Analyzing the Setup
Welcome, future engineers! Today we are diving into a problem that perfectly marries the elegance of coordinate geometry with the power of calculus.
We are considering two distinct mathematical entities: the unit circle x2+y2=1 and the modulus-defined curve ∣y∣=1−x2. The modulus sign forces us to split our perspective.
When y≥0, we have the downward-opening parabola y=1−x2. When y<0, we have the upward-opening parabola y=x2−1.
By visualizing this, you see the parabolas acting like a pair of jaws biting into the circle. The area α we seek is the region trapped inside the circle but outside these parabolic jaws.
The Power of Symmetry
To solve this, we utilize the symmetry of the shapes. The entire figure is symmetric about both the x-axis and the y-axis.
Instead of calculating the whole area, we focus on the first quadrant. The area of the circle in the first quadrant is:
The area under the parabola y=1−x2 in the first quadrant is given by the integral:
Calculating this integral is straightforward:
Since we have four such symmetric regions, the total area of the parabolas is:
The Final Comparison
The total area of the circle is π. Subtracting the parabolic area from the circle gives us the area α:
The problem asks us to relate this to the form 9α=βπ+γ. Multiplying our result by 9, we get:
By simple comparison, we identify β=9 and γ=−24.
The final step is to find ∣β−γ∣, which is:
See how the complexity melts away when you break it down? Keep this clarity in your mind, and no problem will ever be too difficult for you.