Surface area of a curve around the x-axis

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the surface area traced out when the curve defined by the equation 8y² = x²(1-x²) is revolved around the x-axis. This falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically dealing with surface area of revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the surface area integral and explore the necessary components for calculating the surface area, including the use of vertical slices and the slope factor. There is an attempt to isolate y and derive dy/dx, with some questioning the correctness of the expressions used.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the calculations involved in finding the surface area. Some participants have provided guidance on the correct expressions for dy/dx and the integration process, while others are still working through the implications of their calculations. There is no explicit consensus reached, but productive dialogue is ongoing.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of the integral and the derivatives involved, with some noting potential oversights in their previous calculations. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to refine understanding of the mathematical concepts at play.

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Homework Statement


Find the surface area traced out when the curve 8y^2 = x^2(1-x^2) is revolved around the x-axis.

The Attempt at a Solution


x-axis means y = 0
When y = 0, x = 0, -1 or 1.
Since this curve is "the infinity symbol", the curve has symmetry at x = 0.

Isolating y,
[tex]8y^2 = x^2(1-x^2)[/tex]
[tex]y = \frac{\sqrt{x^2(1-x^2)}}{8}[/tex]

Surface area = [tex]2\pi \int_{C} y dr[/tex]
= [tex]4\pi \int^{1}_{0} y dr[/tex]

[tex]dr = {\sqrt{1+ ({\frac{\sqrt{2x(1-2x^2)}}{8})^2}} {dx}[/tex]
[tex]dr = {\frac{\sqrt{64+2x(1-2x^2)}}{8}} {dx}[/tex]

Surface area = [tex]{\frac{\pi}{8}} \int^{1}_{0} {\sqrt{x^2(1-x^2)(64+2x(1-2x^2))}{dx}[/tex]And...I have no idea how to proceed with the integral.
 
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Hi compliant! :smile:

(have a square-root: √ and an integral: ∫ and try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)
compliant said:
Find the surface area traced out when the curve 8y^2 = x^2(1-x^2) is revolved around the x-axis.
Surface area = [tex]2\pi \int_{C} y dr[/tex] …

Nooo … using vertical slices, surface area = ∫2πydx times a factor to take account of the slope, which is … ? :smile:
 
The factor is [tex]\sqrt{1+(dy/dx)^2}[/tex], which I'm sure I accounted for above.

[tex]dr = {\sqrt{1+ ({\frac{\sqrt{2x(1-2x^2)}}{8})^2}} {dx}[/tex]

It might not be "dr", but I'm 99% sure that's the calculation of the factor.
 
oh i see … yes that's right … i didn't recognise it from your:
compliant said:
[tex]dr = {\sqrt{1+ ({\frac{\sqrt{2x(1-2x^2)}}{8})^2}} {dx}[/tex]

start again … if y = (1/√8)x√(1 - x2), then dy/dx = … ? :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
oh i see … yes that's right … i didn't recognise it from your:


start again … if y = (1/√8)x√(1 - x2), then dy/dx = … ?

Ah, I must've forgotten to chain rule it.



y = (1/√8)√(x2 - x4)
dy/dx = (1/2√8)(x2 - x4)-1/2(2x - 4x3)
dy/dx = (1/√8)(x2 - x4)-1/2(x - 2x3)
 
compliant said:
dy/dx = (1/√8)(x2 - x4)-1/2(x - 2x3)

yes, that looks right … (you had a factor 2 earlier) …

now square it and add the 1, and I think it'll be a perfect square on the top :wink:
 
Ok, got the answer. Thanks.
 

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