Gabriel's Horn (Area and Volume)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the area and volume of Gabriel's Horn, defined by the function f(x) = 1/x, over the interval [1, ∞). The volume is computed using the integral formula Volume = π ∫ from 1 to ∞ (f(x))^2 dx, which converges to a finite value. In contrast, the area is calculated using Area = 2π ∫ from 1 to ∞ |f(x)| * √(1 + (f'(x))^2) dx, which diverges to infinity. Participants highlight issues with integral limits and missing coefficients, emphasizing the importance of careful substitution and comparison tests for integrals.

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Homework Statement


To calculate the area and volume of Gabriel's Horn between [ 1, infinity ).
And at the same time prove that, volume closes to finity, while area (or surface ) goes to infinity.


Homework Equations


f(x) = 1/x
f´(x)= -1/x^2

Volume = \pi ^{\infty}_{1}\int ((f(x))^2 )dx


Area = 2\pi ^{\infty}_{1}\int | f(x) | * \sqrt{}(1+(f´(x))^2) dx

The Attempt at a Solution



First page
Second page

I get the Volume done nicely, but the area? I know i could approximate the √(1+(1/x^4)) = √1 and it would solve easily, but what I'm doing wrong in my integral there? If we insert for example the s = 1, we get ln( 1-1 ) which we know ain't allowed.

So I think my integral is totally off but can't figure out how.

Sincerely yours,
Siune
 
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You were on the right track, but it gets to be a messy integral. I would just use the comparison test for integrals.

I don't see where the (-1/2) on the second page, first line went. Your integral seems fine except that you're missing a 1/2 on all your terms. The next step would be to sub back in your substitutions and clean up your answer.

Edit: I also don't understand your limits of integration. You're still integrating from 1 to infinity. If I read your writing correctly, you have them set up from sqrt(2) to 1 on the second page, why?
 

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