Finding Volume Using the Disk Method

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the volume of a solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the curves y = x² and y = 4x - x² around the line y = 6. The correct integral setup is V = π ∫ [(x² - 6)² - (4x - x² - 6)²] dx from 0 to 2. The user successfully performed the algebraic simplification and integration, arriving at the volume of 64π/3, confirming the textbook solution. A minor point of clarification was made regarding the order of the functions in the integral, which does not affect the outcome due to the squaring of the terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically volume calculation using the disk method.
  • Familiarity with polynomial functions and their graphs.
  • Proficiency in algebraic manipulation and simplification of expressions.
  • Knowledge of definite integrals and their evaluation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the disk method for volume calculation in greater detail.
  • Learn about the method of cylindrical shells and its application in volume problems.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including integration by parts and substitution.
  • Review graphical interpretations of functions to better understand regions of rotation.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on volume calculations in solid geometry, as well as anyone seeking to improve their algebraic manipulation skills in the context of integration.

1d20
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Hi all, first time here. Huzzah! Looking for help setting up the integral for this:

1. Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by y = x^2 and y = 4x - x^2 around the line y = 6.

2. V = π ʃ [f(x)]^2 dx

3. I've tried every variation of:

π ʃ [(x^2 - 6)^2 - (4x - x^2)^2] dx (0, 2)

and

π ʃ [(x^2 - 6)^2 - (4x - x^2 - 6)^2] dx (0, 2)

I can think of.
 
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The second is correct. Since you are rotating around the line y= 6, 6- f(x) is the 'radius' of rotation. |x^2- 6| is the distance from y= 6 to y= x^2 so the area of the disk is \pi(x^2-6)^2. |4x- x^2- 6| is the distance from y= 6 to y= 4x- x^2 so the area of the disk is \pi(4x-x^2-6)^2. The area of the "washer" between them is \pi((x^2- 6)^2- (4x-x^2-6)^2 so the whole volume is
\pi\int [(x^2- 6)^2- (4x-x^2- 6)^2]dx

Now, you say you "tried" that. Exactly what did you do?
 
HallsofIvy said:
Now, you say you "tried" that. Exactly what did you do?
I did the algebra:

(x^2 - 6)^2 = x^4 - 12x^2 + 36
(4x-x^2 - 6)^2 = x^4 - 8x^3 + 28x^2 - 48x + 36
(x^4 - 12x^2 + 36) - (x^4 - 8x^3 + 28x^2 - 48x + 36) = 8x^3 - 40x^2 - 48x

Then I integrated:

\pi\int (8x^3 - 40x^2 - 48x) dx = \pi(2x^4 - (40/3)x^3 - 24x^2)

Then I plugged the interval (0, 2) into it:

\pi(2(2)^4 - (40/3)(2)^3 - 24(2)^2) = \pi(64/3)

...which is exactly what the textbook says. *sigh* I feel very foolish; I must have made an algebra mistake during the last step. Thanks anyway!
 
1d20 said:
π ʃ [(x^2 - 6)^2 - (4x - x^2 - 6)^2] dx (0, 2)

As a picky point that makes no difference in this problem (and which HallsofIvey pointed out), the 6 and the functions above should be reversed, which can be seen if you draw the pictures and look at the radius of the inner and the outer.

π ʃ [(6-x^2)^2 - (6-4x + x^2)^2] dx

Since they are squared here, it makes no difference, but it would make a difference when you are using the method of cylindrical shells.
 

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