Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Oxford / 2021 / Prelims / Mathematics V resit / Question 1 / b / Solution

Express the position vector in the suggested orthonormal basis as $\mathbf{r}=X{\mathbf{e}}_1+Y{\mathbf{e}}_2+Z{\mathbf{e}}_3$. ThenThis orthogonal transformation preserves $x^2+y^2+z^2=X^2+Y^2+Z^2$ and has Jacobian determinant of absolute value one, so $dV=dXdYdZ$. The basis actually reverses orientation; the absolute value of the Jacobian determinant is why no minus sign enters the volume integral. Also $x-y=\sqrt{2}Z$, so the half-space becomes $Z\ge 1/2$.

At each fixed $Z\in [1/2,1]$, the section is the disk $X^2+Y^2\le 1-Z^2$, of area $\pi (1-Z^2)$. Its reflection symmetry in $X$ makes the integral of $X$ vanish. Hence the required triple integral isThe negative sign is also consistent with the cap lying in the direction $(1,-1,0)$, where its average $y$ coordinate is negative.