Solving an Integral Problem: Find Volume of Solid

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volume of a solid obtained by rotating a region defined by the inequalities y >= x^2, y <= √x, and y <= 1/(8x) around the x-axis. The original poster attempts to find the volume using integrals related to the area of the region, but expresses uncertainty about how to transition from area to volume.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of finding volume through the integral of the function squared, questioning the reasoning behind this approach. The original poster seeks clarification on why the volume can be calculated using the integrals they initially proposed for area.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the relationship between the area of the discs formed by rotation and the volume calculation. There is an ongoing exploration of the conceptual understanding of the volume of solids of revolution, with no explicit consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is new to discussing math in English and expresses concern about their language skills. There is a focus on visualizing the problem and understanding the geometric implications of the rotation.

Metal
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Hello, I'm new around here. I was having trouble with a problem, i thought i could look for help on the net. Anyway here's the problem:

Calculate the volume of a solid obtained by the rotation around Ox of all points (x,y) in RxR where y >= x*x, y <= square root of x and y <= 1/(8x).

What I did was:
1/(8x) = x*x so x = 1/2
1/(8x) = square root of x so x = 1/4

And then i found the integrals which are:
+ Integral of square root of x times dx between 0 and 1/4
- Integral of x * x times dx between 0 and 1/4
+ Integral of 1/(8x) times dx between 1/4 and 1/2
- Integral of x * x times dx between 1/4 and 1/2

So this gives me the area, but i have no idea on how to calculate the volume.
Hope someone can help.

Tks...
And I'm sorry about my english, this is my first time writing math in english.
 
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You have found the correct points of intersection which divides your problem into to areas: from 0 to 1/4 and then from 1/4 to 1/2.

For a function f(x), the volume of the solid of revolution obtained by rotating f(x) about the x-axis between x=a and x=b is given by:

[tex] \pi \int\limits_a^b {f\left( x \right)^2 dx} [/tex]

So you don't need the area -> no need to find the integrals you listed.
Do you think you can take it from here? If not: ask for help :smile:
 
Ok, tks...
But why does this integral calculates this volume?

I mean... you took those integrals i made and multiplied each for its f(x) and for pi. Why does that make the volume?

Again sorry about any wrong english.
 
Last edited:
If you revolve f(x) about the x-axis, you create 'circles' at each x-value with center (x,0) and radius f(x), perpendicular to the x-axis of course. To obtain the volume, you need to add all the areas of the discs, with the area given by pi*r² with r the radius. Here, r is f(x) so you integrate pi*f(x)² over the interval. Is that clear enough?
 
Because, the formula rotates the 2D shape around the x axis. Imagine drawing a triangle form the orgin to some point x = b. Now imaging rotating that triangle around the x-axis. If you are having problems visualising this, draw it in a piece of paper, cut it out and rotate the triangle towards you. Now, if you follow the outline of this triangle, you have formed a 3D cone. The integral gives the volume enclosed by the cone.

Edit: Apologies for jumping in TD
 
Last edited:
Hootenanny said:
Edit: Apologies for jumping in TD
No problem at all!
 
Oh I see... That was quite obvious actually... Tks.
 
You're welcome :smile:
 

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