Finding the Volume of a Revolved Curve: y = (cos x)/x from pi/6 to pi/2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a solid generated by revolving the area between the curve y = (cos x)/x and the x-axis over the interval from π/6 to π/2. The subject area pertains to calculus, specifically the application of integration in volume calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks guidance on how to approach the problem of calculating the volume of the revolved curve. Some participants suggest using a specific formula, while others encourage a conceptual understanding of the problem by visualizing the volume as a series of disks.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different perspectives on how to tackle the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of integrals to find the volume, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the problem being posted in a Pre-Calculus context, which may imply certain constraints or expectations regarding the level of mathematical rigor required.

sparsh
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Hi

Could someone please give me an idea on how to go about this problem

Find the volume of the curve genereated by revolving the area between the curve y =(cos x)/x and the x-axis in the interval pie/6 to pie/2

Thanks a lot..
 
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Better than a formula is to think through it: Draw a line from any point on the x-axis up to the curve. As the curve is rotated around the x-axis that line sweeps out a disk of radius y= cos(x)/x. It's area is \pi y^2 and if we imagine that as a very shallow cylinder of height dx (the height of the disk is in the x direction) its volume is \pi y^2 dx.
The volume of the whole thing is a sum of those volumes (a Riemann sum) and becomes the integral Tinaaa said:
\int_{\frac{\pi}{6}}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}y^2 dx
Since y= cos(x)/x, put that in and integrate.

Was this really for a PRE-Calculus course?
 
@ Hallofivy

Thanks a lot. Actually I couldn't think up where to put this post so i just dropped it in Pre calculus.
 

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