Finding/sketching volume with the washer method

  • Thread starter Thread starter silicon_hobo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Method Volume
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the volume of a solid formed by rotating the region bounded by the curves y=x²+1 and y=3-x² about the x-axis using the washer method. The correct integral setup for this volume is π∫[(3-x²)² - (x²+1)²]dx. The conversation also clarifies the distinction between using the washer method and cylindrical shells, emphasizing that setting up the problem with respect to y complicates the process and requires multiple integrals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the washer method for volume calculation
  • Familiarity with integration techniques in calculus
  • Knowledge of the properties of functions and curves
  • Ability to interpret graphical representations of mathematical concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the washer method in detail, focusing on its application in volume calculations
  • Learn how to set up integrals for cylindrical shells
  • Explore graphical methods for visualizing regions bounded by curves
  • Practice problems involving volume of solids of revolution
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on volume calculations using the washer method, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their students.

silicon_hobo
Messages
59
Reaction score
0
[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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Last edited:
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.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K