Shell Method: Find Vol. of Solid Rotated Around x-Axis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using the shell method to find the volume of a solid generated by revolving the region defined by the curve \(y=\frac{1}{x}\) about the x-axis. Participants are exploring the setup of the integral required for this calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to evaluate two different integrals with distinct limits of integration rather than performing the integral twice. There is a focus on identifying the expressions for the radius and height in the context of the shell method.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the setup of the volume elements, noting that the radius corresponds to the y-coordinate and that the width varies between the two integrals. There is ongoing clarification regarding the expressions for the x-values on the curve and the vertical line.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can provide. There is a mention of a specific axis of rotation and the need to understand the geometric setup of the problem.

Jovy
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Homework Statement



Use the shell method to set up and evaluate the integral that gives the volume of the solid generated by revolving the plane region about the x-axis.
$$y=\frac 1 x$$
se07c01017.png

Homework Equations



$$Volume=2\pi\int_a^b p(y)h(y)dy$$

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I see that there are two shells, therefore, I would do the integral twice. Meaning, ##Volume=2\pi\int_a^b p(y)h(y)dy+2\pi\int_a^b p(y)h(y)dy##

I'm having trouble identifying what h(x) are for both integrals. I know that you can change ##y=\frac 1 x## to be ##x=\frac 1 y## and I know that for both p(y)=y. I think the dashed lines indicates that ##y=\frac 1 2## is the axis in which it is being rotated.
How do you determine h(x)? Once I understand how to determine h(x) for both integrals, I know how to solve the rest of the problem.

this website has an image of the graph, incase the one I uploaded doesn't show:
http://www.calcchat.com/book/Calculus-ETF-6e/7/3/17/
 
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Jovy said:

Homework Statement



Use the shell method to set up and evaluate the integral that gives the volume of the solid generated by revolving the plane region about the x-axis.
$$y=\frac 1 x$$

Homework Equations



$$Volume=2\pi\int_a^b p(y)h(y)dy$$

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I see that there are two shells, therefore, I would do the integral twice. Meaning, ##Volume=2\pi\int_a^b p(y)h(y)dy+2\pi\int_a^b p(y)h(y)dy##
You won't do the integral twice -- you need to evaluate two different integrals with different limits of integration. Also, it would help you to have more meaningful expressions than p(y) and h(y). For each integral the typical volume element will be ##2\pi \cdot \text{radius} \cdot \text{width} \cdot dy##
In both integrals the radius will be y (i.e., the y-coordinate on the horizontal strip being revolved), but the width of the element that is being revolved is different in the two integrals.

In the lower region, the width is very simple. In the upper region, the width varies, but it will always be the x-value on the curve (expressed in terms of y) minus the x-value on the vertical line. Since you know the equation of the curve, you can write the x-value on the curve in terms of the y-coordinate there. You're on the right track below.

Jovy said:
I'm having trouble identifying what h(x) are for both integrals. I know that you can change ##y=\frac 1 x## to be ##x=\frac 1 y## and I know that for both p(y)=y. I think the dashed lines indicates that ##y=\frac 1 2## is the axis in which it is being rotated.
How do you determine h(x)? Once I understand how to determine h(x) for both integrals, I know how to solve the rest of the problem.

this website has an image of the graph, incase the one I uploaded doesn't show:
http://www.calcchat.com/book/Calculus-ETF-6e/7/3/17/
 
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Mark44 said:
You won't do the integral twice -- you need to evaluate two different integrals with different limits of integration. Also, it would help you to have more meaningful expressions than p(y) and h(y). For each integral the typical volume element will be ##2\pi \cdot \text{radius} \cdot \text{width} \cdot dy##
In both integrals the radius will be y (i.e., the y-coordinate on the horizontal strip being revolved), but the width of the element that is being revolved is different in the two integrals.

In the lower region, the width is very simple. In the upper region, the width varies, but it will always be the x-value on the curve (expressed in terms of y) minus the x-value on the vertical line. Since you know the equation of the curve, you can write the x-value on the curve in terms of the y-coordinate there. You're on the right track below.

the x-value on the curve is ##\frac 1 y## but what is the x-value on the vertical line? Do you mean what x is in ##y=\frac 1 x##?
 
Jovy said:
the x-value on the curve is ##\frac 1 y## but what is the x-value on the vertical line? Do you mean what x is in ##y=\frac 1 x##?
The vertical line is x = 1. On the curve, x = 1/y. So on that upper portion of the graph in your image, a horizontal strip has a width of (1/y - 1) and a thickness of dy.
 
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