Applications of Integrals - GATE Study

Material in PDF

In the previous article we have seen some introduction about integrals. In these free
GATE 2018 Notes we will discuss about the Applications of Integrals. Generally,
integrations are used to find the areas, volumes, and length of curves.

This study material is useful for GATE CS, GATE CE, GATE ME, GATE EC and GATE
EE. Also useful for recruitment exams like BARC, DRDO, IES, ISRO, BSNL etc.
These Notes can be downloaded in PDF so that your GATE preparation is made easy
and you ace your paper. Before you go ahead though, make sure to read the basics in
Engineering Mechanics.

Recommended Reading –

Types of Matrices

Properties of Matrices

Rank of a Matrix & Its Properties

Solution of a System of Linear Equations

Eigen Values & Eigen Vectors

Linear Algebra Revision Test 1

Laplace Transforms

Limits, Continuity & Differentiability

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 Mean Value Theorems

Differentiation

Partial Differentiation

Maxima and Minima

Methods of Integration & Standard Integrals

Here are some of the most important Applications of Integrals.

1. Area Calculation
2. Length of Curve Calculation
3. Volume Calculation

1. Area Calculation Using Integration

b
If the curve is symmetrical about x − axis then area = ∫a y dx

b
If the curve is symmetrical about y − axis then area = ∫a x dy

Area enclosed between two curves let y1 = f(x), y2 = g(x) then

b
∫a (y1 − y2 ) dx if y1 > y2
Area = b
∫a (y2 − y1 )dx if y2 > y1.

Example 1:

The area bounded between the parabolas y = x2 and the straight line y = x is

Solution:

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 1
Area = ∫0 (x − x 2 )dx

1
x2 x3
= [2 − 3]
0

1 1 1
=2−3=6

Example 2:

Find the area bounded between y2 = 4x and x2 = 4y is

Solution:

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 4 x2
A = ∫0 (√4x − 4 ) ⋅ dx

3 4
x2 1
= 2 ⋅ [ 3 ] − 12 [x 3 ]40
2 0

4 4
= 3 [8] − 3 [4]

4 16
=3×4= 3

Note:

16ab
The area enclosed between y 2 = 4ax and x 2 = 4by is .
3

2. Length of the Curve Calculation using Integration

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From the above figure we can get

From right-angle triangle rule we have

(δs)2 = (δx)2 + (δy)2

δs 2 δy 2
(δx) = 1 + (δx)

δs δy 2
= √1 + (δx)
δx

As Q → P ⇒

δs ds dy 2
= dx = √1 + (dx)
δx

x=b dy 2
∴ s = ∫x=a √1 + (dx)

Example 3:

2 3
Find the length of the curve, y = x 2 between x = 0, x = 1
3

Solution:

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 1
dy 2 3
= 3 × 2 × x 2 = √x
dx

1
∴ s = ∫0 √1 + x ⋅ dx

3
2 1
= 3 (1 + x)2 |
0
3
2
= 3 [2]2 = 1.218

Note:

If x = f(θ), y = g(θ) and θ = θ1 , θ = θ2 then length of arc

θ=θ dx 2 dy 2
s = ∫θ=θ 2 √(dθ) + (dθ) dθ
1

Example 4:
π
The length of x = a(θ + sin θ), y = a [1 − cos θ] , θ = 0 , θ = is
2

Solution:

dx dy
= a[1 + cos θ] , dθ = a sin θ
dθ

π π
s = ∫02 √a2 [1 + cos2 θ + 2 cos θ] + a2 sin2 θ = ∫02 √a2 + a2 + 2a2 cos θ ⋅ dθ

π π
θ
= √2a ∫02 √1 + cos θ ⋅ dθ = √2a ∫02 √2 cos 2 ⋅ dθ

π
θ 2
= 2a ⋅ 2 [sin 2]
0

1
= 4a [ ] = 2√2a
√2

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3. Volume of Integration
b
The volume of solid of revolution about x − axis is V = ∫a πy 2 dx

b
The volume of solid of revolution about y − axis is V = ∫a πx 2 dy

Example 5:

One arc of the parabola y2 = 8x and x = 2 revolved around y-axis then find the
volume of revolution.

Solution:

y2 = 8x
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y2 = 8(2) = 16

∴y = ± 4

4
Then volume of revolution V = ∫−4 π(x 2 ) ⋅ dy

4 y4
V = 2π ∫0 ⋅ dy
64

π 1
= 32 × 5 [y 5 ]40

π 32π
= 32×5 × 45 = 5

In the next articles we will discuss Vector Calculus & Vector Integration.

Did you like this article on Application of Integrals? Let us know in the comments?
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Vector Calculus
Vector Integration
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