APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

Lecture Notes 16&17 – Triple Integrals

1. Definition

𝑧 𝐷

Δ𝑉!

𝑜
𝑦

𝑥 (𝑥! , 𝑦! , 𝑧! )

Assume 𝐷 is a closed and bounded region in 3D space, and the function 𝑤 = 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is

defined in region 𝐷 . For example, 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) could be the density distribution of an object

represented by the region 𝐷. We wish to compute the integral of 𝑭(𝒙, 𝒚, 𝒛) over region 𝑫.

We can partition this region 𝐷 into a cellular structure with each cell being a rectangular prism of

volume Δ𝑉! , and

Δ𝑉! = Δ𝑥! Δ𝑦! Δ𝑧!

Corresponding to the 𝑛-cell partition, we have a sum

"

3 𝐹(𝑥! , 𝑦! , 𝑧! )Δ𝑉!
!#$

As 𝑛 → ∞, the definition of the triple integral is

"

6 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑉 = lim ;3 𝐹(𝑥! , 𝑦! , 𝑧! )Δ𝑉! <

% "→'
!#$

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Question: what does it mean that function 𝑤 = 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is defined in region 𝐷?

Answer: For any point in the region 𝐷, say (𝑥( , 𝑦( , 𝑧( ), we can get a value for 𝑤( = 𝐹(𝑥( , 𝑦( , 𝑧( ).

When 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 1, we get the volume of region 𝐷.

𝑉 = 6 𝑑𝑉 , where 𝑑𝑉 = 𝑑𝑥, 𝑑𝑦, 𝑑𝑧

%

2. Evaluate Triple Integrals in Cartesian Coordinates

To evaluate a triple integral, we treat it as an iterated integral and integrate with respect to one

variable at a time. Generally, we integrate first with respect to 𝑧, then with respect to 𝑦, finally

with 𝑥. The procedures are summarized below:

(1) Sketch: Sketch the region D along with its “shadow” R (vertical projection) in the 𝑥𝑦-

plane. Label the upper and lower bounding surfaces of D and the upper and lower

bounding curves of R.

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(2) Find the 𝑧-limits of integration: Draw a line M passing through a typical point (𝑥, 𝑦) in R

parallel to the 𝑧-axis. Line 𝑀 enters region 𝐷 at 𝑧 = 𝑓$ (𝑥, 𝑦) and leaves at 𝑧 = 𝑓) (𝑥, 𝑦).

These are the 𝑧-limits of integration.

(3) Find the y-limits of integration: Draw a line 𝐿 through (x,y) parallel to the y-axis. As y

increases, 𝐿 enters R at 𝑦 = 𝑔$ (𝑥) and leaves at 𝑦 = 𝑔) (𝑥). These are the y-limits of

integration.

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(4) Find the 𝑥-limits of integration: Choose 𝑥-limits that include all lines through 𝑅 parallel

to the 𝑦-axis (𝑥 = 𝑎 and 𝑥 = 𝑏 in the figure). These are the 𝑥-limits of integration.

The integral is

1 0! (,) *! (,,.)
6 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑉 = K K K 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
% 2 0" (,) *" (,,.)

Follow similar procedures if you change the order of integration. The “shadow” of region 𝐷 lies

in the plane of the last two variables with respect to which the iterated integration takes place.

The above procedure applies whenever a solid region 𝐷 is bounded above and below by a

surface, and when the “shadow” region 𝑅 is bounded by a lower and upper curve.

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Example 1: Evaluate the volume of the tetrahedron shown below

𝑧
𝐿$
(0,0,1) Plane: 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1

(0,1,0)

𝐿) 𝑦
(1,0,0) Line: 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1

Step1: Choose the order of integration as 𝑑𝑧, 𝑑𝑦 and 𝑑𝑥.

Step 2: Finding 𝑧-limits for integration.

Since we integrate with respect to 𝑧 first, the shadow of the solid is in the 𝑥𝑦-plane which is a

triangle. Draw an arrow line 𝐿$ through a point in the shadow and going up (in the direction of

𝑧-axis). Imagine a man is walking along the arrow line,

• the first contact with the solid region 𝐷 gives the lower limit of the integral for 𝑧.

• Keep walking, the second contact with the solid region 𝐷 gives the upper limit of the

integral for 𝑧.

In this case, 𝑧345 = 0 and , 𝑧367 = 1 − 𝑥 − 𝑦

Step 3: Finding 𝑦-limits for integration.

Draw an arrow line 𝐿) across the shadow and in the direction of 𝑦-axis. Imagine a man is

walking along the arrow line,

• the first contact with the shadow 𝑅 gives the lower limit of the integral for 𝑦.

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• Keep walking, the second contact with the shadow 𝑅 gives the upper limit of the integral

for 𝑦.

In this case, 𝑦345 = 0 and 𝑦367 = 1 − 𝑥

Step 4: Finding 𝑥-limits for integration.

Sweep this line 𝐿) through the whole shadow and find the min and max values for 𝑥 that

contains the whole region of the shadow 𝑅.

In this case, 𝑥345 = 0 and 𝑥367 = 1

,#$ .#$9, 8#$9,9.

𝑉=K K K 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
,#( .#( 8#(

,#$ .#$9,
=K K (1 − 𝑥 − 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
,#( .#(

,#$ .#$9,
𝑦)
=K O𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦 − QR 𝑑𝑥
,#( 2 .#(

,#$ .#$9,
𝑦)
=K O𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦 − QR 𝑑𝑥
,#( 2 .#(

,#$ (1 − 𝑥))
=K S(1 − 𝑥) − 𝑥(1 − 𝑥) − T 𝑑𝑥
,#( 2

,#$
1
=K (1 − 𝑥)) 𝑑𝑥
,#( 2

1
=
6
$$ $$ $$ $
Note ∫( ) (1 − 𝑥)) 𝑑𝑥 = − ∫( ) (1 − 𝑥)) 𝑑(1 − 𝑥) = − ) : (1 − 𝑥): |$( = ;

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Note that when it comes to calculating the volume of a solid, one can also use a double integral

to calculate the volume. This above example is equivalent to the following question.

“Given 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 1 − 𝑥 − 𝑦, and region 𝑅 is bounded by line 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1 and 𝑥, 𝑦

axis, evaluate ∬<(1 − 𝑥 − 𝑦)𝑑𝐴.”

In this double integral, function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 1 − 𝑥 − 𝑦 is the plane 𝑧 = 1 − 𝑥 − 𝑦. Region 𝑅 is

the shadow of the tetrahedron in the 𝑥𝑦-plane.

Thus, if a question is to find the volume of a region bounded by top and bottom surfaces of 𝑧$ =

𝑓$ (𝑥, 𝑦) and 𝑧) = 𝑓) (𝑥, 𝑦) as shown below, one can either use the triple integral

1 0! (,) *! (,,.)
𝑉 = 6 𝑑𝑉 = K K K 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
% 2 0" (,) *" (,,.)

or the double integral

𝑉 = Z [𝑓) (𝑥, 𝑦) − 𝑓$ (𝑥, 𝑦)\𝑑𝐴

<

1 0! (,)
=K K [𝑓) (𝑥, 𝑦) − 𝑓$ (𝑥, 𝑦)\ 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
2 0" (,)

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Example 2: Give the integral limits if the region of interest is the

tetrahedron shown below. Assume the order of integration is 𝑑𝑦, 𝑑𝑧 and 𝑑𝑥.

If the order of integration is to do 𝑑𝑦 first followed by 𝑑𝑧 and 𝑑𝑥, then the shadow of the region

is in the 𝑥𝑧-plane.

Step 1: Finding 𝑦-limits.

Starting from a point in the shadow, draw a line 𝑴 parallel to the 𝑦-axis in the direction of

increasing 𝑦.

• the first contact with the solid region 𝐷 gives the lower limit of the integral for 𝑦.

• the second contact with the solid region 𝐷 gives the upper limit of the integral for 𝑦.

In this case, 𝑦345 = 𝑥 + 𝑧 and , 𝑦367 = 1

Step 2: Finding 𝑧-limits.

In the 𝑥𝑧-plane (where the shadow is), draw a line 𝐿 parallel to the 𝑧-axis.

• The first contact with the shadow gives the lower limit of the integral for 𝑧.

• The second contact with the shadow gives the upper limit of the integral for 𝑧.

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In this case, 𝑧345 = 0 and , 𝑧367 = 1 − 𝑥

Step 3: Finding 𝑥-limits.

Sweep line 𝐿 across the shadow. Find min and max of 𝑥 that contain the shadow.

In this case, 𝑥345 = 0 and , 𝑥367 = 1

Now we can write the triple integral as

,#$ 8#$9, .#$

K K K 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑥
,#( 8#( .#,=8

Once you get comfortable, you can get rid of the 𝑥 =, 𝑦 =, 𝑧 = in the integral limits.
$ $9, $
K K K 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑥
( ( ,=8

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3. Evaluate Triple Integrals in Cylindrical Coordinates

Cylindrical coordinates represent a point P in space by ordered triples (𝑟, 𝜃, 𝑧) in which

• 𝑟 and 𝜃 are polar coordinates for the vertical projection of 𝑃 onto the xy-plane

• 𝑧 is the Cartesian vertical coordinate.

Coordinate transformations between Cartesian and Cylindrical can be accomplished using the

following expressions:

𝑥 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃 , 𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 , 𝑧=𝑧

Comments:

• In cylindrical coordinates, the equation 𝑟 = 𝑎 describes not just a circle in the 𝑥𝑦-plane,

but an entire cylinder about the 𝑧-axis. The 𝑧-axis is given by 𝑟 = 0. (See diagram on

next page)

• The equation 𝜃 = 𝜃( describes the plane that contains the 𝑧-axis and makes an angle 𝜃(

with the positive 𝑥-axis.

• And, just as in rectangular coordinates, the equation 𝑧 = 𝑧( describes a plane

perpendicular to the z-axis.

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To evaluate a triple integral in cylindrical coordinates, we can use the determinant of the

Jacobian matrix to transform 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 into 𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃𝑑𝑧.

𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
cos 𝜃 −𝑟 sin 𝜃 0
i 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝜃 𝜕𝑧 i
𝜕(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
det O𝐽 = Q= = ii sin 𝜃 𝑟 cos 𝜃 0ii = 𝑟 cos ) 𝜃 + 𝑟 sin) 𝜃 = 𝑟
𝜕(𝑟, 𝜃, 𝑧) 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝜃 𝜕𝑧
i i
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 0 0 1
𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝜃 𝜕𝑧

Therefore

6 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 = 6 𝐹(𝑟 cos 𝜃 , 𝑟 sin 𝜃 , 𝑧) 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃𝑑𝑧

% %

The next objective is to find the integral limits for 𝑟, 𝜃 and 𝑧.

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To compute the triple integral in cylindrical coordinates, one can also partition the region into 𝑛

small cylindrical wedges, rather than into rectangular boxes. As shown in the following diagram,

the volume of one cylindrical wedge is

Δ𝑉> = Δ𝑧> 𝑟> Δ𝜃> Δ𝑟> = 𝑟> Δ𝑟> Δ𝜃> Δ𝑧>

As 𝑛 → ∞, we have

6 𝐹(𝑟 cos 𝜃 , 𝑟 sin 𝜃 , 𝑧) 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃𝑑𝑧

%

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Example 3: Given a region between two paraboloids, compute the volume

𝐷: 𝑧 = 𝑥 ! + 𝑦 ! & 𝑧 = 4 − 𝑥 ! − 𝑦 !

Green color is surface 𝑧 =

𝑥) + 𝑦)

Blue color is surface 𝑧 =

4 − 𝑥) − 𝑦)

Red circle is the intersection

circle
𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) = 2 in plane 𝑧 = 2

Step1: Choose the order of integration. 𝑑𝑧 first, then 𝑑𝑦, then 𝑑𝑥. Sketch the region, project the

solid into 𝑥𝑦-plane and obtain the shadow of the solid since we integrate with respect to 𝑧 first.

Step2: Finding 𝑧-limits for the integral.

Draw a vertical arrow line along the 𝑧-axis from a point in the shadow. First contact with region

𝐷 gives the lower bound of the integral. Second contact gives the upper bound of the integral.

𝑧345 = 𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) , 𝑧367 = 4 − 𝑥 ) − 𝑦 )

Step3: Finding 𝑦-limits for the integral.

Draw an arrow line parallel to the 𝑦-axis in the 𝑥𝑦-plane through the shadow in the direction of

the positive 𝑦-axis. In this example, the shadow is a circle, 𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) = 2. (substitute 𝑧 = 𝑥 ) +

𝑦 ) into 𝑧 = 4 − 𝑥 ) − 𝑦 ) and you get 𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) = 2)

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The first contact of the arrow line with the shadow gives the lower bound of the integral. The

second contact gives the upper bound of the integral.

𝑦345 = −k2 − 𝑥 ) , 𝑦367 = k2 − 𝑥 )

k2 − 𝑥 )

−k2 − 𝑥 )

Step4: Finding 𝑥-limits for the integral.

Sweep the arrow line across the whole shadow, we have

𝑥345 = −√2, 𝑥367 = √2

√) √)9, ! ?9, ! 9. !
𝑉=K K K 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
9√) 9√)9, ! , ! =. !

√) √)9, !
=K K (4 − 2𝑥 ) − 2𝑦 ) )𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
9√) 9√)9, !

√)9, !
√) 2
= K m4𝑦 − 2𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑦 : op )
𝑑𝑥
9√) 3 9√)9, !

√) 4 :
=K m8k2 − 𝑥 ) − 4𝑥 ) k2 − 𝑥 ) − (2 − 𝑥 ) )) o 𝑑𝑥
9√) 3

=⋯

Very scary integral……..

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Using cylindrical coordinates

𝑥 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃 , 𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 , 𝑧=𝑧

)B √) ?9A !
𝑉=K K K 𝑑𝑧 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃
( ( A!

)B √)
=K K (4 − 2𝑟 ) )𝑟 𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃
( (

)B √)
= K 𝑑𝜃 K (4𝑟 − 2𝑟 : ) 𝑑𝑟
( (

1 ) 1 ? √)
= 2𝜋 m4 𝑟 − 2 𝑟 o
2 4 (

= 4𝜋

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Example: Find a cylindrical coordinate equation for the cone, 𝑧 = .𝑥 ! + 𝑦 !

Substitute 𝑥 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃 , 𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 , 𝑧 = 𝑧 into the Cartesian cone equation, we have

𝑧=𝑟

How to interpret this?

𝑧

𝑧 𝑃
𝜙

𝑦
𝑟
𝑥

For any given point 𝑃 on the surface of the cone, its cylindrical coordinates satisfy 𝑧 = 𝑟 as

shown above. We can always draw a radiant line from the origin and through this point 𝑃.

Define 𝜙 as the angle between this radiant line and the 𝑧-axis. Consequently, tan 𝜙 = 1 for the

cone 𝑧 = k𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) .

$ $
If the cone is 𝑧 = k𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) , then in cylindrical coordinates it is 𝑧 = 𝑟. Then
√: √:

𝑟 π
tan 𝜙 = = √3, or 𝜙 =
𝑧 3

If the cone is 𝑧 = 𝑎k𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) , where 𝑎 is a constant, then in cylindrical coordinates it is 𝑧 = 𝑎𝑟.

Then

𝑟 1 1
tan 𝜙 = = , or 𝜙 = tan9$ m o
𝑧 𝑎 𝑎

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Example 4: Find the volume of a solid enclosed by the cylinder 𝑥 ! + 𝑦 ! = 4,

bounded above by the paraboloid 𝑧 = 𝑥 ! + 𝑦 ! and below by the
𝑥𝑦-plane.

𝑧 𝑀 #1

𝜃 𝑦
#3 𝐿 #2
𝑥

Step 1: Since we have a cylindrical object here. Cylindrical coordinates are a natural option.

Sketch the region bounded by the given functions.

Step 2: The order of integration is normally 𝑑𝑧 first, then 𝑑𝑟 and then 𝑑𝜃. Thus, draw the

shadow of the solid by projecting the solid onto 𝑟𝜃-plane or 𝑥𝑦-plane. For this case, it is the

circle 𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) = 4 or 𝑟 = 2.

Step 3: Find 𝑧-limits for the integral.

Draw an arrow line 𝑀 through a point in the shadow of the solid, and the arrow is parallel to 𝑧-

axis in the direction of increasing 𝑧.

• The first contact of this arrow line 𝑀 with the surface of the region (or solid) gives the

lower bound for the integral, and in this case, 𝑧345 = 0.

• The second contact f this arrow line 𝑀 with the surface of the region (or solid) gives the

upper bound for the integral, and in this case, 𝑧367 = 𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) = 𝑟 ) .

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Step 4: Find 𝑟-limits for the integral.

Start from the origin, draw a radiant line 𝐿 through a point in the shadow so that line 𝐿 goes

across the shadow.

• The first contact of this radiant line 𝐿 with the shadow gives 𝑟345 . Here 𝑟345 = 0.

• The second contact of this radiant line 𝐿 with the shadow gives 𝑟367 . Here 𝑟367 = 2.

Step 5: Find 𝜃-limits for the integral.

Rotate the radiant line 𝐿 starting from 𝜃 = 0, and sweep it across the whole region of the shadow.

Find the min and max of 𝜃 that contains the shadow. In this example,

𝜃345 = 0, 𝜃367 = 2𝜋

Step 6: Evaluate the triple integral.

)B ) A!
𝑉 = 6 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃𝑑𝑧 = K K K 𝑑𝑧 (𝑟𝑑𝑟) 𝑑𝜃
% ( ( (

)B )
=K K 𝑟 : 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃
( (

)B
1 ? )
=K m 𝑟 o 𝑑𝜃
( 4 (

)B
= K 4𝑑𝜃
(

= 8𝜋

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4. Evaluate Triple Integrals in Spherical Coordinates

Spherical coordinates locate points in space with two angles (𝜃, 𝜙) and one distance (𝜌), as

shown below.

Definition Spherical Coordinates

Spherical coordinates represent a point 𝑃 in space by ordered triples (𝜌, 𝜙, 𝜃 ) in which

• 𝜌 is the distance from 𝑃 to the origin, 𝜌 = k𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) + 𝑧 ) ≥ 0.

• zzzzz⃑ makes with the positive 𝑧-axis, 0 ≤ 𝜙 ≤ 𝜋

𝜙 is the angle which 𝑂𝑃

• 𝜃 is the same angle from cylindrical coordinates.

The relation between spherical coordinates and Cartesian coordinates is given as

𝑥 = 𝜌 sin 𝜙 cos 𝜃
} 𝑦 = 𝜌 sin 𝜙 sin 𝜃 (1)
𝑧 = 𝜌 cos 𝜙

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Example 5: Converting surfaces in Cartesian coordinates into Spherical

Coordinates.

Case 1: Find a spherical coordinate equation for the sphere

𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) + (𝑧 − 1)) = 1

The center of the sphere is at (0,0,1) and the radius is 1. Substituting Eq. (1) into the above

Cartesian equation, we have

𝜌) sin) 𝜙 cos ) 𝜃 + 𝜌) sin) 𝜙 sin) 𝜃 + (𝜌 cos 𝜙 − 1)) = 1

𝜌) sin) 𝜙 (cos ) 𝜃 + sin) 𝜃) + 𝜌) cos ) 𝜙 − 2𝜌 cos 𝜙 + 1 = 1

𝜌) sin) 𝜙 + 𝜌) cos ) 𝜙 = 2𝜌 cos 𝜙

𝜌 = 2 cos 𝜙

Case 2: Find a spherical coordinate equation for the cone 𝑧 = k𝑥 ) + 𝑦 )

Eq. (1) into the above Cartesian equation we have

𝜌 cos 𝜙 = k𝜌) sin) 𝜙

⟹ 𝜌 cos 𝜙 = 𝜌 sin 𝜙

⟹ cos 𝜙 = sin 𝜙

𝜋
⟹𝜙= , 0≤𝜙≤𝜋
4

$ B B
If the cone is 𝑧 = k𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) , then in spherical coordinates, it is 𝜙 = : . (tan : = √3)
√:

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

Some examples of graphing using spherical coordinates

- Wrinkled Sphere:

𝜌 = 1 + 0.2 sin(8𝜃) sin(𝜙) , 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋; 0 ≤ 𝜙 ≤ 𝜋

Maple:

plot3d(1+0.2*sin(8*theta)*sin(phi), theta = 0 .. 2*Pi, phi = 0 .. Pi, coords = spherical)

- Bumpy Sphere:

𝜌 = 1 + 0.2 sin(8𝜃) sin(4𝜙) , 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋; 0 ≤ 𝜙 ≤ 𝜋

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

We can transform the original triple integral in Cartesian coordinates into a triple integral in

spherical coordinates using the determinant of the Jacobian matrix.

𝜕(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)
det O𝐽 = Q = 𝜌) sin 𝜙
𝜕(𝜌, 𝜙, 𝜃)

Therefore

6 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 = 6 𝐹(𝜌 sin 𝜙 cos 𝜃 , 𝜌 sin 𝜙 sin 𝜃 , 𝜌 cos 𝜙) 𝜌) sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜌 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃

% %

Essentially, 𝑑𝑉 = 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 = 𝜌) sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜌 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃 is the volume of a small piece in the solid. We

partition the region 𝐷 into 𝑛 small spherical wedges and one of them is shown below. The

volume of this small spherical wedge is (base area)(height).

Δ𝑉 = (Base area)(Height)

= (𝜌Δ𝜙 ⋅ 𝜌 sin 𝜙 Δ𝜃)(Δ𝜌)

= 𝜌) sin 𝜙 Δ𝜌Δ𝜙Δ𝜃

As 𝑛 → ∞, it becomes

𝑑𝑉 = 𝜌) sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜌𝑑𝜙𝑑𝜃.

Therefore, the triple integral in Spherical coordinates is

6 𝐹(𝜌 sin 𝜙 cos 𝜃 , 𝜌 sin 𝜙 sin 𝜃 , 𝜌 cos 𝜙) 𝜌) sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜌 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃

%

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

Example 6: Find the volume of an “ice-cream cone” cut from the solid
"
sphere 𝜌 = 1 (radius) by the cone 𝜙 = # .

𝑧 𝑀

𝜃
𝑥 𝐿
The order of integration is generally to integrate first with respect to 𝜌, then 𝜙, and 𝜃 in the end.

Step 1: Sketch the region 𝐷 or the solid of interest. Draw the shadow 𝑅 by projecting this solid

onto the 𝑥𝑦-plane.

Step 2: Find 𝜌-limits for the integral.

Draw a radiant line 𝑴 from origin through the region 𝐷. The angle between this radian line and

the positive 𝑧-axis is 𝜙.

• First contact of radiant line 𝑀 with region 𝐷 gives the lower bound of the integral for 𝜌.

In this example, 𝜌345 = 0.

• Second contact of radiant line 𝑀 with region 𝐷 gives the upper bound of the integral for

𝜌. In this example, 𝜌367 = 1.

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

Step 3: Find 𝜙-limits for the integral.

- Starting from 𝜙 = 0, rotate and sweep radiant line 𝑀 across the region 𝐷.

- Find 𝜙345 and 𝜙367 that contain the whole solid. Note that the minimum for 𝜙345 is 0,

the max for 𝜙367 is 𝜋, since 𝜙 ∈ [0, 𝜋].

B
In this example, 𝜙345 = 0 and 𝜙367 = : .

Step 4: Find 𝜃-limits for the integral.

- Starting from the origin, draw a radiant line 𝐿 in the 𝑥𝑦-plane through the shadow 𝑅.

- The angle between this radian line 𝐿 and the positive 𝑥-axis is 𝜃.

- Sweep the line 𝐿 to find 𝜃345 and 𝜃367 that contain the whole shadow.

In this example, 𝜃345 = 0 and 𝜃367 = 2𝜋.

Step 5: Evaluate the triple integral in spherical coordinates

𝑉 = 6 𝜌) sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜌 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃
%

B
)B $
:
=K K K 𝜌) sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜌 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃
( ( (

B $
)B
𝜌:
:
=K K O Q sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃
( ( 3 (

B
)B
:1
=K K sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃
( ( 3
B
)B
1 : 1 𝜋
= K 𝑑𝜃 m− cos 𝜙o = 2𝜋 =
( 3 ( 6 3

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

Question: Why does 𝜙 have to be between [0, 𝜋]?

Answer:

This is because that we want to avoid a redundant sweep of the region of interest. Imagine that

we have a sphere. Triple integral is to sweep through all locations of the region.

• Integrating with respect to 𝜌 means to vary 𝜌 starting from the origin, which gives us a

radiant line.

• Then fix 𝜌, vary angle 𝜙 (angle between this radian line and the positive 𝑧-axis) from

0 → 𝜋, which gives us a half circle.

• Finally fix 𝜙, 𝜌, and change 𝜃 by sweeping the half circle from 0 → 2𝜋. The half circle

will cover everywhere on the sphere.

But if we change 𝜙 from 0 → 2𝜋, this will give us full circle. Then changing 𝜃 by sweeping the

full circle from 0 → 2𝜋 will result in a redundant sweep.

The bottom line is that whether we are solving a double interal or atriple integral, and whether

we are using Cartesian, cylindrical or sphereical coordiantes, the limits of the variables must

cover the whole region of interest – but only once.

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

5. Applications of Triple Integrals

• Mass

Let 𝛿(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) be the density. Since 𝑑𝑚 = 𝛿𝑑𝑉, then

Mass = 6 𝛿(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑉

%

• Average value of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) in region 𝐷

1
𝑓̅ = 6 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑉
volume of 𝐷 %

The weighted average (with density)

1
𝑓̅ = 6 𝑓𝛿𝑑𝑉
mass of 𝐷 %

• Center of mass (𝑥̅ , 𝑦•, 𝑧̅)

1 1 1
𝑥̅ = 6 𝑥𝛿𝑑𝑉 , 𝑦• = 6 𝑦𝛿𝑑𝑉 , 𝑧̅ = 6 𝑧𝛿𝑑𝑉
Mass % Mass % Mass %

• Moment of Inertia (about certain rotation axis)

6 (distance to the rotation axis)) 𝛿𝑑𝑉

%

- moment of inertia about 𝑧-axis

Distance from any point on the solid object to 𝑧-axis is 𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) , thus

𝐼8 = 6 (𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) )𝛿𝑑𝑉
%

- moment of inertia about 𝑥-axis, 𝐼, = ∭%(𝑦 ) + 𝑧 ) )𝛿𝑑𝑉

- moment of inertia about 𝑦-axis, 𝐼. = ∭%(𝑥 ) + 𝑧 ) )𝛿𝑑𝑉

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

Example 7: Find the moment of inertia 𝐼$ of a solid cone between plane 𝑧 =

𝑏 and a cone 𝑧 = 𝑎.𝑥 ! + 𝑦 ! . Assume density 𝛿 = 1.

𝑧 𝑀

𝑦
𝜃
𝑥 𝐿

Since 𝛿 = 1, then the moment of inertia 𝐼8 becomes

𝐼8 = 6 (𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) )𝛿𝑑𝑉 = 6 (𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) )𝑑𝑉
% %

Let’s use cylindrical coordinates to evaluate this triple integral. The order of integration is

selected to be 𝑑𝑧, 𝑑𝑟 and 𝑑𝜃. Again the procedures are briefly described here.

(1) Sketch the shadow of solid in 𝑥𝑦 -plane. From the cone equation and where it is

intersected by plane 𝑧 = 𝑏, we have the equation for the shadow is

) )
𝑏 )
𝑥 +𝑦 =m o
𝑎

(2) From point in the shadow, draw a line 𝑀 parallel to 𝑧-axis and in the direction of

positive 𝑧-axis. The first contact of this line with the region gives 𝑧345 = 𝑎k𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) =

𝑎𝑟. The second contact of this line with the region gives 𝑧367 = 𝑏.

(3) In the plane of the shadow (𝑥𝑦-plane), from the origin draw a radiant line 𝐿 through the

shadow. The first contact of this line 𝐿 with the shadow gives 𝑟345 = 0. The second

1
contact of this line with the shadow gives 𝑟367 = 2.

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

(4) Rotate and sweep radiant line 𝐿 across the whole shadow, find 𝜃345 and 𝜃367 for the

shadow. 𝜃345 = 0 and 𝜃367 = 2𝜋.

𝐼8 = 6 (𝑥 ) + 𝑦 ) )𝑑𝑉 = 6 𝑟 ) 𝑑𝑧 𝑟𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃
% %

1
)B 1
2
=K K K 𝑑𝑧 𝑟 : 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃
( ( A2

1
)B
2
=K K (𝑏 − 𝑟𝑎 )𝑟 : 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃
( (

1
)B
1 1 2
=K m 𝑏𝑟 ? − 𝑎𝑟 C op 𝑑𝜃
( 4 5 (

1 𝑏C 1 𝑏C
= 2𝜋 O ? − Q
4𝑎 5 𝑎?

𝜋𝑏 C
=
10𝑎?

Question: What if you decided to integrate with respect to 𝑟 first, then 𝜃 and 𝑧 in the end?

Answer: Slice the cone with a given plane parallel to 𝑥𝑦-plane, or a plane at certain height of 𝑧.

A circle will be produced from the intersection that plane and the cone. The radius of the circle
8
is 𝑟 = 2. 𝑦 𝑧
𝑟=
𝑎
8
Then the integral bound for 𝑟 is ”0, 2•

the integral bound for 𝜃 is (0,2𝜋)

𝑥

The first slice is 𝑧 = 0, the last slice is 𝑧 = 𝑏.

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 APSC248 – Engineering Analysis III 2023

Therefore,

𝐼8 = 6 𝑟 ) 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃𝑑𝑧
%

8
1 )B
2
=K K K 𝑟 : 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝑧
( ( (

𝜋𝑏 C
=
10𝑎?

@Dr. Yang Cao Page 29