Calculating Volume with Volumes of Revolution: Triangle Rotated about x = -2

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the volume of a triangle bounded by the lines y = 0, y = x, and y = 2 - x when rotated about the line x = -2. The subject area pertains to volumes of revolution, specifically using methods involving integrals and cylindrical shells.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of integrals for calculating volume, with some attempting to use vertical rectangles and others suggesting horizontal rings. There are questions about the height of the shells and the bounds for integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the setup of integrals, while others are exploring different interpretations of the problem. There is acknowledgment of potential mistakes in the original poster's approach, particularly regarding the boundaries and the method of integration.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly identifying whether to integrate with respect to x or y, and there are references to drawings that may clarify the setup. There is also mention of a possible misunderstanding regarding the axis of rotation and the boundaries of the triangle.

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Homework Statement



Calculate the volume obtained by rotating the triangle bounded by y = 0, y = x, and y = 2 - x, about the line x = -2. You may use either horizontal or vertical rectangles.

The Attempt at a Solution



So since this is a triangle, I tried to split up the volume down to two integrals, one from 0 - 1, and the other from 1-2. I used vertical rectangles by the way. So I set up my first integral as

[itex]2 \cdot \pi \int_{0}^{1} (x+2)(x) \,dx[/itex]
since the shell radius would be a distance x + another 2, and then the shell height would be the x.
My second integral is

[itex]2 \cdot \pi \int_{1}^{2} (x+2)(2-x) \,dx[/itex]

then I added these together, but I did not get the correct answer, could anyone show me what the error in my steps are?
 
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I am issing 2). relevant equations. Where did you get the idea to set up the integrals as you did ?
Did you make a drawing to see if you want to integrate over dx or over dy ?

[edit]Ok, you are using vertical shells. What is their height ? x seems strange: in my drawing height decreases with x.

[edit][edit]vertical shells require bounds in x, not in y.
 
y=x is the first height,no? from 0-1 if not, then what is it
 
Ah, I see. You want to integrate over x (i.e. horizontal rings), the bounds are x=0 at the lower en x=x at the upper end , so the height is x for the first integral. And also for the second integral.

Or do you want to use vertical rings and integrate over x ? x does not exceed 1, right ?

Can you show your drawing ?
 
I vertical cylinders, I don't think you can have vertical rings. You can have horizontal rings. Here is the graph
105v0b8.jpg
 
Last edited:
Panphobia said:

Homework Statement



Calculate the volume obtained by rotating the triangle bounded by y = 0, y = x, and y = 2 - x, about the line x = -2. You may use either horizontal or vertical rectangles.

The Attempt at a Solution



So since this is a triangle, I tried to split up the volume down to two integrals, one from 0 - 1, and the other from 1-2. I used vertical rectangles by the way. So I set up my first integral as

[itex]2 \cdot \pi \int_{0}^{1} (x+2)(x) \,dx[/itex]
since the shell radius would be a distance x + another 2, and then the shell height would be the x.
My second integral is

[itex]2 \cdot \pi \int_{1}^{2} (x+2)(2-x) \,dx[/itex]

then I added these together, but I did not get the correct answer, could anyone show me what the error in my steps are?

Your integrals are set up correctly. You must have some mistake in your evaluating them.
 
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Yea, I think I did miss a factor of (1/3) somewhere when I solved my integral. Thanks for the help!
 
Oh boy, my mistake: I revolved around x= -2 and had line x=0 as boundary instead of y=0. Scuse me! Eating humble pie. At least it explains why communicating was difficult.

And yes, integrals are set up correctly -- from the start :redface:.
 

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