Solving a problem with the shell method

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volume of a region bounded by the lines \(x=0\), \(y=1\), and the curve \(y=\sin(x)\) for \(0\leq x \leq \frac{\pi}{2}\) when rotated about the y-axis. Participants explore the use of the shell method and the disk method for this volume calculation, expressing confusion over integral limits and the appropriate formulas to use.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the shell method with the formula for the volume of an arbitrary shell as \(dV=2\pi rh\,dx\), where \(r=x\) and \(h=1-\sin(x)\).
  • Another participant points out that the original formula cited pertains to the disk method and questions the limits of integration.
  • There is a discussion about the correct limits of integration for \(y\), with one participant concluding that \(0\leq y\leq1\) based on the limits for \(x\).
  • One participant proposes a substitution \(t=\sin^{-1}(y)\) to transform the integral, leading to a new expression for the volume.
  • Another participant confirms the correctness of the limits of integration and the transformed integral.
  • There is a request for clarification on how the height of the shell was determined, specifically the expression \(h=1-\sin(x)\).
  • A participant expresses interest in solving the problem using the disk method as well.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the limits of integration for \(y\) and the correctness of the transformed integral. However, there is some disagreement regarding the application of the shell method versus the disk method, and the discussion remains unresolved on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants have expressed confusion over the differential elements in their integrals, which affects their understanding of the limits of integration. There is also a lack of consensus on the best method to use for solving the problem.

Petrus
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Hello MHB,
Consider the region bounded by the lines $$x=0$$,$$y=1$$ and curve
$$y=\sin(x)$$, $$0\leq x \leq \frac{\pi}{2}$$ decide the volume when it rotate in y-axe ( Tips: $$t=\sin^{-1}(y)$$ can be usefull)
I got pretty confused what my integral limit shall be. I know the formula will be
$$\pi\int_a^b xf(x)^2 $$.

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
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Re: shell method

The formula you have cited pertains to the disk method. After having sketched the region to be rotated, I find the volume of an arbitrary shell is:

$$dV=2\pi rh\,dx$$

where:

$$r=x$$

$$h=1-\sin(x)$$

However, given the hint you have included, I suspect you are to use the disk method instead. What is the volume of an arbitrary disk?
 
Re: shell method

MarkFL said:
The formula you have cited pertains to the disk method. After having sketched the region to be rotated, I find the volume of an arbitrary shell is:

$$dV=2\pi rh\,dx$$

where:

$$r=x$$

$$h=1-\sin(x)$$

However, given the hint you have included, I suspect you are to use the disk method instead. What is the volume of an arbitrary disk?
Hello Mark,
$$\int_a^bf(x)^2 = \int_a^b\arcsin^2(y)$$ I am still kinda confused what our limit shall be
Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: shell method

You have left off the differential from your definite integrals, which is the thickness of the disks, and will tell you with respect to which variable you are integrating, and thus, what your limits need to be. The volume of an arbitrary disk is:

$$dV=\pi r^2\,dy$$

where:

$$r=x=\sin^{-1}(y)$$

hence:

$$dV=\pi\left(\sin^{-1}(y) \right)^2\,dy$$

So, what values does $y$ have in the summation of the disks?
 
Re: shell method

MarkFL said:
You have left off the differential from you definite integrals, which is the thickness of the disks, and will tell you with respect to which variable you are integrating, and thus, what your limits need to be. The volume of an arbitrary disk is:

$$dV=\pi r^2\,dy$$

where:

$$r=x=\sin^{-1}(y)$$

hence:

$$dV=\pi\left(\sin^{-1}(y) \right)^2\,dy$$

So, what values does $y$ have in the summation of the disks?
Hello Mark,
If I have understand correctly, to get our y limit we got our x limit which is $$0\leq x\leq\frac{\pi}{2}$$ so our y limit will be $$\sin(0)=0$$ and $$sin(\frac{\pi}{2})=1$$ that means $$0\leq y\leq1$$ and about forgeting "dy" is something really bad cause I always think that in my and never write it up...

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: shell method

Yes, those are the correct limits of integration:

$$V=\pi\int_0^1\left(\sin^{-1}(y) \right)^2\,dy$$

How do you think you should proceed?
 
Re: shell method

MarkFL said:
Yes, those are the correct limits of integration:

$$V=\pi\int_0^1\left(\sin^{-1}(y) \right)^2\,dy$$

How do you think you should proceed?
Hello Mark,
I would do as they gave the tips. $$t=\sin^{-1}(y) $$,$$\sin(t)=y <=> dy=\cos(t)dt$$ for the limit $$y=0 <=> t=0$$ and $$y=1 <=> t=\frac{\pi}{2}$$ so we got
$$\pi\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}t^2\cos(t)dt$$
is this correct?

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: shell method

Yes, that is correct! (Yes)
 
Re: shell method

MarkFL said:
Yes, that is correct! (Yes)
Hello Mark,
First I want to thank you for taking your time and helping me!:) I have correctly integrate ( for those who is interested you will have to use integration by part twice) but I am interesting on the method you posted #2 I don't se how you get $$h=1-sin(x)$$ the answer is $$\frac{\pi(\pi^2-8)}{4}$$ I would like to solve this problem with disc method as well.

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
  • #10
Re: shell method

Using the shell method, and referring to your sketch of the region to be revolved about the $y$=axis, can you see that the height of an arbitrary shell is the distance between the upper bound $y=1$ and the lower bound $y=\sin(x)$, and since on the given interval we have $\sin(x)\le1$, this distance is $1-\sin(x)$.
 
  • #11
Re: shell method

MarkFL said:
Using the shell method, and referring to your sketch of the region to be revolved about the $y$=axis, can you see that the height of an arbitrary shell is the distance between the upper bound $y=1$ and the lower bound $y=\sin(x)$, and since on the given interval we have $\sin(x)\le1$, this distance is $1-\sin(x)$.
Hello Mark,
this lead me to another question so basically on what we did early our upper bound is $$\sin^{-1}(y)$$ and our lower bound is $$y=0$$ right? I think I did not understand that early but is this correct?

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
  • #12
Re: shell method

The bounds for $x$ are actually stated in the problem:

$$0\le x\le\frac{\pi}{2}$$
 

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