Surface area when revolved around something other than the x-axis

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To find the surface area of the region bounded by f(x)=x^3, y=1, and x=2 when revolved around the line x=5, the formula for surface area involves integrating 2π times the radius and height. The radius in this case is defined as the distance from the line x=5 to the curve, calculated as (5-x). The height remains the same as in previous examples. Visualizing the problem with a diagram can aid in understanding the adjustments needed for the radius. Using the correct radius in the formula will yield the desired surface area result.
BoldKnight399
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Consider the region R bounded by f(x)=x^3, y =1, and x = 2. Find the surface area when f(x) is revolved around the line x=5.

I know that the equation for surface area is the intergal from a to b of 2pi*r*h dx
in all of the examples that I had done in class, everything was around the x or y axis. I don't even understand how to get my r or my h in this case. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
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BoldKnight399 said:
Consider the region R bounded by f(x)=x^3, y =1, and x = 2. Find the surface area when f(x) is revolved around the line x=5.

I know that the equation for surface area is the intergal from a to b of 2pi*r*h dx
in all of the examples that I had done in class, everything was around the x or y axis. I don't even understand how to get my r or my h in this case. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Do you understand where the formula you've mentioned comes from (when it rotates around y-axis)?

Here the case is similar, except, the radius of the cylindrical shell is different. The height of the shell is still the same. Can you work out the radius?
 
I do vaguely remember deriving and showing where the formula came from in class. My problem is that I just can't visualize and understand how to alter it to make it fit the way we managed to in the examples around the y or x-axis for the radius.
 
Try drawing a diagram.

You have an ALMOST trapezium-like element with sides on x-axis and x = 2, y = 1 and y = x^3 from 0 to 2. Now the formula you know is:

<br /> V=2\pi \int_a^b xf(x)dx<br />

Here, x is the radius, when it rotates about the y-axis. Now it rotates about x = 5. How would you define the radius now?
 
5-x? I think
 
Exactly. Plugging that into your formula should give you the correct result.
 
ooo I get it! Ok thank you soooo much
 

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