There are two methods for finding the area bounded by curves in rectangular coordinates. These are...

1. by using a horizontal element (called strip) of area, and

2. by using a vertical strip of area.

The strip is in the form of a rectangle with area equal to length width, with width equal to the differential
element. To find the total area enclosed by specified curves, it is necessary to sum up a series of rectangles
defined by the strip.

Using Horizontal Strip

From the figure, the area of the strip is , where . The total area can be found by running this
strip starting from going to . Our formula for integration is...

Note that is the right end of the strip and is always on the curve and is the left end of the strip and is
always on the curve . We therefore substitute and prior to integration.

Using Vertical Strip

We apply the same principle of using horizontal strip to the vertical strip. Consider the figure below.
The total area is...

Where
= upper end of the strip =
= lower end of the strip =

The steps in finding the area can be outlined as follows:

1. Sketch the curve
2. Decide what strip to use and define its limits
3. Apply the appropriate formula based on the strip then integrate.

Browse for some examples that illustrate the two methods.

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Example 1
Find the area bounded by the curve y = 9 - x2 and the x-axis.

Solution

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Step 1: Sketch the curve.

downward parabola; vertex at (0, 9); latus rectum = 1

 The required area is symmetrical with respect to the y-axis, in this case, integrate the half of the area
then double the result to get the total area. The use of symmetry will greatly simplify our solution most
especially to curves in polar coordinates.

Using Horizontal Strip

Step 2: Determine the limits of the strip.

The strip shown will start from y = 0 and end to y = 9

Step 3: Apply the appropriate formula then integrate.

Where
 answer

Using Vertical Strip

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Step 2: Determine the limits of the strip.
In this case the limits are not defined; we need to solve the points of intersection of the curves.

when y = 0, x = ± 3. The strip will swipe from x = 0 to x = 3.

Step 3: Apply the appropriate formula then integrate.

 Where

okay!

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Example 2
Find the area bounded by the curve a2 y = x3, the x-axis and the line x = 2a.

Solution

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when

when

points of intersection: (0, 0) and (2a, 8a)

Using vertical strip:

 answer

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Example 3
Find the area bounded by the curve x = y2 + 2y and the line x = 3.

Solution

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rightward parabola, vertex at (-1, -1), LR = 1

when

Using Horizontal Strip

 answer

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Example 4
Solve the area bounded by the curve y = 4x - x2 and the lines x = -2 and y = 4.

Solution

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downward parabola, vertex at (2, 4), LR = 1

answer

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Example 5
Find the area between the curves 2x2 + 4x + y = 0 and y = 2x.

Solution
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downward parabola, vertex at (-1, 2), LR = 1/2

Points of intersection

when x = 0, y = 2(0) = 0
when x = -3, y = 2(-3) = -6
points of intersection: (0, 0) and (-3, -6)

answer

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Example 6
Find each of the two areas bounded by the curves y = x3 - 4x and y = x2 + 2x.

Solution

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upward parabola, vertex at (-1, -1), LR = 1

(approximate - for graphing purposes only)

Maximum and minimum points of y = x3 - 4x

when x = 1.15, y = 1.153 - 4(1.15) = -3.08
when x = -1.15, y = (-1.15)3 - 4(-1.15) = 3.08
Maxima: (-1.15, 3.08)
Minima: (1.15, -3.08)

Points of intersection:

when x = 0, y = 0
when x = 3, y = 3^3 - 4(3) = 15
when x = -2, y = (-2)^3 - 4(-2) y = 0

Points of intersection: (0, 0), (3, 15) and (-2, 0)

answer
 answer

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Problem
The figure shown below is composed of arc of circles with centers at each corner of the square 20 cm by 20 cm.
Find the area inside the square but outside the region commonly bounded by the quarter circles. The required
area is shaded as shown in the figure below.

Solution

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A problem involving the same area was carried out by geometry without involving any integration. See the
solution for the area of CED in the following link: Solution by plane geometry.

Where
Thus,

At this point, you can use your scientific calculator to solve for the area of region ABC. From calculator.

Required area,

answer

For the sake of discussion, integration is carried further step by step below.

For

Let

When y = 0, = 0
When y = 10, = 30 = /6
Thus,

Required area,

answer

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