Find the volume of the solid generated by rotating the region bounded

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of a solid generated by rotating a region bounded by the x-axis, the curve y=3x^4, and the lines x=1 and x=-1, with the axis of rotation being the y-axis. The discussion centers around the application of the washer method for volume calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the washer method, defining outer and inner radii, and setting up the integral with respect to y. There is mention of using symmetry to simplify calculations. Questions arise regarding the correct setup of functions f(y) and g(y) in the integral, as well as the appropriateness of a substitution suggested by a professor.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the washer method and questioning the necessity of symmetry in their calculations. Some participants express confusion about the correct forms of the functions involved and the implications of their choices on the final volume calculation.

Contextual Notes

There is a suggestion that a substitution might simplify the integration process, but participants are unsure about its necessity. The discussion also highlights the importance of correctly identifying the bounds and the functions used in the volume formula.

jorgegalvan93
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Homework Statement



Find the volume of the solid generated by rotating the region bounded by the x-axis, the curve y=3x^4, and the lines x=1 and x= -1. The axis of rotation is the y-axis.


Homework Equations



Washers method: V=∏∫ [(R)^2 - (r)^2]dr
x = (y/3)^(1/4)

The Attempt at a Solution



So for the following problem, I used washers method to solve for the volume of the solid. R representing the outer radius, and r representing the inner radius (hole).
Because my washer is perpendicular do the y-axis, I will set my expression with respect to y… dy
I will use symmetry, so my R is 1, and r is a vertical distance so it is x, which is equal to (y/3)^(1/4)

V=∏∫ [(1)^2 - ((y/3)^(1/4))^2]dy , where the limits of integration are a = 0 and b = 3
V = 2∏∫ [(1) - √(y/3)]dy (step where problem arises)
V = 2∏[(y - 2/3(y/3)^(3/2)] from 0 to 3
V = 2∏[3 - 2/3(3/3)^(3/2)]
V = 2∏[3 - 2/3(1)]
V = 2∏[3 -(2/3)] … V = 2∏(7/3)….

V = 14∏/3

My professor said that on the second step performed, I should have done a substitution… u = y/3. I don't think that's correct though, because I would still have a 1.
Can anyone give me a hand with this problem?

Thank you!
 
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jorgegalvan93 said:

Homework Statement



Find the volume of the solid generated by rotating the region bounded by the x-axis, the curve y=3x^4, and the lines x=1 and x= -1. The axis of rotation is the y-axis.


Homework Equations



Washers method: V=∏∫ [(R)^2 - (r)^2]dr
x = (y/3)^(1/4)

The Attempt at a Solution



So for the following problem, I used washers method to solve for the volume of the solid. R representing the outer radius, and r representing the inner radius (hole).
Because my washer is perpendicular do the y-axis, I will set my expression with respect to y… dy
I will use symmetry, so my R is 1, and r is a vertical distance so it is x, which is equal to (y/3)^(1/4)

V=∏∫ [(1)^2 - ((y/3)^(1/4))^2]dy , where the limits of integration are a = 0 and b = 3
V = 2∏∫ [(1) - √(y/3)]dy (step where problem arises)
V = 2∏[(y - 2/3(y/3)^(3/2)] from 0 to 3
V = 2∏[3 - 2/3(3/3)^(3/2)]
V = 2∏[3 - 2/3(1)]
V = 2∏[3 -(2/3)] … V = 2∏(7/3)….

V = 14∏/3

My professor said that on the second step performed, I should have done a substitution… u = y/3. I don't think that's correct though, because I would still have a 1.
Can anyone give me a hand with this problem?

Thank you!
You are combining some aspects of the washer method and some aspects of the shell method.

The washer method should look like
\displaystyle \pi\int_{a}^{b}\,(f(y))^2-(g(y))^2\,dy\ .​
 
That's the method I used. Where f(y) = 1 and g(y) = (y/3)^(1/4)
I have a 2 next to ∏ because I am using the symmetry of the function. I thought it would be much simpler that way. But I suppose I can find the volume without using symmetry. By doing that, f(y) = 2 and g(y) = 2x?
I'm confused as to what g(y) would have to be in this instance.
 
jorgegalvan93 said:
That's the method I used. Where f(y) = 1 and g(y) = (y/3)^(1/4)
I have a 2 next to ∏ because I am using the symmetry of the function. I thought it would be much simpler that way. But I suppose I can find the volume without using symmetry. By doing that, f(y) = 2 and g(y) = 2x?
I'm confused as to what g(y) would have to be in this instance.
Do not multiply ny 2. Only use the right half or the left half of the region. Either will "sweep out" the entire volume that you're interested in.

Also, I agree with your professor. The 1 is not the issue.

I integrating \displaystyle \ \ \sqrt{\frac{y}{3}}\,, \ you have that the anti-derivative of that is \displaystyle \ \ \frac{2}{3}\left(\frac{y}{3}\right)^{3/2}\ .

Now, if you check that result by taking the derivative, you get \displaystyle \ \ \frac{2}{3}\frac{3}{2}\left(\frac{y}{3}\right)^{1/2}\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) \ .\ The last 1/3 coming from the chain rule.
 

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