Do we have to take the absolute value of the jacobian ONLY if it is a number?

5.4k Views Asked by At

if we want to evaluate the integration $$I=\int\int(x^3y^3)(x^2+y^2)dA$$ over the region bounded by the curves $$xy=1,\\xy=3,\\x^2-y^2=1,\\x^2-y^2=4$$ I used the transformation $$u=xy,\\v=x^2-y^2$$ I found that the jacobian will be $$J=\frac{1}{-2y^2-2x^2}$$ Do I have to get the absolute value of the jacobian? If I did not take the absolute value , I will get the result of the integration = - 30

if I take the absolute value $$J=\frac{1}{2y^2+2x^2}$$ I will get the result= + 30 .

My friend told me we take absolute value of the jacobian only if it is a number .. if this is right .. why we do not take the absolute value if the jacobian is a function?..I think we are sure here that the jacobian is negative since we have x and y squared , so we have to take the absolute value!

Another question, if we have to take always the absolute value of the jacobian (whether it is a number or function) :

if the jacobian is for example $$J=-2x+y$$ It will be positive for some values of x and y only ! .. how can we apply the absolute value inside the double integration?

1

There are 1 best solutions below

2
On BEST ANSWER

If the Jacobian is negative, then the orientation of the region of integration gets flipped.

You have to take the absolute value ALWAYS.