Finding a volume bounded by a region

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of a region bounded by the curve y=e^-x^2, the x-axis (y=0), and the vertical lines x=0 and x=1, when this region is revolved around the y-axis. The discussion centers on the appropriate methods for calculating this volume.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss expressing x in terms of y and the implications of using the volume formula V = ∫ R^2 dy. There is a concern about the integration of the natural logarithm leading to undefined results. Some suggest using the cylindrical shell method as a potentially simpler approach, while others question the necessity of this method over the disk method.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with various methods being explored. Some participants have provided alternative approaches, such as the cylindrical shell method, while others express confusion about the application of different volume formulas. There is no explicit consensus on the best method yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original volume formula provided may be incomplete, specifically mentioning the absence of pi in the equation. There is also a discussion about the complexity of using the disk method, which may require multiple integrals.

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Homework Statement


The region bounded by [itex]y=e^-x^2[/itex], y=0, x=0 and x=1 is revolved around the y-axis. Find the volume.

Homework Equations



[itex]V = \int_{a}^{b} R^2 dy[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



We must first express x in terms of y. So we get

[itex]\ln y = -x^2[/itex]

[itex]x^2 = -\ln y[/itex]

We substitute this to the above volume equation and we get

[itex]V = \int_{0}^{1} -\ln y[/itex]

And without even doing the integration, I know for a fact that this cannot work out since if you integrate a natural log, you get a natural log back and substituting 0 into a natural log gets you an undefined answer.

I think I did something wrong or set up the problem wrong. Any advice would be appreciated!

Oh and if you know latex, could you tell me how to express y=e^(-x^2)?
 
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l46kok said:

Homework Statement


The region bounded by [itex]y=e^-x^2[/itex], y=0, x=0 and x=1 is revolved around the y-axis. Find the volume.


Homework Equations



[itex]V = \int_{a}^{b} R^2 dy[/itex]
This "relevant" equation isn't relevant.
l46kok said:

The Attempt at a Solution



We must first express x in terms of y. So we get

[itex]\ln y = -x^2[/itex]

[itex]x^2 = -\ln y[/itex]

We substitute this to the above volume equation and we get

[itex]V = \int_{0}^{1} -\ln y[/itex]

And without even doing the integration, I know for a fact that this cannot work out since if you integrate a natural log, you get a natural log back and substituting 0 into a natural log gets you an undefined answer.

I think I did something wrong or set up the problem wrong.
Yes. The easiest way to do this problem is to use cylindrical shells.

The relevant equation is
[tex]V = \int_a^b 2\pi~radius * height~dx[/tex]

Here, radius = x, and height = y = e-x2
l46kok said:
Any advice would be appreciated!

Oh and if you know latex, could you tell me how to express y=e^(-x^2)?
Put the exponent in braces:{-x^2}.
[tex]y = e^{-x^2}[/tex]
 
Just so that I understand, why is it that the cylindrical shell method must be applied here? I was taught that when finding a volume revolved around X or Y axis, the above equation works well except you just have to be careful when you plug in for X or Y.
 
You could use disks in this problem, but it's more complicated. You will need two integrals to do the problem this way. For y in [0, 1/3], the disks all have a radius of 1. For y in [1/e, 1] the radius of a given disk is the x value on the curve, or +sqrt(-ln(y)).

I should add that in your relevant formula in post 1, pi is missing.
 

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