Finding volume using cross sections

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To find the volume of the solid with a base bounded by y²=9x and x=1, the hypotenuse of each isosceles right triangle cross-section is determined to be 6√x. The area of each triangle is calculated using the formula for an isosceles right triangle, leading to an area of 9x. Integrating this area from 0 to 1 yields a total volume of 9/2. The calculations confirm the approach to solving the problem is correct.
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Homework Statement


find the volume of the solid whose base is the region bounded by y^2=9x and x=1 in the xy-plane. each cross section perpendicular to the x-axis is an isosceles right triangle with its hypotenuse in the xy-plane.


Homework Equations


V=\int_{a}^{b}A(x)dx


The Attempt at a Solution


well first i solved for y and got y=3sqrt(x) and y=-3sqrt(x), then i figured out the length of the hypotenuse to be 3sqrt(x)-(-3sqrt(x))=6sqrt(x)
but the formula for the area of an isosceles right triangle is 1/2a^2 where a is one of the triangles legs. how do i figure out the length of one of the legs?
 
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miglo said:

Homework Statement


find the volume of the solid whose base is the region bounded by y^2=9x and x=1 in the xy-plane. each cross section perpendicular to the x-axis is an isosceles right triangle with its hypotenuse in the xy-plane.


Homework Equations


V=\int_{a}^{b}A(x)dx


The Attempt at a Solution


well first i solved for y and got y=3sqrt(x) and y=-3sqrt(x), then i figured out the length of the hypotenuse to be 3sqrt(x)-(-3sqrt(x))=6sqrt(x)
but the formula for the area of an isosceles right triangle is 1/2a^2 where a is one of the triangles legs. how do i figure out the length of one of the legs?

I hope you have drawn sketches of everything, especially the triangles. The base of each triangle is 2y = 6√x. Each triangle is made up of two isosceles right triangles. The base of each is y = 3√x. Is that enough to get you started?
 
yeah got it, thanks!
 
just a quick question to check if i got the right answer, the area will then be 1/2(3sqrt(2x))^2=1/2*9*2x=9x
and integrating i get a volume of 9/2 since my limits will be from 0 to 1?
 
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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