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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the surface area of a region bounded by the function f(x) = x^3, the line y = 1, and the vertical line x = 2, when this region is revolved around the line x = 5. Participants express confusion regarding adapting the surface area formula typically used for revolutions around the x-axis or y-axis to this new axis of rotation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for surface area and express uncertainty about determining the radius (r) and height (h) for the given axis of rotation. Some question how to visualize and adapt the formula to fit this scenario, while others suggest drawing diagrams to aid understanding.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of how to adjust the known formula for surface area to accommodate the new axis of rotation. Some participants have offered insights into defining the radius in this context, and there appears to be a productive exchange of ideas, though no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that previous examples they encountered involved revolutions around the x-axis or y-axis, which adds to the complexity of applying the formula in this case. The discussion reflects a need to clarify the geometric interpretation of the problem.

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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