Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 769Calculus › Multivariable calculus › Multiple integralsL2Added 2 Nov 2026

Double integral in polar coordinates

#polar coordinates#double integral#Jacobian

Statement

Compute
∬De−(x2+y2) dx dy\iint_D e^{-(x^2+y^2)} \, dx \, dy
where D={(x,y):x2+y2≤1}D = \{(x,y) : x^2+y^2 \le 1\}.

Hint

Switch to polar coordinates: x=rcos⁡θx = r\cos\theta, y=rsin⁡θy = r\sin\theta, dx dy=r dr dθdx\,dy = r\,dr\,d\theta.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Change of variables.
x=rcos⁡θ,y=rsin⁡θ,dx dy=r dr dθ.x = r\cos\theta, \quad y = r\sin\theta, \quad dx\,dy = r\,dr\,d\theta.
The domain becomes 0≤r≤10 \le r \le 1, 0≤θ≤2π0 \le \theta \le 2\pi.

Computation.
∬De−(x2+y2) dx dy=∫02π∫01e−r2r dr dθ.\iint_D e^{-(x^2+y^2)} \, dx \, dy = \int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^1 e^{-r^2} r \, dr \, d\theta.
The rr-integral:
∫01re−r2 dr=[−12e−r2]01=12(1−e−1).\int_0^1 r e^{-r^2} \, dr = \left[ -\frac12 e^{-r^2} \right]_0^1 = \frac12(1-e^{-1}).
Hence
∬De−(x2+y2) dx dy=2π⋅12(1−e−1)=π(1−e−1).\iint_D e^{-(x^2+y^2)} \, dx \, dy = 2\pi \cdot \frac12(1-e^{-1}) = \pi(1-e^{-1}).

Remark. This computation is the basis for proving ∫−∞+∞e−x2dx=π\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} e^{-x^2}dx = \sqrt{\pi}.