Stuck trying to integrate the surface area of a curve

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the surface area generated by revolving the curve defined by the equation $$x=\frac{e^y + e^{-y}}{2}$$ from 0 to $$\ln(2)$$ about the y-axis. Participants explore the integration process involved in calculating this surface area, addressing both the setup of the integral and the application of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the initial setup for the surface area integral and expresses confusion at a certain step in the integration process.
  • Another participant suggests expanding the integrand and applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTOC) to proceed with the integration.
  • A participant seeks clarification on expanding the integrand and expresses uncertainty about using the FTOC, indicating a lack of formal instruction on the topic.
  • There is a discussion about breaking the integral into components and the challenges faced when integrating terms like $$e^{2y}$$.
  • Participants discuss the correct form of the antiderivative for $$e^{2y}$$ and clarify misconceptions about integrating exponential functions.
  • One participant mentions a substitution method for integrating exponential functions, prompting further discussion on the general formula for such integrals.
  • Another participant acknowledges the advice given and expresses intent to remember the discussed antiderivative formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps needed to approach the integration problem, but there is no consensus on the best method to proceed or on the specific challenges faced during integration.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the application of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and the integration of exponential functions, indicating varying levels of familiarity with these concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about surface area integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and integration techniques involving exponential functions.

aleksbooker1
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Here's the problem I was given:

Find the area of the surface generated by revolving the curve

$$x=\frac{e^y + e^{-y} }{2}$$

from 0 $$\leq$$ y $$\leq$$ ln(2) about the y-axis.

I tried the normal route first...

g(y) = x = $$\frac{1}{2} (e^y + e^{-y})$$
g'(y) = dx/dy = $$\frac{1}{2} (e^y - e^{-y}) $$

S = $$\int 2\pi \frac{1}{2} (e^y + e^{-y}) \sqrt{1+(e^y - e^{-y})^2} dy$$

S = $$\pi \int (e^y + e^{-y}) \sqrt{\frac{1}{4}e^{2y}+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{4}e^{-2y} } dy$$

S = $$\pi \int (e^y + e^{-y}) \sqrt{\frac{1}{4} (e^y+e^{-y})^2} dy$$

S = $$\pi \int (e^y + e^{-y}) \frac {1}{2} (e^y+e^{-y}) dy$$

But then I got stuck here...

S = $$\frac{1}{2} \pi \int (e^y + e^{-y})^2 dy $$

How should I proceed? Thanks in advance.
 
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Hello and welcome to MHB! :D

Next, I would expand the integrand, and then apply the given limits in the FTOC...
 
Hi @MarkFL,

Thanks for the response. When you say expand the integrand, do you mean like this?

S = $$\frac{1}{2}\pi \int e^{2y} + 2 + e^{-2y}$$

If so, how do I use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. I know what FTOC stands for but I never learned it as a thing by itself. I was taught how to look at a problem and break it down, but the definitions weren't really a part of my curriculum. :(

I've also tried splitting it into its components after expanding it, like so:

S = $$ \frac{1}{2}\pi \int e^{2y} + \frac{1}{2}\pi \int 2 + \frac{1}{2}\pi \int e^{-2y} $$

But then I get stuck trying to integrate even $$ e^{2y} $$ by itself.

S = $$ \frac{1}{2}\pi \frac{1}{3y} e^{3y} $$ ?
 
Last edited:
What you actually have is:

$$S=\frac{\pi}{2}\int_{0}^{\ln(2)} e^{2y}+2+e^{-2y}\,dy$$

The anti-derivative form of the FTOC states that if $f(x)$ is continuous on $[a.b]$:

$$\int_a^b f(x)\,dx=F(b)-F(a)$$

where $$F'(x)=f(x)$$.

So, you need to find the anti-derivative and then evaluate it at the upper limit, and then subtract from this the evaluation at the lower limit.
 
MarkFL said:
So, you need to find the anti-derivative and then evaluate it at the upper limit, and then subtract from this the evaluation at the lower limit.

Oh, okay. I know how to do that. The trick is anti-deriving with a variable in the exponent. For example, if I expand it and then split it into three integrands and try tackle each one by itself, I trip up on the first one: $$ e^{2y} $$.

The best I can come up with is:

$$ \frac{1}{2 \ln{2} +1} e^{2 \ln{2} +1 } $$

Which I don't think is a "legal move" in calculus. Is it?

EDIT: Wait... now, I get it. I forgot how much I hate working with e, sometimes. The antiderivative of $$ e^{2y} [/MATH} is $$ \frac{1}{2} e^{2y} $$, not some twisted $$ \frac{1}{2y+1}e^{2y+1} $$ like I was thinking...
 
Last edited:
There's really no need to break it up into three integrals (although you can).

If you have the indefinite integral:

$$\int e^{ax}\,dx$$ where $a$ is a non-zero constant, use the substitution:

$$u=ax$$

What do you need for your new differential to be and how can you get it?
 
Its not that difficult to remember the slightly more general formula
\int e^{ax}dx= \frac{1}{a}e^{ax}+ C
 
Thanks @MarkFL and @HallsofIvy, I'll add that to my mental cheatsheet for antiderivatives. :)
 

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