Are My Calculus Solutions Correct?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter podboy6
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on two calculus problems related to volume calculation and integration techniques. The first problem involves setting up and calculating the volume of a solid formed by revolving the region bounded by the curves y = 2x - x² and y = x around the y-axis, resulting in a volume of V = π/6. The second problem evaluates the integral ∫(cos(1/t)/t²) dt, which is correctly solved using the substitution u = 1/t, yielding the result -sin(1/t) + C. Participants confirm the accuracy of the solutions provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically volume of solids of revolution.
  • Familiarity with the method of cylindrical shells for volume calculation.
  • Knowledge of substitution techniques in integration.
  • Basic graphing skills to analyze functions and their intersections.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of cylindrical shells in greater detail.
  • Practice solving volume integrals involving different curves and axes of rotation.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including integration by parts and trigonometric substitutions.
  • Review the concepts of limits of integration and their determination from function intersections.
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus courses, particularly those preparing for Calculus II, educators teaching calculus concepts, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of volume calculations and integration techniques.

podboy6
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone,

I was wondering if someone could take a look at two equations to see if I am solving them properly. I'm currently in Calculus II, but is been a year since I took Calculus I (budget cuts canceled the Calc II class last spring,) so I want to make sure I still haven't forgotten anything.

These questions came from my Calc II professor's final exam she gave last year to her Calc I class. She gave us the exam for homework to see where our skills were. I believe these are correct, but I wanted to make sure my work was correct. Anyway, here they are (my apologies for a long post):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question 1: Consider the region bounded by the graph [tex]y = 2x - x^2[/tex] and [tex]y = x[/tex]

Part 1: Set up the integral for the volume of the solid formed by revolving the region around the y-axis

Part 2: Find the volume of the solid.

[tex]V = \int_{a}^{b} 2 \pi x f(x)dx[/tex]

[tex]2x - x^2 = x[/tex]

[tex]x - x^2 = 0[/tex]

[tex]x (1 - x) = 0[/tex]

[tex]x = 0[/tex] and [tex]x = 1[/tex]

[tex]V = \int_{0}^{1} 2 \pi x (x) dx[/tex]

[tex]V = 2 \pi \int_{0}^{1} x (x) dx[/tex]

[tex]V = 2 \pi \int_{0}^{1} x^2 dx[/tex]

[tex]V = 2 \pi \int_{0}^{1} \frac{1}{3}x^3 dx[/tex]

[tex]V = 2 \pi \left[ \frac{1}{3}x^3 \right]_{0}^{1}[/tex]

[tex]V = 2 \pi \left[ \frac{1}{3}(1)^3 - \frac{1}{3}(0)^3 \right][/tex]

[tex]V = \frac{2 \pi}{3}[/tex]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question 2: Evaluate [tex]\int \frac{\cos \left[ \frac{1}{t} \right]}{t^2} dt[/tex]

[tex]\int \cos \left[ \frac{1}{t} \right] t^{-2} dt[/tex]

let [tex]u = \frac{1}{t}[/tex]

[tex]du = - t^{-2} dx[/tex]

[tex]- \int \cos (u) du[/tex]

[tex]= - sin (u) + C[/tex]

[tex]= - sin \left[ \frac{1}{t} \right] + C[/tex]

Again, my apologies for such a long post.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
#1 what you are doing is rotating the area between the two curves

To find the limits of integration you need to figure out where they are equal to each other (which you did correctly)

Then you need to subtract the rotated area of the lower curve (y=x) from the rotated area of the higher curve (y=2x-x^2)

Which would give you the integral:
[tex]2 * \pi * \int_0^1 2x^2 - x^3 -x^2 dx[/tex]

The last x^2 comes from f(x)*x where f(x) is y=x. It is minus because we are subtracting that area.

The 2x^2 – x^3 comes from f(x)*x where f(x) is y = 2x-x^2
The 2 pi comes from the formula to do cylindrical shells. (basically it is the out side of a shell)

So your new integral is
[tex]2 * \pi * \int_0^1 x^2 - x^3 dx[/tex]

I get an volume of pi/6


#2 looks good to me.
 
Last edited:
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

Hello there,

From my understanding, it seems like you have set up the integral for the first question correctly. It's always a good idea to double check your work, especially when it's been a while since you've studied the material. Your steps and solution for the second question also look correct to me. Great job on both questions! Keep up the good work and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Good luck in your Calculus II class!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
6K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K