How to determine inner and outer radii for 'Washer Method'?

Notwithstanding anything that HallsOfIvy said, it doesn't hurt to graph the two functions, and to graph the solid of revolution that is formed from them. Having a good mental image of the relationship between the two functions is usually very helpful, so why would you want to skip this step in understanding?

 

That's not a productive approach, in my opinion (and based on having taught mathematics in college for 19 years). Precalculus courses spend a lot of time on the graphs of a variety of functions: linear, quadratic, higher-degree polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic, and trig. If you are studying calculus without that background knowledge, you are at a distinct disadvantage.

My understanding of how the brain functions is that one of the halves is used in working with symbols, as in solving equations, and so on, and the other half is used to understand information presented in an image. If you don't have experience being able to quickly graph a function, it's as if you're attempting to do the problem with one half of your brain tied behind your back. The problems you're attempting to solve here, of finding the volume of a solid of revolution, benefit greatly from having a sketch of (1) the functions involved, and (2) the solid of revolution iself. Without a sketch, it is often difficult to determine the limits of integration or to know when you need two integrals instead of one.

Since you are teaching yourself calculus, I would strongly advise learning the precalc material that is usually considered prerequisite to the study of calculus.

 

Actually, my advice is based on reality. What I'm saying is that you'll have a much tougher time reaching even your short-term goals if you limit your solving techniques to those that don't use a graph.

I agree, but reinforcement implies the reuse of a technique that you have some familiarity with. From what I gather from what you've said, there are some areas that you have no such familiarity.