Integrals and The Washer Method

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a solid using the Washer Method, specifically involving the functions y = x^2 and x = 2, as well as a region bounded by a circle and lines in the first quadrant. Participants are exploring how to set up the problem graphically and mathematically.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to identify the inner line segment in the Washer Method setup and question the specifics of the region being revolved. There is also a request for guidance on determining the outer and inner radii (R(x) and r(x)) for a different problem involving a bounded region.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the dimensions of the red line segment and clarified the axis of revolution. Others are seeking further clarification on how to establish the necessary functions for the Washer Method in their specific problem context.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention confusion stemming from a lack of instruction on the topic, and there is an acknowledgment of the need for visual representation to aid understanding. The discussion includes references to specific boundaries and the nature of the region being revolved.

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Homework Statement



Find the volume of the solid using The Washer Method

[tex]y=x^2, x=2[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I can solve this problem fine and I don't think my actual question even affects the solution, but I would like to know how one does this.

In my textbook they say to setup the problem on a graph, no problem there. But I am confused on how one obtains the inner line segment.

Actually here is a drawing since I can't explain what I am looking for.

Untitled.png


How do you find that red line segment? I would think that would matter in the solution, but it doesn't seem to - at least at my level.
 
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The length of the red line segment is 2 - sqrt(y), which is the difference of the larger x value (2) and the smaller x value (sqrt(y)).

You haven't described the region whose volume you want to find. Is the area you show to be revolved around the x-axis or the y-axis, or even some other line?

From the red line segment you show, it would seem that your region is being revolved around the y-axis.
 
Actually let me ask a real problem question. My prof failed to teach any of this to us, so I am having to learn this on my own.

Here is the problem.

The region in the first quadrant is bounded on the left by the circle [tex]x^2 + y^2 =3[/tex], on the right by the line x=sqrt(3), and above by the line y=sqrt(3).

I can draw the picture fine, but I don't understand to figure out R(x) and r(x) to solve. Any hints so I can get it setup?

Object is revolving about the y-axis.
 
Mark44 said:
The length of the red line segment is 2 - sqrt(y), which is the difference of the larger x value (2) and the smaller x value (sqrt(y)).

You haven't described the region whose volume you want to find. Is the area you show to be revolved around the x-axis or the y-axis, or even some other line?

From the red line segment you show, it would seem that your region is being revolved around the y-axis.

Got it. And yes it is revolving around the y-axis. I didn't know anything about the red line except it was placed there in my answer book. :)
 
Each washer has a volume of pi(R(x)^2 - r(x)^2)*delta_y,
[tex]\Delta V = \pi[(R(x)^2 - r(x)^2]\Delta y[/tex]
where R(x) = sqrt(3) and r(x) = sqrt(3 - y^2).



Your washers extend from y = 0 to y = sqrt(3).
 

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