Finding/sketching volume with the washer method

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The discussion focuses on finding the volume of a solid obtained by rotating the region bounded by the curves y=x^2+1 and y=3-x^2 about the x-axis using the washer method. The correct integral setup for this volume is π∫[(3-x^2)^2 - (x^2+1)^2]dx. It is noted that setting up the problem with respect to y would complicate the process, requiring multiple integrals and shifting the method to cylindrical shells. A "slice" or "strip" is defined as the vertical distance between the two curves at a given x-value, represented by a narrow rectangle. The user expresses uncertainty about their volume calculation and seeks to understand the setup for integrating with respect to y, despite its complexity.
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[SOLVED] Finding/sketching volume with the washer method

Homework Statement


Consider the region bounded by the curves y=x^2+1 & y=3-x^2. a) Using the disk/washer method, find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating this region about the x-axis. b) Setup the integral for finding the volume of the solid obtained by rotating this region about the x-axis. In each case, draw a diagram, indicating a typical "strip" (and its slice).

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I'm pretty sure the first one is right wrt x.
http://www.mcp-server.com/~lush/shillmud/inta1.6.JPG

Is this the correct way to set it up wrt y? Is there a simpler way?
http://www.mcp-server.com/~lush/shillmud/intb1.6.JPG

Also, what should I draw to "indicate a 'strip'"? I see the words strip, slab, and slice often used in a seemingly interchangeable fashion. What are they asking for here? Thanks for reading.
 
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Hello there.

Your setup wrt has one mistake; It should be: \pi\int{[(3-x^2)^2-(x^2+1)^2]dx}

As for the second part, ideally you would not want to set this up wrt y, for the following two reasons:

1) It changes your method for finding volume from the washer method to cylindrical shells (assuming that your "slice" is perpendicular to the y-axis).

2) Given my assumption about your slice in #1, you'd have to set up 3 integrals in order to do the problem, which is pretty insane.

As for your last question, a "slice" or "strip" is simply the distance from one curve to the other for any given value of your variable of integration. For instance, take the point x=0.5. Draw a line or a narrow rectangle from the curve y=3-x^2 to the curve y=x^2 + 1 at that point. That is your slice/strip. The width of that strip is dx.
 
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Thanks for the reply. I believe I have corrected my answer wrt x based on your suggestion although the new answer of 16pi seems a little bit large for the size of the rotated region. Also, I'm still not sure how to set it up wrt y. I know it's the harder way to do it but I would prefer to learn (and the question does ask for it). Cheers.
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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