Another Solid of Revolution problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a solid of revolution formed by revolving the region bounded by the curve \(y=\frac{1}{x^2}\), the x-axis, and vertical lines \(x=2\) and \(x=8\) about the y-axis. Participants explore the setup of the problem using the shell method and express confusion regarding the correct formulation of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Mac, presents their setup for the shell method and expresses confusion about arriving at a different integral compared to the solution manual.
  • Mac's setup includes a radius of \(x+2\) and a height of \(\frac{1}{x^2}\), leading to an integral of \(2\pi\int_2^8 (x+2)(\frac{1}{x^2})dx\).
  • Another participant suggests that the radius should simply be \(x\) when revolving around the y-axis, indicating that the addition of 2 is unnecessary.
  • Mac questions the origin of the radius \(x+2\) and seeks clarification on the correct approach.
  • Mac acknowledges a potential misunderstanding regarding the shell method and its application compared to the disc or washer method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct setup for the integral. There are competing views on the appropriate radius to use in the shell method, with some participants suggesting different interpretations of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the application of the shell method versus other methods for finding volumes of solids of revolution. Participants express confusion about how to correctly identify the radius and height in their integrals.

MacLaddy1
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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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