Calc II - Disk vs Shell method different volumes

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the discrepancy in volume calculations using the disk and shell methods for the function y = 5x over the interval [1,2]. The disk method yields a volume of 175π/3, while the shell method results in a volume of 350π/3. The difference arises because the shell method requires two integrals due to the changing shapes of the shells, particularly for the ranges 0 ≤ y ≤ 5 and 5 ≤ y ≤ 10. A visual representation of the solid of revolution is recommended for better understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus
  • Familiarity with the disk method for volumes of revolution
  • Knowledge of the shell method for volumes of revolution
  • Ability to sketch solids of revolution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the differences between the disk and shell methods in detail
  • Practice calculating volumes of revolution using both methods with various functions
  • Learn how to sketch solids of revolution for better visualization
  • Explore the concept of changing shell widths in the shell method
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for calculus exams, particularly those focusing on volumes of revolution, as well as educators teaching integral calculus concepts.

MonkeyDLuffy
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So I'm getting ready for an exam on tuesday, and I'm using each method for volumes of revolutions for every problem but I'm not getting the same answers. So, let's use this as an example:

y = 5x; the shaded region is from [1,2]

Using the disk method (about the x-axis) I find:

R(x) = 5x; r(x) = x

V = π ∫ 25x2 dx from [1,2] = 175π / 3

Using the shell method (about the x-axis) I find:

r(y) = y/5; h(y) = y

V = 2π ∫ (y2 / 5) dy from [5,10] = 350π / 3

I'd like to know why the shell method gave me a volume that is twice that of the one I found using the disk method.
 
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MonkeyDLuffy said:
So I'm getting ready for an exam on tuesday, and I'm using each method for volumes of revolutions for every problem but I'm not getting the same answers. So, let's use this as an example:

y = 5x; the shaded region is from [1,2]

Using the disk method (about the x-axis) I find:

R(x) = 5x; r(x) = x

V = π ∫ 25x2 dx from [1,2] = 175π / 3

Using the shell method (about the x-axis) I find:

r(y) = y/5; h(y) = y

V = 2π ∫ (y2 / 5) dy from [5,10] = 350π / 3

I'd like to know why the shell method gave me a volume that is twice that of the one I found using the disk method.
Using shells, you need to have two integrals, because the shapes of your shells are changing.

For ##0 \le y \le 5## the shell widths extend uniformly from x = 1 to x = 2. For ##5 \le y \le 10##, the shells extend from x = y/5 to x = 2. It helps to have a sketch of the solid of revolution.
 
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