Finding volume using cross sections

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of a solid whose base is defined by the region bounded by the equation y²=9x and the line x=1 in the xy-plane. The cross sections perpendicular to the x-axis are isosceles right triangles with their hypotenuse lying in the xy-plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the determination of the hypotenuse length of the triangles and the relationship between the hypotenuse and the legs of the isosceles right triangles. Questions arise regarding how to calculate the length of the legs based on the hypotenuse.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the geometry of the triangles and suggested approaches to visualize the problem. There is an ongoing exploration of the area calculation for the triangles and the integration limits for volume calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of sketching the figures involved, particularly the triangles, to aid in understanding the problem setup. There is also a reference to specific equations and integration limits relevant to the volume calculation.

miglo
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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?
 

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