Iterated integrals are a fundamental part of multivariable calculus. They help us evaluate double integrals by breaking them down into a sequence of single integrals. In polar coordinates, an iterated integral takes the form:
\[\iint_{R} f(r, \theta) \, dA = \int_{\theta_1}^{\theta_2} \int_{r_1}^{r_2} f(r, \theta) r \, dr \, d\theta.\]Here, we integrate first with respect to the radial component \(r\) and then the angular component \(\theta\). The additional \(r\) in the integrand accounts for the conversion from Cartesian to polar coordinates, as polar areas scale differently.To set up an iterated integral correctly, identify:
- The limits for \(r\), which might be a constant or a function of \(\theta\).
- The limits for \(\theta\), which usually span an interval based on the problem (often a sector of a circle).
Understanding these limits allows a seamless transition from a general double integral to the iterated form, unlocking possible ways to evaluate complex areas.