2nd semester calc question : calculating volume of solid of revolution

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the volume of a solid formed by revolving the region bounded by the curves y = x^2 and y = 2 - x^2 about the x-axis, using the disc method.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct limits of integration and the boundaries defined by the curves. There is a focus on understanding where the curves intersect and how this affects the volume calculation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the implications of the boundaries and limits of integration. Some have suggested that the original poster may have misinterpreted the boundaries, while others confirm the need to consider symmetry in the evaluation of the integral.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a discrepancy between the original poster's answer and the solutions manual, with a focus on the use of constants in the integral. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly identifying the region of integration and the intersections of the curves.

Sentience
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Homework Statement



The solid formed when the region bounded by y = x^2 and y = 2 - x^2 is revolved about the x-axis

Homework Equations



disc method with respect to x-axis

the integral of : (pi * (f(x)^2 - g(x)^2))

The Attempt at a Solution



When I square each function and integrate the resulting difference I get :

4x - 4x^3/3 with limits of integration from 0 to 1 (x = 0 and x = 1)

My final answer is 8pi/3 (eight pi thirds)


My solutions manual gives me an answer of 16pi/3. However, I noticed that they have a constant factored out of their integral of 2pi instead of just pi. You are supposed to use pi instead of 2pi for the disc method, hence their answer being exactly double what mine is.

Either this is a mistake on my book's part or I am missing something :(

Please help!
 
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Check your limits again. You want the region bounded between the two curves. It doesn't say the y-axis is a boundary. The '2' is there for a different reason than you think.
 
Dick, thanks for the response.

However, I did leave out the boundary was supposed to be between x^2, 2 -x^2, and the x axis.

I'm not sure if that makes a difference.
 
I think it does. Would my new limits of integration be from 0 to where (2-x^2) hits the x axis?? (+ and - root (2))
 
Sentience said:
I think it does. Would my new limits of integration be from 0 to where (2-x^2) hits the x axis?? (+ and - root (2))

Where do the two curves intersect? They don't intersect at x=0.
 
LOL

Ok, they intersect at 1 and -1. They evaluated the integral from 0 to 1 and multiplied it by two since these functions are even and have symmetry.

So, with my constant of pi I should have evaluated it from -1 to 1.

If that isn't it I think I may just cry.
 
Don't cry. That's it. They probably shouldn't have used symmetry without saying so. It's doesn't really make it that much easier.
 
Last edited:

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