MHB Another Solid of Revolution problem

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The discussion centers on finding the volume of a solid of revolution formed by the region bounded by the curve y=1/x², the x-axis, and vertical lines at x=2 and x=8, revolved around the y-axis. The user initially set up the problem using the shell method but mistakenly added 2 to the radius, leading to confusion with the solution manual's result. The correct radius for the shell method is simply x, not x+2, since the revolution is about the y-axis. Clarifications were provided regarding the differences between the shell method and the disc/washer method, emphasizing the importance of understanding the radius in relation to the axis of rotation. The user expressed a better understanding of the setup after receiving feedback.
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I'm finding myself stuck again. This time it is more in the set up then the solving.

Find the volume of the following solid of revolution.

The region bounded by [math]y=\frac{1}{x^2}[/math], y=0, x=2, x=8, and revolved about the y-axis.

I am trying to use the shell method to solve this, as it seems the best scenario in this situation. This is my set-up,

[math]2\pi\int_2^8 (radius)(height)dx[/math]
[math]2\pi\int_2^8 (x+2)(\frac{1}{x^2})dx[/math]
[math]2\pi\int_2^8 (\frac{1}{x}+\frac{2}{x^2})dx[/math]

Now here is where I am getting into a snag. Following this through I am coming up with a completely different solution to the manual, and the solution manual is showing the first integration step as [math]2\pi\int_2^8 (\frac{1}{x})dx[/math], but I can't figure out how they are coming up with that integral. It is showing a final solution of [math]\pi\ln(16)[/math]

Any help, or a kick in the right direction, would be greatly appreciated.

Mac
 
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MacLaddy said:
[snip]
Now here is where I am getting into a snag. Following this through I am coming up with a completely different solution to the manual, and the solution manual is showing the first integration step as [math]2\pi\int_2^8 (\frac{1}{x})dx[/math], but I can't figure out how they are coming up with that integral. It is showing a final solution of [math]\pi\ln(16)[/math]

Any help, or a kick in the right direction, would be greatly appreciated.

Mac
[/snip]

That's because the radius of your solid of revolution is just $x$, not $x+2$. $x$ is always measured from the $y$-axis (i.e. $x=0$), so there's no need to add 2 to this value; in this case, $x$ just happens to be between 2 and 8.

On the other hand, the radius would be $x+2$ if you were revolving the region about the line $x=-2$.

I hope this clarifies things!
 
MacLaddy said:
I'm finding myself stuck again. This time it is more in the set up then the solving.

Find the volume of the following solid of revolution.

The region bounded by [math]y=\frac{1}{x^2}[/math], y=0, x=2, x=8, and revolved about the y-axis.

I am trying to use the shell method to solve this, as it seems the best scenario in this situation. This is my set-up,

[math]2\pi\int_2^8 (radius)(height)dx[/math]
[math]2\pi\int_2^8 (x+2)(\frac{1}{x^2})dx[/math]
[math]2\pi\int_2^8 (\frac{1}{x}+\frac{2}{x^2})dx[/math]

Now here is where I am getting into a snag. Following this through I am coming up with a completely different solution to the manual, and the solution manual is showing the first integration step as [math]2\pi\int_2^8 (\frac{1}{x})dx[/math], but I can't figure out how they are coming up with that integral. It is showing a final solution of [math]\pi\ln(16)[/math]

Any help, or a kick in the right direction, would be greatly appreciated.

Mac

Where did a radius of \(x+2\) come from? Why not \(x\)?

CB
 
Thanks Chris and Captain for the replies.

I had a hunch that this is where my misunderstanding was. So when using the shell method, and it is rotated directly among one of the axis', then the radius can be considered x (or y), and the start and stop point is the limits for my integration?

That explanation probably isn't very good, but I think I understand. When using the disc or washer method then the radius is found more similarly to what I was doing? I think I'm getting confused between methods here. I probably need more practice.

Thanks guys.

Mac
 
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