Finding Surface Area Cone through integration

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The discussion focuses on finding the surface area of a cone using integration with given parametric equations. The user calculates the absolute value of the cross product of the derivatives, resulting in u sin(a), and attempts to integrate this over specified limits. However, the final result does not align with the expected formula for the surface area of a cone. Participants suggest ensuring the correct setup of the area element and re-evaluating the integration process. Clarification on the integration limits and the correct application of the formula for surface area is needed.
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Homework Statement



Find the surface area of the cone with the following equations:
x= u sin(a)cos(v) , y= u sin(a)sin(v), z=u cos(a)
where 0<=u <=b , 0<=v<=2(pi), a is constant!

The Attempt at a Solution



Trying to solve this I first calculate the absolute value of the cross product of r'(u) and r'(v):

ABS(r'(u) x r'(v)) = SQRT(u^2 (sin(a) ^2)) = u sin(a)

Then I try to integrate this result by calculating


∫ ∫ (u sin(a)) du dv = ∫ (1/2)(b^2) (sin(a)) dv = (pi) (b^2) sin(a)

with 0<=u<=b and 0<=v<=2(pi) as limits of integration.


This result however does not correspond with the formula to find the surface area of a cone.
Could someone help out with this problem?
Thank you!

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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Let a surface be X=(x(u,v),y(u,v),z(u,v)) . The element of area will be the cross product of Xu & Xv ( Xu is the partial derivative with respect to u &c.).Integrate this within the limits.
 
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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