Finding Surface area of a Parametric Curve

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the surface area of a parametric curve defined by the equations x = 1 - sin(t) and y = 2 + cos(t), when rotated about the line y = 2. The correct formula for surface area is established as SA = 2π∫[y√((dx/dt)² + (dy/dt)²)] dt, with the interval for t being from -π/2 to π/2. The expected answer is confirmed to be 2π², although some participants express confusion over the calculations leading to this result.

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  • Familiarity with surface area calculations in 3D geometry
  • Ability to differentiate functions with respect to a variable
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trap
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Can someone please help me with this question?

x = 1-sint, y = 2+cost, rotate about y = 2

Find the surface area of the parametric curve.

I don't know how to do it with y=2, I only know how if the question askes for rotating about the x-axis.
The answer to the question is 2(pi)^2.
 
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trap said:
Can someone please help me with this question?

x = 1-sint, y = 2+cost, rotate about y = 2

Find the surface area of the parametric curve.

I don't know how to do it with y=2, I only know how if the question askes for rotating about the x-axis.
The answer to the question is 2(pi)^2.

Since you are rotating about y=2, that makes each of your y-values 2 less, so the equations become:

x = 1 - sin(t)
y = cos(t)

Now I think you can do the rest:

\text{SA}=2\pi\int_{0}^{2\pi}y\,\sqrt{\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2+\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2}\, dt
 
Last edited:
I forgot to mention that the interval is t between (-pi/2, pi/2), how do i get the answer 2pi^2 with

\text{SA}=2\pi\int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2}y\,\sqrt{\left(\frac{ dx}{dt}\right)^2+\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2}\, dt ??

so i have... dx = -cost
dy = -sint

here's what I've done..but couldn't get the answer

\text{SA}=2\pi\int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2}y\,\sqrt{(sint)^2+(cost)^2}\, dt

=2\pi\int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2}y\,\sqrt{1}\, dt

=2\pi\int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2}cost\, dt

=2\pi\sin(\pi/2) - 2\pi\sin(-\pi/2)

=4\pi
 
Last edited:
but i got the formula of surface area from my textbook, which is,

\text{SA}=2\pi\int_{}^{}y\,\sqrt{\left(\frac{ dx}{dt}\right)^2+\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2}\, dt
 
trap said:
but i got the formula of surface area from my textbook, which is,

\text{SA}=2\pi\int_{}^{}y\,\sqrt{\left(\frac{ dx}{dt}\right)^2+\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2}\, dt

Yes, right. I fixed it sorry about that. Anyways, using this you should come up with your answer (I myself am coming up with -4π). Are you sure it's 2π2?

The only way I get 2π2 is by the following:

2\pi\int_{\frac{\pi}{2}}^{\frac{3\pi}{2}}\cos^2{t}\,dt

...but you clearly don't have a cos2(t)...
 
Last edited:
yes..the answer is supposed to be 2pi^2, unless it is a typo in the textbook
 
trap said:
yes..the answer is supposed to be 2pi^2, unless it is a typo in the textbook

It happens but I doubt that. Does anyone have any ideas why the work above isn't giving the correct answer?
 
i think you were suppose to multiplied by x(t) not y(t)
 

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