Is Splitting Integrals Necessary When Rotating Around the Y-Axis?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the necessity of splitting integrals when calculating volumes of solids of revolution, specifically when rotating around the y-axis. Participants explore whether it is required to separate the integral into two parts when the graph crosses into the negative x-axis, and how to handle multipliers in such cases.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if splitting the integral into two parts is necessary when the graph crosses the negative x-axis.
  • Another participant suggests that if using the disk method, one integral over the entire interval may suffice, assuming the x-coordinate represents the radius of the disks.
  • There is a discussion about applying the multiplier (in this case, $\pi$) to both integrals if a split is performed.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the correct limits of integration, questioning whether to use the negative value or the positive value for the limits when integrating across the y-axis.
  • Another participant confirms that the smaller value should be used for the lower limit and the larger value for the upper limit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether splitting the integral is necessary, and there are competing views on how to approach the problem. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of splitting the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of splitting the integral and the correct application of limits, indicating that assumptions about the function and its behavior may affect the integration process.

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[solved]Volume by integration problem

I was just curious if I'm doing this wrong, but for the problem I am working on, I am rotating around the y-axis a formula.

Part of the graph crosses into the negative x-axis.

So, my questions are; do I have to separate this into 2 integrals, one for the positive section and one for the negative section like is done with areas?

Also, if I do this split an there is a multiplier, do I keep this multiplier (in this case pi) on both halves? Or would that unintentionally create a 2pi?
 
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Since you cite $\pi$ as the multiplier, I assume you are using the disk method, and presumably the $x$-coordinate is the radius of the disks, which is squared, so you most likely may use one integral over the entire interval.

In the case of a split, you do want to apply the multiplier to both integrals, since:

$$k\int_a^b f(x)\,dx+k\int_b^c g(x)\,dx=k\left(\int_a^b f(x)\,dx+\int_b^c g(x)\,dx \right)$$
 
MarkFL said:
Since you cite $\pi$ as the multiplier, I assume you are using the disk method, and presumably the $x$-coordinate is the radius of the disks, which is squared, so you most likely may use one integral over the entire interval.

In the case of a split, you do want to apply the multiplier to both integrals, since:

$$k\int_a^b f(x)\,dx+k\int_b^c g(x)\,dx=k\left(\int_a^b f(x)\,dx+\int_b^c g(x)\,dx \right)$$

You were right on all counts...

I think I got the right answer, to check, with the disks I would put [math]/int_{-3}^9[/math], or because it's y-axis would I put [math]/int^{-3}_9[/math]?

Since I seem to have the correct answer, I'm wagering it's the former.

Either way, how do you add [solved] to the title?
 
Yes, you want to use the smaller value for the lower limit and the larger value for the upper limit.

To mark a topic as solved, edit your first post, and there is a prefix box that you can select the [SOLVED] prefix.
 

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