Solving for $k$: $\pi\int_{-1}^{1} u\left(x\right)^2 \,dx = 6\pi$

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The discussion centers on solving for the variable $k$ in the equation $\pi\int_{1}^{k} u\left(x\right)^2 \,dx = 6\pi$ where $u\left(x\right)=\sqrt{x+1}$. The integral from $-1$ to $1$ evaluates to $2\pi$, leading to the equation $3\int_{-1}^{1} (x+1) \,dx=\int_{1}^{k} (x+1) \,dx$. After applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTOC) and simplifying, the quadratic equation $k^2 + 2k - 15 = 0$ is derived, yielding the solution $k=3$ as the valid answer since $k$ must be greater than 1.

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$u\left(x\right)=\sqrt{x+1}$

$\pi\int_{-1}^{1} u\left(x\right)^2 \,dx = 2\pi$

$\pi\int_{1}^{k} u\left(x\right)^2 \,dx = 6\pi$

I don't know how to get $k$
 
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The way I would set this up is:

$$3\int_{-1}^{1} x+1\,dx=\int_{1}^{k} x+1\,dx$$

After you apply the FTOC, you should be able to solve for $k$. :)
 
But aren't we dealing with volume?
 
karush said:
But aren't we dealing with volume?

Yes, solids of revolution (disk method), both of which will have $\pi$ as a factor, which we can divide out. :)
 
$u\left(x\right)=\sqrt{x+1}$

so
$\pi\int_{1}^{k} u\left(x\right) \,dx = 6\pi$

$\frac{{k}^{2}}{2}+k-\frac{3}{2}=6$

${k}^{2}+2k-15=0$

so
$k=3\ k=-5$
answer is $k=3$
 
Last edited:
Yes, here's my working:

$$3\int_{-1}^{1} x+1\,dx=\int_{1}^{k} x+1\,dx$$

$$3\left[\frac{x^2}{2}+x\right]_{-1}^1=\left[\frac{x^2}{2}+x\right]_1^k$$

$$3\left(\left(\frac{1}{2}+1\right)-\left(\frac{1}{2}-1\right)\right)=\left(\left(\frac{k^2}{2}+k\right)-\left(\frac{1}{2}+1\right)\right)$$

$$6=\frac{k^2}{2}+k-\frac{3}{2}$$

$$k^2+2k-15=0$$

$$(k-3)(k+5)=0$$

Since we require $1<k$, we conclude that:

$$k=3$$.
 

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