How to choose top and bottom curves for calculating areas between them? Especially if the curves are pretty mixed up.I mean, how to identify the higher and lower fuction?

Thanks in advance!

Question

How to choose top and bottom curves for calculating areas between them? Especially if the curves are pretty mixed up.I mean, how to identify the higher and lower fuction?

Thanks in advance!

anonymous · Answer

the one that's farther from the axis is the top. If they have multiple points of intersection you have to use more than one integral

anonymous · Answer

Thanks for the reply.And if I choose the wrong curve, then would I get -tive area?

anonymous · Answer

negative?  yeah

anonymous · Answer

So, if this is the case, I can go back and flip flop my curves.Right? So anyways, I would not be getting wrong area.Is that true?

amistre64 · Answer

dont go back and flip flop; jsut take the absolute value of the answer

anonymous · Answer

yeah unless they intersect multiple times and you should have taken multiple integrals

anonymous · Answer

If I evaluate both curves (function of those curves) at same point and then decide which one is upper and lower, would it be right?

amistre64 · Answer

12 - 4 = 8

4 - 12 = -8

the only difference is a sign

anonymous · Answer

You are right, but my examiner might deduct my marks (:

amistre64 · Answer

then kick him :)

anonymous · Answer

if its easy to integrate just go back and do it lol

anonymous · Answer

Ok. Thanks akbr0 and amistre64 for your help.I appreciate it.