _
b. What is the length of the arc P R? (Hint: The arc P R is an arc of a
circle of radius ρ2 , and arc length along a circle is the product of the
angle measure (in radians) and the circle’s radius.)
_ _
c. What is the length of the arc P Q? (Hint: The arc P Q lies on a horizontal
circle as illustrated at right in Figure 11.8.6. What is the radius of this
circle?)

d. Use your work in (a), (b), and (c) to determine an approximation for ∆V
in spherical coordinates.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 279

Letting ∆ρ, ∆θ, and ∆φ go to 0, it follows from the final result in Ac-
tivity 11.8.6 that dV = ρ2 sin(φ) dρ dθ dφ in spherical coordinates, and thus
allows us to state the following general rule.

Triple integrals in spherical coordinates.

3
RRR function f = f (x, y, z) over a region S in R , the
Given a continuous
triple integral S
f (x, y, z) dV is converted to the integral
ZZZ
f (ρ sin(φ) cos(θ), ρ sin(φ) sin(θ), ρ cos(φ)) ρ2 sin(φ) dρ dθ dφ
S

in spherical coordinates.
The latter expression is an iterated integral in spherical coordinates.

Finally, in order to actually evaluate an iterated integral in spherical coor-

dinates, we must of course determine the limits of integration in φ, θ, and ρ.
The process is similar to our earlier work in the other two coordinate systems.
Activity 11.8.7 We can use spherical coordinates to help us more easily un-
derstand some natural geometric objects.
a. Recall that the sphere of radius a has spherical equation ρ = a. Set up
and evaluate an iterated integral in spherical coordinates to determine
the volume of a sphere of radius a.
b. Set up, but do not evaluate, an iterated integral expression in spherical
coordinates whose value is the mass of the solid obtained by removing the
cone φ = π4 from the sphere ρ = 2 if the density δ at the point (x, y, z)
p
is δ(x, y, z) = x2 + y 2 + z 2 . An illustration of the solid is shown in
Figure 11.8.7.
z

π
Figure 11.8.7 The solid cut from the sphere ρ = 2 by the cone φ = 4.

11.8.5 Summary
• The cylindrical coordinates of a point P are (r, θ, z) where r is the dis-
tance from the origin to the projection of P onto the xy-plane, θ is the
angle that the projection of P onto the xy-plane makes with the positive
x-axis, and z is the vertical distance from P to the projection of P onto
the xy-plane. When P has rectangular coordinates (x, y, z), it follows
that its cylindrical coordinates are given by
y
r 2 = x2 + y 2 , tan(θ) = , z = z.
x
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 280

When P has given cylindrical coordinates (r, θ, z), its rectangular coor-
dinates are
x = r cos(θ), y = r sin(θ), z = z.

• The volume element dV RRRin cylindrical coordinates is dV = r dz dr dθ.

Hence, a triple integral S
f (x, y, z) dA can be evaluated as the iterated
integral ZZZ
f (r cos(θ), r sin(θ), z) r dz dr dθ.
S

• The spherical coordinates of a point P in 3-space are ρ (rho), θ, and φ

(phi), where ρ is the distance from P to the origin, θ is the angle that the
projection of P onto the xy-plane makes with the positive x-axis, and φ
is the angle between the positive z axis and the vector from the origin to
P . When P has Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z), the spherical coordinates
are given by
y z
ρ2 = x2 + y 2 + z 2 , tan(θ) = , cos(φ) = .
x ρ

Given the point P in spherical coordinates (ρ, φ, θ), its rectangular coor-
dinates are

x = ρ sin(φ) cos(θ), y = ρ sin(φ) sin(θ), z = ρ cos(φ).

• The volume element dVRRR in spherical coordinates is dV = ρ2 sin(φ) dρ dθ dφ.

Thus, a triple integral S
f (x, y, z) dA can be evaluated as the iterated
integral
ZZZ
f (ρ sin(φ) cos(θ), ρ sin(φ) sin(θ), ρ cos(φ)) ρ2 sin(φ) dρ dθ dφ.
S

11.8.6 Exercises
1. What are the rectangular coordinates of the point whose cylindrical co-
ordinates are
(r = 4, θ = 2π
7 , z = −1) ?
x=
y=
z=
Answer 1. 2.49395920743493
Answer 2. 3.12732592987212
Answer 3. −1
2. What are the rectangular coordinates of the point whose spherical coor-
dinates are
2, − 23 π, 0π ?

x=
y=
z=
Answer 1. 2 cos −2


3 π sin(0π)
Answer 2. 2 sin −2


3 π sin(0π)
Answer 3. 2 cos(0π)
3. What are the cylindrical coordinates of the point whose spherical coordi-
nates are
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 281

5π
(3, 3, 6 ) ?
r=
θ=
z=
Answer 1. 1.5
Answer 2. 3
Answer 3. −2.59807621135332
4. Find an equation for the paraboloid z = x2 + y 2 in spherical coordinates.
(Enter rho, phi and theta for ρ, φ and θ, respectively.)
equation:
cos(phi)
Answer. rho = sin2(phi)

5. Match the given equation with the verbal description of the surface:
A. Plane
B. Half plane
C. Circular Cylinder

D. Elliptic or Circular Paraboloid

E. Cone
F. Sphere

(a) r = 4
(b) z = r2
(c) ρ = 2 cos(φ)
π
(d) φ = 3

(e) r = 2 cos(θ)
(f) r2 + z 2 = 16

(g) ρ cos(φ) = 4
π
(h) θ = 3

(i) ρ = 4
6. Match the integrals with the type of coordinates which make them the
easiest to do. Put the letter of the coordinate system to the left of the
number of the integral.
ZZZ
(a) z dV where E is: 1 ≤ x ≤ 2, 3 ≤ y ≤ 4, 5 ≤ z ≤ 6
E
Z 1Z y2
1
(b) dx dy
0 0 x
ZZZ
(c) z 2 dV where E is: −2 ≤ z ≤ 2, 1 ≤ x2 + y 2 ≤ 2
E
ZZ
1
(d) dA where D is: x2 + y 2 ≤ 4
D x2 + y 2
ZZZ
(e) dV where E is: x2 + y 2 + z 2 ≤ 4, x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0, z ≥ 0
E
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 282

A. polar coordinates
B. cylindrical coordinates

C. spherical coordinates
D. cartesian coordinates
7. Evaluate √
the integral.
Z 7 Z 49−x2 Z √49−x2 −z2
1
√ √ dy dz dx =
0 − 49−x2 − 49−x2 −z 2 (x2 + y2+ z 2 )1/2
Answer. 49π
ZZZ p
8. Use cylindrical coordinates to evaluate the triple integral x2 + y 2 dV ,

E
where E is the solid bounded by the circular paraboloid z = 1−1 x2 + y 2
and the xy -plane.
Answer. 0.837758040957278
ZZZ
9. Use spherical coordinates to evaluate the triple integral x2 + y 2 +
E
z 2 dV , where E is the ball: x2 + y 2 + z 2 ≤ 4.
Answer. 80.4247719318987


10. Find the volume of the
solid enclosed by the paraboloids z = 1 x2 + y 2
and z = 8 − 1 x2 + y 2 .
Answer. 50.2654824574367
11. FInd the volume of the ellipsoid x2 + y 2 + 6z 2 = 100.
Answer. 1710.06644021582
12. The density, δ, of the cylinder x2 + y 2 ≤ 9, 0 ≤ z ≤ 4 varies with the
distance, r, from the z-axis:

δ = 4 + r g/cm3 .

Find the mass of the cylinder, assuming x, y, z are in cm.

mass =
(Include units.)
Answer. 678.584 g
1
13. Suppose f (x, y, z) = p and W is the bottom half of a sphere
x2
+ y2 + z2
of radius 4. Enter ρ as rho, φ as phi, and θ as theta.
(a) As an iterated integral,
ZZZ Z BZ DZ F
f dV = dρ dφ dθ
A C E
W
with limits of integration
A=
B=
C=
D=
E=
F=
(b) Evaluate the integral.
Answer 1. rho sin(phi)
Answer 2. 0
Answer 3. 2π
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 283

π
Answer 4. 2
Answer 5. π
Answer 6. 0
Answer 7. 4
Answer 8. π · 42
14. In each of the following questions, set up an iterated integral expression
whose value determines the desired result. Then, evaluate the integral
first by hand, and then using appropriate technology.
a. Find the volume of the “cap” cut from the solid sphere x2 +y 2 +z 2 =
4 by the plane z = 1, as well as the z-coordinate of its centroid.

b. Find the x-coordinate of the center of mass of the portion of the

unit sphere that lies in the first octant (i.e., where x, y, and z are
all nonnegative). Assume that the density of the solid given by
1
δ(x, y, z) = 1+x2 +y 2 +z 2 .

c. Find the volume of the solid bounded below by the xy-plane, on the
sides by the sphere ρ = 2, and above by the cone φ = π/3.
d. Find the z coordinate of the center qpof mass of the region that is
bounded above by the surface z = x2 + y 2 , on the sides by the
2 2
cylinder x + y = 4, and below by the xy-plane. Assume that the
density of the solid is uniform and constant.
e. Find the volume of the solid that lies outside the sphere x2 +y 2 +z 2 =
1 and inside the sphere x2 + y 2 + z 2 = 2z.
15. For each of the following questions,
• sketch the region of integration,
• change the coordinate system in which the iterated integral is writ-
ten to one of the remaining two,

• evaluate the iterated integral you deem easiest to evaluate by hand.

R 1 R √1−x2 R √2−x2 −y2
a. 0 0 √ 2 2 xy dz dy dx
x +y

R π/2 R π R 1
b. 0 0 0
ρ2 sin(φ) dρ dφ dθ
R 2π R 1 R 1
c. 0 0 r
r2 cos(θ) dz dr dθ
16. Consider the solid region S bounded above by the paraboloid z = 16 −
x2 − y 2 and below by the paraboloid z = 3x2 + 3y 2 .
a. Describe parametrically the curve in R3 in which these two surfaces
intersect.
b. In terms of x and y, write an equation to describe the projection of
the curve onto the xy-plane.
c. What coordinate system do you think is most natural for an iterated
integral that gives the volume of the solid?
d. Set up, but do not evaluate, an iterated integral expression whose
value is average z-value of points in the solid region S.
e. Use technology to plot the two surfaces and evaluate the integral in
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 284

(c). Write at least one sentence to discuss how your computations

align with your intuition about where the average z-value of the
solid should fall.

11.9 Change of Variables

Motivating Questions
• What is a change of variables?
• What is the Jacobian, and how is it related to a change of variables?
In single variable calculus, we encountered the idea of a change of variable
in a definite integral through the method of substitution. For example, given
the definite integral Z 2
2x(x2 + 1)3 dx,
0
we naturally consider the change of variable u = x2 +1. From this substitution,
it follows that du = 2x dx, and since x = 0 implies u = 1 and x = 2 implies
u = 5, we have transformed the original integral in x into a new integral in u.
In particular, Z 2 Z 5
2x(x2 + 1)3 dx = u3 du.
0 1
The latter integral, of course, is far easier to evaluate.
Through our work with polar, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates, we
have already implicitly seen some of the issues that arise in using a change
of variables with two or three variables present. In what follows, we seek
to understand the general ideas behind any change of variables in a multiple
integral.
Preview Activity 11.9.1 Consider the double integral
ZZ
I= x2 + y 2 dA, (11.9.1)
D

where D is the upper half of the unit disk.

a. i. Write the double integral I given in Equation (11.9.1) as an iterated
integral in rectangular coordinates.
ii. Write the double integral I given in Equation (11.9.1) as an iterated
integral in polar coordinates.
b. When we write the double integral (11.9.1) as an iterated integral in polar
coordinates we make a change of variables, namely

x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ). (11.9.2)

We also then have to change dA to r dr dθ. This process also identifies a

“polar rectangle” [r1 , r2 ] × [θ1 , θ2 ] with the original Cartesian rectangle,
under the transformation1 in Equation (11.9.2). The vertices of the polar
rectangle are transformed into the vertices of a closed and bounded region
in rectangular coordinates.
To work with a numerical example, let’s now consider the polar rectangle
P given by [1, 2] × [ π6 , π4 ], so that r1 = 1, r2 = 2, θ1 = π6 , and θ2 = π4 .
i. Use the transformation determined by the equations in (11.9.2) to
find the rectangular vertices that correspond to the polar vertices in
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 285

the polar rectangle P . In other words, by substituting appropriate

values of r and θ into the two equations in (11.9.2), find the val-
ues of the corresponding x and y coordinates for the vertices of the
polar rectangle P . Label the point that corresponds to the polar
vertex (r1 , θ1 ) as (x1 , y1 ), the point corresponding to the polar ver-
tex (r2 , θ1 ) as (x2 , y2 ), the point corresponding to the polar vertex
(r1 , θ2 ) as (x3 , y3 ), and the point corresponding to the polar vertex
(r2 , θ2 ) as (x4 , y4 ).
ii. Draw a picture of the figure in rectangular coordinates that has
the points (x1 , y1 ), (x2 , y2 ), (x3 , y3 ), and (x4 , y4 ) as vertices. (Note
carefully that because of the trigonometric functions in the transfor-
mation, this region will not look like a Cartesian rectangle.) What
is the area of this region in rectangular coordinates? How does this
area compare to the area of the original polar rectangle?

11.9.1 Change of Variables in Polar Coordinates

The general idea behind a change of variables is suggested by Preview Activ-
ity 11.9.1. There, we saw that in a change of variables from rectangular coor-
dinates to polar coordinates, a polar rectangle [r1 , r2 ] × [θ1 , θ2 ] gets mapped to
a Cartesian rectangle under the transformation

x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ).

The vertices of the polar rectangle P are transformed into the vertices of
a closed and bounded region P 0 in rectangular coordinates. If we view the
standard coordinate system as having the horizontal axis represent r and the
vertical axis represent θ, then the polar rectangle P appears to us at left in
Figure 11.9.1. The image P 0 of the polar rectangle P under the transformation
given by (11.9.2) is shown at right in Figure 11.9.1. We thus see that there is a
correspondence between a simple region (a traditional, right-angled rectangle)
and a more complicated region (a fraction of an annulus) under the function
T given by T (r, θ) = (r cos(θ), r sin(θ)).

θ y
2 2
P′

1 P 1

r x
1 2 1 2

Figure 11.9.1 A rectangle P and its image P 0 .

1 A transformation is another name for function: here, the equations x = r cos(θ) and

y = r sin(θ) define a function T by T (r, θ) = (r cos(θ), r sin(θ)) so that T is a function

(transformation) from R2 to R2 . We view this transformation as mapping a version of the
xy-plane where the axes are viewed as representing r and θ (the rθ-plane) to the familiar
xy-plane.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 286

Furthermore, as Preview Activity 11.9.1 suggests, it follows generally that

for an original polar rectangle P = [r1 , r2 ]×[θ1 , θ2 ], the area of the transformed
rectangle P 0 is given by r2 +r
2 ∆r∆θ. Therefore, as ∆r and ∆θ go to 0 this
1

area becomes the familiar area element dA = r dr dθ in polar coordinates.

When we proceed to working with other transformations for different changes
in coordinates, we have to understand how the transformation affects area so
that we may use the correct area element in the new system of variables.

11.9.2 General Change of Coordinates

We first focus on double integrals. As with single integrals, we may be able to
simplify a double integral of the form
ZZ
f (x, y) dA
D

by making a change of variables (that is, a substitution) of the form

x = x(s, t) and y = y(s, t)

where x and y are functions of new variables s and t. This transformation

introduces a correspondence between a problem in the xy-plane and one in the
the st-plane. The equations x = x(s, t) and y = y(s, t) convert s and t to x
and y; we call these formulas the change of variable formulas. To complete the
change to the new s, t variables, we need to understand the area element, dA,
in this new system. The following activity helps to illustrate the idea.
Activity 11.9.2 Consider the change of variables
√
x = s + 2t and y = 2s + t.

Let’s see what happens to the rectangle T = [0, 1] × [1, 4] in the st-plane
under this change of variable.
a. Draw a labeled picture of T in the st-plane.
b. Find the image of the st-vertex (0, 1) in the xy-plane. Likewise, find the
respective images of the other three vertices of the rectangle T : (0, 4),
(1, 1), and (1, 4).

c. In the xy-plane, draw a labeled picture of the image, T 0 , of the original

st-rectangle T . What appears to be the shape of the image, T 0 ?
d. To transform an integral with a change of variables, we need to determine
the area element dA for image of the transformed rectangle. Note that T 0
is not exactly a parallelogram since the equations that define the trans-
formation are not lienar. But we can approximate the area of T 0 with the
area of a parallelogram. How would we find the area of a parallelogram
that approximates the area of the xy-figure T 0 ? (Hint: Remember what
the cross product of two vectors tells us.)
Activity 11.9.2 presents the general idea of how a change of variables works.
We partition a rectangular domain in the st system into subrectangles. Let
T = [a, b]×[a+∆s, b+∆t] be one of these subrectangles. Then we transform this
into a region T 0 in the standard xy Cartesian coordinate system. The region T 0
is called the image of T ; the region T is the pre-image of T 0 . Although the sides
of this xy region T 0 aren’t necessarily straight (linear), we will approximate the
element of area dA for this region with the area of the parallelogram whose sides
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 287

are given by the vectors v and w, where v is the vector from (x(a, b), y(a, b))
to (x(a + ∆s, b), y(a + ∆s, b)), and w is the vector from (x(a, b), y(a, b)) to
(x(a, b + ∆t), y(a, b + ∆t)).
An example of an image T 0 in the xy-plane that results from a transforma-
tion of a rectangle T in the st-plane is shown in Figure 11.9.2.

t y
2 2
T′

1 T 1

w v
s x
1 2 1 2

Figure 11.9.2 Approximating an area of an image resulting from a transfor-

mation.
The components of the vector v are

v = hx(a + ∆s, b) − x(a, b), y(a + ∆s, b) − y(a, b), 0i

and similarly those for w are

w = hx(a, b + ∆t) − x(a, b), y(a, b + ∆s) − y(a, b), 0i .

Slightly rewriting v and w, we have

 
x(a + ∆s, b) − x(a, b) y(a + ∆s, b) − y(a, b)
v= , , 0 ∆s, and
∆s ∆s
 
x(a, b + ∆t) − x(a, b) y(a, b + ∆s) − y(a, b)
w= , , 0 ∆t.
∆t ∆t

For small ∆s and ∆t, the definition of the partial derivative tells us that
   
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
v≈ (a, b), (a, b), 0 ∆s and w≈ (a, b), (a, b), 0 ∆t.
∂s ∂s ∂t ∂t
Recall that the area of the parallelogram with sides v and w is the length
of the cross product of the two vectors, |v × w|. From this, we observe that
   
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
v×w≈ (a, b), (a, b), 0 ∆s × (a, b), (a, b), 0 ∆t
∂s ∂s ∂t ∂t
 
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
= 0, 0, (a, b) (a, b) − (a, b) (a, b) ∆s ∆t.
∂s ∂t ∂t ∂s
Finally, by computing the magnitude of the cross product, we see that
 
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
|v × w| ≈ 0, 0, (a, b) (a, b) − (a, b) (a, b) ∆s ∆t
∂s ∂t ∂t ∂s
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
= (a, b) (a, b) − (a, b) (a, b) ∆s ∆t.
∂s ∂t ∂t ∂s
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 288

Therefore, as the number of subdivisions increases without bound in each

direction, ∆s and ∆t both go to zero, and we have
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
dA = − ds dt. (11.9.3)
∂s ∂t ∂t ∂s
Equation (11.9.3) hence determines the general change of variable formula
in a double integral, and we can now say that
ZZ ZZ
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
f (x, y) dy dx = f (x(s, t), y(s, t)) − ds dt.
T T0 ∂s ∂t ∂t ∂s
The quantity
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
−
∂s ∂t ∂t ∂s
is called the Jacobian, and we denote the Jacobian using the shorthand notation
∂(x, y) ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
= − .
∂(s, t) ∂s ∂t ∂t ∂s
Recall from Section 9.4 that
 ∂xwe ∂x
canalso write this Jacobian as the determi-
nant of the 2 × 2 matrix ∂s ∂t . Note that, as discussed in Section 9.4,
∂y ∂y
∂s ∂t  ∂x ∂x 
the absolute value of the determinant of ∂s ∂t is the area of the par-
∂y ∂y
∂s ∂t
allelogram determined by the vectors v and w, and so the area element dA
in xy-coordinates is also represented by the area element ∂(x,y)
∂(s,t) ds dt in st-

coordinates, and ∂(x,y)

∂(s,t) is the factor by which the transformation magnifies
area.
To summarize, the preceding change of variable formula that we have de-
rived now follows.
Change of Variables in a Double Integral.

Suppose a change of variables x = x(s, t) and y = y(s, t) transforms a

closed and bounded region R in the st-plane into a closed and bounded
region R0 in the xy-plane. Under modest conditions (that are studied
in advanced calculus), it follows that
ZZ ZZ
∂(x, y)
f (x, y) dA = f (x(s, t), y(s, t)) ds dt.
R 0 R ∂(s, t)

Activity 11.9.3 Find the Jacobian when changing from rectangular to polar
coordinates. That is, for the transformation given by x = r cos(θ), y = r sin(θ),
determine a simplified expression for the quantity
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
− .
∂r ∂θ ∂θ ∂r
What do you observe about your result? How is this connected to our
earlier work with double integrals in polar coordinates?
Activity 11.9.4 Let D0 be the region in the xy-plane bounded by the lines
y = 0, x = 0, and x + y = 1. We will evaluate the double integral
√
ZZ
x + y(x − y)2 dA (11.9.4)
D0
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 289

with a change of variables.

a. Sketch the region D0 in the xy-plane.

b. We would like to make a substitution that makes the integrand easier to

antidifferentiate. Let s = x + y and t = x − y. Explain why this should
make antidifferentiation easier by making the corresponding substitutions
and writing the new integrand in terms of s and t.
c. Solve the equations s = x + y and t = x − y for x and y. (Doing so
determines the standard form of the transformation, since we will have
x as a function of s and t, and y as a function of s and t.)
d. To actually execute this change of variables, we need to know the st-
region D that corresponds to the xy-region D0 .
i. What st equation corresponds to the xy equation x + y = 1?
ii. What st equation corresponds to the xy equation x = 0?
iii. What st equation corresponds to the xy equation y = 0?
iv. Sketch the st region D that corresponds to the xy domain D0 .
e. Make the change of variables indicated by s = x + y and t = x − y in
the double integral (11.9.4) and set up an iterated integral in st variables
whose value is the original given double integral. Finally, evaluate the
iterated integral.

11.9.3 Change of Variables in a Triple Integral

The argument for the change of variable formula for triple integrals is com-
plicated, and we will not go into the details. The general process, though, is
the same as the two-dimensional case. Given a solid S 0 in the xyz-coordinate
system in R3 , a change of variables transformation x = x(s, t, u), y = y(s, t, u),
and z = z(s, t, u) transforms S 0 into a region S in stu-coordinates. Any
function f = f (x, y, z) defined on S 0 can be considered as a function f =
f (x(s, t, u), y(s, y, u), z(s, t, u)) in stu-coordinates defined on S. The volume
element dV in xyz-coordinates cooresponds to a scaled volume element in
stu-coordinates, where the scale factor is given by the absolute value of the
Jacobian, ∂(x,y,z)
∂(s,t,u) , which is the determinant of the 3 × 3 matrix

∂x ∂x ∂x
 
∂s ∂t ∂u
 ∂y ∂y ∂y .
∂s ∂t ∂u
∂z ∂z ∂z
∂s ∂t ∂u

(Recall that this determinant was introduced in Section 9.4.) That is, ∂(x,y,z)
∂(s,t,u)
is given by
     
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z ∂y ∂z
− − − + − .
∂s ∂t ∂u ∂u ∂t ∂t ∂s ∂u ∂u ∂s ∂u ∂s ∂t ∂t ∂s
To summarize,

Change of Variables in a Triple Integral.

Suppose a change of variables x = x(s, t, u), y = y(s, t, u), and z =

z(s, t, u) transforms a closed and bounded region S in stu-coordinates
into a closed and bounded region S 0 in xyz-coordinates. Under modest
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 290

conditions
RRR (that are studied in advanced calculus), the triple integral
S0
f (x, y, z) dV is equal to
ZZZ
∂(x, y, z)
f (x(s, t, u), y(s, t, u), z(s, t, u)) ds dt du.
S ∂(s, t, u)

Activity 11.9.5 Find the Jacobian when changing from Cartesian to cylin-
drical coordinates. That is, for the transformation given by x = r cos(θ),
y = r sin(θ), and z = z, determine a simplified expression for the quantity

∂(x, y, z)
.
∂(r, θ, z)

What do you observe about your result? How is this connected to our
earlier work with triple integrals in cylindrial coordinates?
Activity 11.9.6 Consider the solid S 0 defined by the inequalities 0 ≤ x ≤ 2,
x x x
2 ≤ y ≤ 2 + 1, and 0 ≤ z ≤ 6. Consider the transformation defined by s = 2 ,
x−2y z
t = 2 , and u = 3 . Let f (x, y, x) = x − 2y + z.
a. The transformation turns the solid S 0 in xyz-coordinates into a box S in
stu-coordinates. Apply the transformation to the boundries of the solid
S 0 to find stu-coordinatte descriptions of the box S.
∂(x,y,z)
b. Find the Jacobian ∂(s,t,u) .

c. RRR
Use the transformation to perform a change of variables and evaluate
S0
f (x, y, z) dV by evaluating
ZZZ
∂(x, y, z)
f (x(s, t, u), y(s, t, u), z(s, t, u)) ds dt du.
S ∂(s, t, u)

11.9.4 Summary
• If an integral is described in terms of one set of variables, we may write
that set of variables in terms of another set of the same number of vari-
ables. If the new variables are chosen appropriately, the transformed
integral may be easier to evaluate.
• The Jacobian is a scalar function that relates the area or volume element
in one coordinate system to the corresponding element in a new system
determined by a change of variables.

11.9.5 Exercises
∂(x,y)
1. Find the absolute value of the Jacobian, ∂(s,t) , for the change of variables
given by x = 6s + 8t, y = 4s + 8t
∂(x,y)
∂(s,t) =

Answer. |6 · 8 − 8 · 4|
∂(x,y,z)
2. Find the Jacobian. ∂(s,t,u) , where x = 3s + t + 4u, y = 2s − t + u, z =
3s + t − 5u.
∂(x,y,z)
∂(s,t,u) =
Answer. 3 · (−1 · (−5) − 1 · 1) − 1 · (2 · (−5) − 1 · 3) + 4 · (2 · 1 − −1 · 3)
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 291

3. Consider the transformation T : x = 40 9 9 40

41 u − 41 v, y = 41 u + 41 v
A. Compute the Jacobian:
∂(x,y)
∂(u,v) =
B. The transformation is linear, which implies that it transforms lines
into lines. Thus, it transforms the square S : −41 ≤ u ≤ 41, −41 ≤ v ≤ 41
into a square T (S) with vertices:
T(41, 41) = ( , )
T(-41, 41) = ( , )
T(-41, -41) = ( , )
T(41, -41) = ( , )
C. Use the transformation T to evaluate the integral T (S) x2 +y 2 dA
RR

Answer 1. 1
Answer 2. 31
Answer 3. 49
Answer 4. −49
Answer 5. 31
Answer 6. −31
Answer 7. −49
Answer 8. 49
Answer 9. −31
Answer 10. 7535362.66666667
Use the change of variables s = y, t = y − x2 to evaluate
RR
4. R
x dx dy over
the region R in the first quadrant bounded by y = 0, y = 36, y = x2 , and
y =RxR2 − 1.
R
x dx dy =
1·36
Answer. 2
5. Use the change of variables s = x + y, t = y to find the area of the ellipse
x2 + 2xy + 2y 2 ≤ 1.
area =
Answer. π
Use the change of variables s = xy, t = xy 2 to compute R xy 2 dA, where
R
6.
R isR the region bounded by xy = 1, xy = 2, xy 2 = 1, xy 2 = 2.
R
xy 2 dA =
Answer. 1 · 1
7. Find positive numbers a andR Rb so that the change of variables s = ax, t =
by transforms the integral R
dx dy into
Z Z
∂(x, y)
ds dt
T ∂(s, t)

for the region R, the rectangle 0 ≤ x ≤ 30, 0 ≤ y ≤ 65 and the region T ,

the square 0 ≤ s, t ≤ 1.
a=
b=
What is ∂(x,y)
∂(s,t) in this case?
∂(x,y)
∂(s,t) =
1
Answer 1. 30
1
Answer 2. 65
Answer 3. 30 · 65
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 292

8. Find a number a soR that

R the change of variables s = x + ay, t = y trans-
forms the integral R
dx dy over the parallelogram R in the xy-plane
with vertices (0, 0), (18, 0), (−24, 8), (−6, 8) into an integral
Z Z
∂(x, y)
ds dt
T ∂(s, t)

over a rectangle T in the st-plane.

a=
What is ∂(x,y)
∂(s,t) in this case?
∂(x,y)
∂(s,t) =
−1·(−24)
Answer 1. 8
Answer 2. 1
9. In this problem we use Rthe change of variables x = 4s + t, y = s − 3t
to compute the integral R (x + y) dA, where R is the parallelogram with
vertices (x, y) = (0, 0), (4, 1), (7, −8), and (3, −9).
First find the magnitude of the Jacobian, ∂(x,y)
∂(s,t) = .
Then, with a = ,b= ,
c= , and d = ,
R Rb Rd
R
(x + y) dA = a c ( s+ t+ ) dt ds
=
Answer 1. 4 · 3 + 1
Answer 2. 0
3·4+1
Answer 3. 1+4·3
Answer 4. 0
3−4·(−9)
Answer 5. 4·3+1
Answer 6. 13 · (4 + 1)
Answer 7. 13 · (1 − 3)
Answer 8. 0
(3·4+1)(3−4·(−9))(3+1+4·1−4·(−9)+3·(4+4·4−3+4·(−9)))
Answer 9. 2·(1+4·3)2

10. Let D0 be the region in the xy-plane that is the parallelogram with vertices
(3, 3), (4, 5), (5, 4), and (6, 6).
a. Sketch and label the region D0 in the xy-plane.
RR
b. Consider the integral D0 (x + y) dA. Explain why this integral
would be difficult to set up as an iterated integral.
c. Let a change of variables be given by x = 2u + v, y = u + 2v. Using
substitution or elimination, solve this system of equations for u and
v in terms of x and y.

d. Use your work in (c) to find the pre-image, D, which lies in the uv-
plane, of the originally given region D0 , which lies in the xy-plane.
For instance, what uv point corresponds to (3, 3) in the xy-plane?
e. Use the change of variables in (c) and your other work to write a
RR integral in u and v that is equivalent to the original xy
new iterated
integral D0 (x + y) dA.
f. Finally, evaluate the uv integral, and write a sentence to explain
why the change of variables made the integration easier.
CHAPTER 11. MULTIPLE INTEGRALS 293

11. Consider the change of variables

x(ρ, θ, φ) = ρ sin(φ) cos(θ) y(ρ, θ, φ) = ρ sin(φ) sin(θ) z(ρ, θ, φ) = ρ cos(φ),

which is the transformation from spherical coordinates to rectangular co-

ordinates. Determine the Jacobian of the transformation. How is the
result connected to our earlier work with iterated integrals in spherical
coordinates?
x2 y2 z2
12. In this problem, our goal is to find the volume of the ellipsoid a2 + b2 + c2 =
1.
a. Set up an iterated integral in rectangular coordinates whose value is
the volume of the ellipsoid. Do so by using symmetry and taking 8
times the volume of the ellipsoid in the first octant where x, y, and
z are all nonnegative.

b. Explain why it makes sense to use the substitution x = as, y = bt,

and z = cu in order to make the region of integration simpler.
c. Compute the Jacobian of the transformation given in (b).
d. Execute the given change of variables and set up the corresponding
new iterated integral in s, t, and u.

e. Explain why this new integral is better, but is still difficult to eval-
uate. What additional change of variables would make the resulting
integral easier to evaluate?
f. Convert the integral from (d) to a new integral in spherical coordi-
nates.
g. Finally, evaluate the iterated integral in (f) and hence determine the
volume of the ellipsoid.