Solids of Revolution, the negatives don't matter right?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a solid obtained by rotating a region bounded by specific curves about the y-axis, specifically using the method of cylindrical shells. The curves in question include y = x^4 and y = 1, as well as y = x^2 and y = 1.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants present their attempts at setting up the volume integral, with one participant suggesting a setup that includes negative limits, while another argues against it based on the region being rotated. There is also a discussion about the correct integrand and limits of integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants correcting each other's setups and exploring the implications of their choices. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct volume element and limits of integration, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the correct function to use in the volume calculations, as well as the interpretation of negative values in the context of the problem. Participants are also questioning the necessity of including the negative quadrant in their calculations.

flyingpig
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Homework Statement



Use the method of cylindrical shells to nd the volume of the solid obtained by rotating
the region bounded by the curves y = x4, y = 1, x = 0 about the y-axis. Sketch the region and a typical shell

The Attempt at a Solution



I am just going to set it up, but I am not going to evaluate it

V = 2\pi \int_{0}^{1} x (x^4) dx

My friend thinks it should be

V = 2\pi \int_{-1}^{1} x (x^4) dx

Mine yields \frac{\pi}{3} and my friend yields \frac{2\pi}{3}

My argument is that we are only rotating the first quadrant. If we take the negative quadrant, it's meaningless. I am not even sure what we get if we take the negative quadrant, does it make it thicker?

EDIT: It is y = x4, not x2
 
Last edited:
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flyingpig said:

Homework Statement



Use the method of cylindrical shells to nd the volume of the solid obtained by rotating
the region bounded by the curves y = x2, y = 1, x = 0 about the y-axis. Sketch the region and a typical shell




The Attempt at a Solution



I am just going to set it up, but I am not going to evaluate it

V = 2\pi \int_{0}^{1} x (x^4) dx

My friend thinks it should be

V = 2\pi \int_{-1}^{1} x (x^4) dx

Mine yields \frac{\pi}{3} and my friend yields \frac{2\pi}{3}

My argument is that we are only rotating the first quadrant. If we take the negative quadrant, it's meaningless. I am not even sure what we get if we take the negative quadrant, does it make it thicker?
Both setups are wrong. Using shells, your limits of integration are correct, but neither of you has the right integrand. A typical volume element is \Delta V = 2 \pi x (1 - x^2) \Delta x

\Delta x ranges from 0 to 1.

Did either of your graph the region?
 
Neither is correct.

The side of each cylinder goes from y = x2 to y = 1, therefore the height of each is: 1-x2. The circumference of each is 2πx, so the volume element is:

dV = 2πx(1-x2)dx .

But you're right in the the limits of integration are from x=0 to x=1.
 
Okay guys, I made a mistake, the function is x2 and not x4
 
Okay you know what I just figured out what went wrong. Lol thanks guys
 

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