How do I solve for the area and volume of a cosinusoidal curve?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the area and volume related to a segment of a cosinusoidal curve, specifically defined by the function y = 3 cos(xπ/2). The original poster presents two main questions: one regarding the area between the curve and the x-axis, and another concerning the volume generated by rotating the curve around the y-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the area using integration and provides a formula. They also express the need to find the volume by first transforming the function to express x in terms of y. Questions arise about integrating the arccos function, and participants suggest methods such as integration by parts and using trigonometric identities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on potential methods for integration. There is acknowledgment of the challenges faced by the original poster regarding the integration of arccos(x), and suggestions are made to explore different approaches. However, there is no explicit consensus on a solution yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a lack of familiarity with integrating arccos(x), which is a key aspect of the problem. There is also a reference to an external resource for integral tables, indicating a search for additional support.

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I have the attached graph, a part of a cosinusoidal curve (not sure if this is a correct translation).

I don't have the function, but if I am correct:

y = 3 cos (x*pi/2)

The questions are:

a) Calculate the area between that part of the curve and the x axis.
b) Calculate the volume of the body created by rotating the part of the curve around the y axis.


a) No problem here.

P = 2 * integral from 0 to 1 of 3cos(xpi/2) dx

I got the solution 12/pi.

b) I got this far:

To calculate the volume I need the area of the circles which constitute the body. To get that, I need to express x in terms of y.

y = 3 cos (x*pi/2)
arccos(y/3) = x*pi/2
x = (2/pi)arccos(y/3)

The area is: P = x^2*pi

So the volume is:

V = integral from 0 to 3 of [(2/pi)arccos(y/3)]^2*pi dy

Let I = integral of [(2/pi)arccos(y/3)]^2*pi dy

I = integral of (4/pi)arccos^2(y/3) dy
I = (4/pi) integral of arccos^2(y/3) dy

substitute t = y/3, dt = dy/3, dy=3dt

I = (12/pi) integral of arccos^2(t) dt

I don't know how to integrate this. Anyone able to help?
 

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that was fast! thanks a lot :)

by the way, is there a way for me to calculate it myself that i should have thought of?
 
Last edited:
If you know how to differentiate arccos(x), you could try integration by parts and using some trigonometric identities?!
 
The whole problem was that I didn't know how to integrate arccos(x)dx. I didn't immediately think of dividing it into arccos(x)*1dx and using partial integration.. Stupid, I know :)
 

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