Limits of Integration for Revolving Region R around the y-axis

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the volume of a solid generated by revolving the region R, defined by the function \( f(x) = -\ln(x) \) for \( 0 < x \leq 1 \), around the y-axis. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the limits of integration when transitioning from calculating area to volume.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up the volume integral but questions the flipping of limits of integration when moving from area to volume calculations. Some participants suggest focusing on either variable consistently to avoid confusion.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to setting up the integrals, with some providing guidance on maintaining consistency in variable usage. There is an acknowledgment of the challenges posed by integrating with respect to different variables.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster's previous calculations for area, which used limits from \( x=0 \) to \( x=1 \), and the need to understand the implications of these limits when integrating with respect to \( y \). The discussion reflects on the importance of correctly identifying the coordinates and limits for integration in relation to the graph of the function.

vanceEE
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Homework Statement



Let f be the function defined by $$ f(x) = - ln(x) for 0 < x ≤ 1. $$ R is the region between the graph of f and the x-axis.

http://learn.flvs.net/webdav/educator_apcalcbc_v10/module08/imgmod08/08_10_01.gif

b. Determine whether the solid generated by revolving region R about the y-axis has finite volume. If so, find the volume. If not, explain why.

Homework Equations



$$ y = -ln(x) $$
$$ x = e^{-y} $$

The Attempt at a Solution



$$V = \pi \int_{x=0^+}^{x=1} [e^{-y}]^2 dy $$
$$V = \pi\int_{∞}^{0} [e^{-2y}] dy $$
$$\uparrow$$ This is my mistake.
$$V = -\frac{\pi}{2}$$

The actual solution is $$V = \pi \int_{0}^{∞}[e^{-2y}] dy = \frac{\pi}{2}$$
But why are the limits of integration flipped? For part a, (Determine whether region R has a finite area. If so, find the area. If not, explain why.) my limits of integration were [x=0,x=1] $$ \int_{0^+}^{1} -ln(x) dx = 1 $$, so wouldn't I just set $$ e^{-y} $$ equal to 0 and 1 for part b? If not, please explain analytically why I need to flip my limits of integration, I can see from the graph that when x → 0, y → ∞ so please explain the problem analytically. The rotations about the y axes are very tricky for me and ANY advice would help :-) This is a very simple, but confusing concept.
 
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Essentially, since ##y=-\ln x## is decreasing on ##(0,1]##, ##dy\sim-dx##. I would advise either setting up the integral entirely in ##x## and then making an obvious (?) substitution, or just set it up entirely in ##y## from the get-go. when you mix stuff up like you did (integrand in one variable, limits in another) in ends badly more often than not in my experience.
 
I just talked to my teacher and she told me that writing the coordinates are helpful when dealing with these type of problems. In this case they will be M(0,∞) and N(1,0) therefore, since we integrate with respect to x from left to right, my limits with respect to x will be $$ \int_{0}^{1} f(x)dx $$ and since we integrate with respect to y from bottom to top, my limits with respect to y will be $$ \int_{0}^{∞} g(y)dy $$
 
vanceEE said:
I just talked to my teacher and she told me that writing the coordinates are helpful when dealing with these type of problems. In this case they will be M(0,∞) and N(1,0) therefore, since we integrate with respect to x from left to right, my limits with respect to x will be $$ \int_{0}^{1} f(x)dx $$ and since we integrate with respect to y from bottom to top, my limits with respect to y will be $$ \int_{0}^{∞} g(y)dy $$

Yes. This is what I mean when I say to set things up entirely in one variable or the other. It's just much easier that way.
 

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