Moment of inertia of a regular triangle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the moment of inertia of a regular triangle about the OY axis using the Huygens-Steiner theorem. The user initially attempted to split the triangle into rods but encountered discrepancies in results based on the orientation of the strips used. The correct approach involves using strips parallel to the Y-axis, which yielded consistent results, while the alternative method led to confusion and errors. The user successfully identified and corrected their mistake after community feedback.

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Who_w
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Homework Statement
Calculate the moment of inertia of a triangle relatively OY
Relevant Equations
Given the height of the triangle
Please, I need help! I need to calculate the moment of inertia of a triangle relatively OY. I have an idea to split my triangle into rods and use Huygens-Steiner theorem, but after discussed this exercise with my friend, I have a question: which of these splits are right (picture 1 and 2)? Or maybe my idea is wrong?
 

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Each can work, but it would be more natural to use the one where the strip is parallel to the axis.
 
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I found a mistake in the first split, thanks a lot! I would be very grateful if you tell me where the error is (attached the file). With another split, I got a different answer. I solved it 3 times in this way, but did not find an error.
 

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Last edited:
Who_w said:
I found a mistake in the first split, thanks a lot! I would be very grateful if you tell me where the error is (attached the file). With another split, I got a different answer. I solved it 3 times in this way, but did not find an error.
(l-x)dx? Both of those distances are parallel to the x axis. It is not the area of a rectangle in the figure.
Also, you seem to be taking a strip parallel to the x axis, which is not what I recommended. Are you just checking it can be done both ways?
 
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haruspex said:
(l-x)dx? Both of those distances are parallel to the x axis. It is not the area of a rectangle in the figure.
Also, you seem to be taking a strip parallel to the x axis, which is not what I recommended. Are you just checking it can be done both ways?
Oh! I understood my mistake! Thank you a lot :)
Yes, I'm tried to check both ways. The first way worked (strip parallel to the y axis), but it was really interesting for me why I couldn't to solve it the second way.
Thanks again!
 
Who_w said:
Oh! I understood my mistake! Thank you a lot :)
Yes, I'm tried to check both ways. The first way worked (strip parallel to the y axis), but it was really interesting for me why I couldn't to solve it the second way.
Thanks again!
I commend your inquisitiveness.
 

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