The order of integration refers to the sequence in which the integrations are performed over multiple variables. For a double integral, this involves choosing whether to integrate with respect to x first or y first. Changing the order of integration is essential and can sometimes make an integral much easier to solve.
In the given problem, we first set up the integral by integrating with respect to x first, then y, updating our boundaries accordingly. However, we also evaluate it the other way around, integrating y first and then x.
- Integrating with x first involves limits from 0 to 2 for x and from x to 2x for y.
- Integrating with y first involves limits from y/2 to y for x and from 0 to 2 for y.
Choosing the more favorable order can simplify the problem significantly. In our case, integrating with respect to y first simplifies the evaluation because it prevents the integration of a more complex function in terms of x.