How Do I Apply the Theorem of Pappus to Find the Volume of a Revolved Region?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Pappus' theorem to find the volume of a solid generated by revolving a region defined by a semicircle about a specified line. Participants explore the concepts of centroids, areas, and distances in the context of this theorem, with a focus on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the application of Pappus' theorem, specifically regarding the centroid and the area of the region being revolved.
  • Another participant clarifies that the center of mass is a single point and explains the formula for calculating the volume using Pappus' theorem, emphasizing the need to determine the area and the distance from the centroid to the line of revolution.
  • A participant provides a specific example involving a semicircle and asks for help in calculating the volume generated by revolving this region about the line y = x - a, questioning the area and the distance to the line.
  • One participant offers the formula for the distance from a point to a line, which is relevant for calculating the volume using Pappus' theorem.
  • Several participants seek clarification on mathematical expressions and concepts, such as the absolute value notation and the correct area for a semicircle.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to understand the material better, indicating that they are revisiting concepts from earlier calculus courses.
  • One participant challenges another's understanding of the problem, suggesting that they may have incorrect values for the area and centroid, and encourages them to review foundational concepts before proceeding.
  • A participant attempts to work through the problem step-by-step, calculating the area and distance, and seeks validation for their approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the application of Pappus' theorem, with some expressing confidence in their calculations while others challenge the correctness of values and concepts. No consensus is reached on the proper application of the theorem or the calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the correct values for the area of the semicircle and the centroid, as well as the application of the distance formula to the specific problem at hand. Participants have varying levels of familiarity with the necessary mathematical concepts.

blumfeld0
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The theorem of pappus seems too simple that i do not get it.
ok
suppose I have the 1. (x cm., y c.m) meaning i have the x and y center of mass (the centroids). the center of mass is of some function
2. y(x) how do i find the volume when i revolve this region about the line 3. y(x) = mx+b

thank you
 
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No, the center of mass is not "some function". The center of mass is a single point: of some 2 dimensional region you have not mentioned.

And since you haven't mentioned the region, you haven't mentioned the area of the region which is the the cross-sectional area of the volume swept out. Pappus' theorem says that if you have a region of area A, rotated about a line, the volume of the figure created is 2[itex]\pi[/itex]RA where R is the distance from the centroid of the region.

Calculate the distance, R, from the centroid of the given region to the line y= mx+ b, calculate the area of the region, and then use [itex]V= 2\pi RA[/itex].
 
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Ok here is a sample of what I mean.
Given the centroid of the region enclosed by the x-axis and
y = Sqrt[a^2-x^2] (a semicircle) is located at (0,4a/3Pi).
find the volume of the solid generated by revolving this region about the y= x-a.

So I know Volume = 2Pi*area*distance from centroid to line y=x-a

Area = Pi * a^2 right?
distance to from centroid to line y = x-a is what??

thank you
 
The distance from a point, [itex](x_0, y_0)[/itex], to a line Ax+ By+C= 0 is given by
[tex]\frac{|Ax_0+ By_0+ C|}{\sqrt{A^2+ B^2}}[/itex]<br /> <br /> The area of a <b>circle</b> is [itex]\pi r^2[/itex]. The area of a <b>semi</b>- circle is half that.[/tex]
 
Hi Thank you very much. quick question what does
|Ax +By+c| mean?
I do not understand what the tabs means?

can you please give me a quick example.
In my case

y= x-a
so |1x-1y-a|
does this equal x^2-y^2-a^2"
thank you
 
blumfeld0 said:
Hi Thank you very much. quick question what does
|Ax +By+c| mean?
I do not understand what the tabs means?

can you please give me a quick example.
In my case

y= x-a
so |1x-1y-a|
does this equal x^2-y^2-a^2"
thank you
| | is absolute value. But let's back up a little. WHY are you doing this problem? You don't know Pappus' theorem, you got the wrong area for a semi- circle and you have the wrong value for the centroid! If you are taking a multi-variable Calculus course, you should know all those things before you attempt a problem like this. I recommend you go back, re-read the problem, take a deep breath, and start all over again.
 
We skipped this stuff when I was in calc II and I really want to get it so I am doing a couple of problems for fun. I know the area of a semicircle.
The problem says
"the centroid of the region enclosed by the x-axis and the semicircle
y= Sqrt[a^2-x^2] lies at the point (0,4a/3Pi). Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving this region about the line y = x-a"

Volume = 2Pi A *b(distance)

A= Pi*a^2/2
b = (1x0-1y0-a)/Sqrt[(1+1)] = |0-(4a/3Pi)-a|/Sqrt[2] =

(2*Pi*Pi*a^2/2) * ((4a/3Pi)+a) /Sqrt[2]

is that right?
thank you!
 

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