Surface area of a cone problem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the surface area of a cone using calculus, specifically through double integrals. Key formulas mentioned include the slant height calculation \( \text{slant} = \sqrt{r^2 + h^2} \) and the surface area formula \( \text{surface area} = \pi r \sqrt{r^2 + h^2} \). Participants address issues with integrating the expression \( \sqrt{1 + (f_x)^2 + (f_y)^2} \) and the confusion surrounding the presence of \( \sqrt{2} \) in the integrand. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper parentheses in mathematical expressions to avoid errors in calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double integrals in calculus
  • Familiarity with surface area formulas for geometric shapes
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives and their applications
  • Ability to manipulate square root expressions in integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of surface area formulas for cones and other solids of revolution
  • Learn about the application of double integrals in calculating areas and volumes
  • Explore the use of polar coordinates in integration
  • Practice solving problems involving partial derivatives and their geometric interpretations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focused on multivariable calculus and geometric applications, as well as educators looking for insights into teaching surface area derivations.

itunescape
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The question is to derive the surface area of a cone.


Homework Equations


slant= square root ( r^2 + h^2)
surface area= int int [square root(fx^2 + fy^2 +1) da]
surface area of cone side= pi *r(r^2+h^2)
3d cone formula: z= h/r(squareroot x^2+y^2)


The Attempt at a Solution


by looking at the structure I know that it is the area of the base (circle) + the area of the slant/side, but when I solve for the surface area using double integrals I'm stuck w/ squareroot 2 in the formula. How can I cancel that out?

i calculated fx as hx/rsqareroot(x^2+y^2)
and fy as hy/rsquareroot(x^2+y^2)

i plugged that into the formula for surface area and got: int int [h/r squareroot(2)] r dr d@
it feels like it isn't right and I don't know how to cancel the sqareroot(2) during integration. Can someone hint me in the right direction?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
fx and fy look ok. But when I compute sqrt(1+(fx)^2+(fy)^2) I don't get what you got for the integrand (in particular, no sqrt(2)). Can you tell us how you got that?
 
Dick said:
fx and fy look ok. But when I compute sqrt(1+(fx)^2+(fy)^2) I don't get what you got for the integrand (in particular, no sqrt(2)). Can you tell us how you got that?

sure:
int int squareroot [(hx/rsquareroot(x^2+y^2))^2 + (hy/rsquareroot(x^2+y^2))^2 + 1] da
int int squareroot [(h^2*x^2/r^2 (x^2+y^2)) + (h^2*y^2/r^2(x^2+y^2)) + 1] da
int int squareroot [(h^2/r^2) x^2/(x^2+y^2) + y^2/(x^2+y^2) +1] da
the +1 should change into: (x^2+y^2)/(x^2+y^2)
int int squareroot [h^2/r^2 (x^2+ y^2/(x^2+y^2)) + x^2+y^2/(x^2+y^2)] da
int int h/r squareroot(2) r dr d@

does it look right? :/ there's probablt something big that I'm missing but its so hard to see
 
You aren't putting enough parentheses in and you are loosing track of what multiplies what.
In this step:
int int squareroot [(h^2/r^2) x^2/(x^2+y^2) + y^2/(x^2+y^2) +1] da
the h^2/r^2 only multiplies the first two terms, not the 1. Combine them first and multiply by h^2/r^2. Then add the 1.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K