How do I solve for the area and volume of a cosinusoidal curve?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the area and volume associated with a cosinusoidal curve defined by the function y = 3 cos(xπ/2). The area between the curve and the x-axis is calculated using the integral, resulting in a value of 12/π. For the volume created by rotating the curve around the y-axis, the user derives a formula involving arccosine but struggles with the integration of arccos²(y/3). Suggestions for solving the integral include using integration by parts and trigonometric identities, highlighting the challenge of integrating the arccos function. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing integration techniques for complex functions.
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I have the attached graph, a part of a cosinusoidal curve (not sure if this is a correct translation).

I don't have the function, but if I am correct:

y = 3 cos (x*pi/2)

The questions are:

a) Calculate the area between that part of the curve and the x axis.
b) Calculate the volume of the body created by rotating the part of the curve around the y axis.


a) No problem here.

P = 2 * integral from 0 to 1 of 3cos(xpi/2) dx

I got the solution 12/pi.

b) I got this far:

To calculate the volume I need the area of the circles which constitute the body. To get that, I need to express x in terms of y.

y = 3 cos (x*pi/2)
arccos(y/3) = x*pi/2
x = (2/pi)arccos(y/3)

The area is: P = x^2*pi

So the volume is:

V = integral from 0 to 3 of [(2/pi)arccos(y/3)]^2*pi dy

Let I = integral of [(2/pi)arccos(y/3)]^2*pi dy

I = integral of (4/pi)arccos^2(y/3) dy
I = (4/pi) integral of arccos^2(y/3) dy

substitute t = y/3, dt = dy/3, dy=3dt

I = (12/pi) integral of arccos^2(t) dt

I don't know how to integrate this. Anyone able to help?
 

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that was fast! thanks a lot :)

by the way, is there a way for me to calculate it myself that i should have thought of?
 
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If you know how to differentiate arccos(x), you could try integration by parts and using some trigonometric identities?!
 
The whole problem was that I didn't know how to integrate arccos(x)dx. I didn't immediately think of dividing it into arccos(x)*1dx and using partial integration.. Stupid, I know :)
 
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