Area of a Surface of Revolution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area of a surface of revolution using calculus, specifically focusing on the function f(x) = 81 - x^2 over the interval [0, 9] when revolved about the y-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up the integral for the surface area but questions the correctness of their initial setup. They later revise their integral and express uncertainty about evaluating it. Other participants confirm the correctness of the revised integral and question the reasoning behind the initial setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the integral setup. There is a clear acknowledgment of the correct approach, but no consensus on the evaluation of the integral has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the formula for surface area in the context of revolving a function around an axis, with specific attention to the definitions of radius and derivative in the integral setup.

steelphantom
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I'm having more Calculus troubles here. Here's the problem:

Write the definite integral that represents the area of the surface formed by revolving the graph of [tex]f(x) = 81 - x^2[/tex] on the interval [tex][0, 9][/tex] about the y axis; evaluate the integral to determine the surface area.

By knowing that [tex]f(x) = 81 - x^2[/tex], [tex]f'(x) = -2x[/tex]. I then set up the integral for surface area, and I get this:

[tex]2\pi \int_{0}^{9} (81 - x^2)\sqrt{1 + (-2x)^2} dx[/tex]

Assuming I did that correctly, I can't figure out for the life of me how to evaluate the integral. Any ideas?

Edit: I'm pretty sure I set up the integral wrong. I think it should be:

[tex]2\pi \int_{0}^{9} (x)\sqrt{1 + (-2x)^2} dx[/tex]

If so, I think I found the answer, and it comes out to be about 3068.
 
Last edited:
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Your second integral is correct.

Do you know why the first is not?
 
pizzasky said:
Your second integral is correct.

Do you know why the first is not?

Well, the forumula for surface area, as far as I know, is

[tex]2\pi \int_{a}^{b} r(x)\sqrt{1 + f'(x)} dx[/tex]

where r(x) is the radius of the ring at the given x. 81 - x^2 isn't the radius; x is. Is that the correct reasoning?
 
Yep, that's the reason. :)
 

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