How Do I Find the Volume of a Solid Revolved Around the y-Axis?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of a solid formed by revolving a region bounded by the graph \( y = \frac{1}{x} \ln(x) \), the x-axis, and the line \( x = e \) around the y-axis. The original poster specifies the interval on the x-axis from 1 to e and from the y-axis from 1 to \( \frac{1}{e} \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express the function in terms of y but encounters difficulties. Some participants suggest using the method of cylindrical shells instead of the disk method. There is discussion about the height and radius of the cylindrical shell, with participants questioning the need to solve for x in terms of y.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different methods for solving the problem, particularly the cylindrical shell method. There is a recognition of the challenges in rewriting the function and some guidance has been offered regarding the height and radius of the cylinder. The conversation indicates progress in understanding, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the complexity introduced by the natural logarithm function in the problem, and the original poster expresses uncertainty about the feasibility of rewriting the equation in terms of y.

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Homework Statement


Let R be the region bounded by the graph y=(1/x)ln(x), the x-axis, and the line x=e.
Find the volume of the solid formed by revolving the region R about the y-axis.

The interval should be (on the x-axis) from 1 to e
and from the y-axis, it should be from 1 to (1/e)

the area of the region is 1/2

Homework Equations


[tex]V=\pi\int(top^2-bottom^2) over an interval[/tex]
(at least, that is what I use when rotating an area over the x-axis, I've never had the y-axis before)

The Attempt at a Solution


I was able to get the area quite easily, but when reading on how to find the volume, it said to write the equations in terms of y, so Iwas able to get f(y)=e REALLY easily, but I am having problems getting the other equation in terms of y, and I'm not even sure one can do so! If this is the case, how should I approach solving this problem? Thanks for any replies.
 
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It's a LOT easier to do this problem using the method of shells rather than the disk or washer method. Integrate the area of a cylindrical shell from 0 to e.
 
alright, I understand a little better now, thank you, but it still seems that I have to take that nasty function with a natural log, y=(1/x)ln(x), and write that in terms of y, which I am having problems doing. Is that possible or am I still headed downthe wrong path. :confused:
 
That's the point to using cylinders, you don't have to solve for x in terms of y. The height of the cylinder is (1/x)*ln(x). What's the radius of cylinder?
 
Dick said:
That's the point to using cylinders, you don't have to solve for x in terms of y. The height of the cylinder is (1/x)*ln(x). What's the radius of cylinder?
Wouldn't that be dy? hmmmm... I think I may be able to get it with a little more brain power! Thank you very much for your help.
 
Swerting said:
Wouldn't that be dy? hmmmm... I think I may be able to get it with a little more brain power! Thank you very much for your help.

I'll give you a blunt hint. The radius is x.
 
Dick said:
I'll give you a blunt hint. The radius is x.
yeeeeeup. After a few more searches on google and some rought drawings, I figured it out!
My formula should be :
[tex]V=2\pi\int(x((1/x)ln(x))dx) from 1 to e[/tex]
which becomes...
[tex]V=2\pi\int(ln(x))dx from 1 to e[/tex]

So! Thank you very much again for your help! It is greatly appreciated.
 

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