A random question comes to mind, about the infinitesimal area of rings

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SUMMARY

The area of a thin ring with radius r is accurately expressed as 2πr dr. The discussion reveals a miscalculation where the area was derived using the formula for the area of a disc, leading to an incorrect factor of 4. The correct approach involves recognizing that the additional term from the expansion of (r + dr)² can be simplified, and the term 4π(dr)² is negligible for infinitesimal dr. The confusion arises from misapplying the area formula for a disc instead of focusing on the differential area of the ring.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, particularly differentiation and limits.
  • Familiarity with the concept of infinitesimals in mathematical analysis.
  • Knowledge of the geometric properties of circles and rings.
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations and expressions.
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  • Study the concept of differential geometry and its applications in calculus.
  • Learn about the use of Taylor series for approximating functions and their derivatives.
  • Explore the implications of infinitesimals in non-standard analysis.
  • Investigate the geometric interpretation of integrals in relation to area calculations.
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Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in advanced calculus concepts, particularly those exploring the properties of geometric shapes and infinitesimal analysis.

Laudator
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I know the area of a thin ring of radius ##r## can be expressed as ##2\pi rdr##, however, I wonder if I use the usual way of calculating area of a ring, can I reach the same conclusion? I got this:
$$4\pi(r+dr)^2-4\pi r^2=4\pi r^2+8\pi rdr+4\pi (dr)^2-4\pi r^2=8\pi rdr+4\pi (dr)^2$$And now I'm stuck. I think the second term can be ignored because it's so small, but how to deal with the fact that it's 4 times more than ##2\pi rdr##? Can someone explain this to me or tell me why I shouldn't think this way, where did I go wrong?
 
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Laudator said:
where did I go wrong
The initial 4 is not right: the area of a disc is ##\pi r^2##
 
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@BvU ... How stupid am I ... Thanks ...
 

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