(Calc 3) Finding mass of a wire using line integral

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of a wire shaped like the parabola y=x² for the interval 1 ≤ x ≤ 2, with a density function p(x,y)=x. The user correctly parameterized the curve using x=t and y=t², leading to the integral setup of ∫ t√(1+4t²) dt from 1 to 2. This approach is confirmed as accurate by other participants in the forum, validating the method for finding the mass using line integrals.

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NWeid1
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Homework Statement


Find the mass of a wire in the shape of the parabola y=x2 for 1 \leq x\leq2 and with density p(x,y)=x.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I just want to make sure I am setting this integral up right. Here is what I did:

I parameterized the equation to x=t, y=t2
and then got \int xds from 1 to 2.
then I set ds = \sqrt{1+4t^2}*dt

so I would have

\int t*\sqrt{1+4t^2}dt from 1 to 2. Correct, or no?
 
Last edited:
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NWeid1 said:

Homework Statement


Find the mass of a wire in the shape of the parabola y=x2 for 1 \leq x\leq2 and with density p(x,y)=x.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I just want to make sure I am setting this integral up right. Here is what I did:

I parameterized the equation to x=t, y=t2
and then got \int xds from 1 to 2.
then I set ds = \sqrt{1+4t^2}*dt

so I would have

\int t*\sqrt{1+4t^2}dt from 1 to 2. Correct, or no?

Yes.
 

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