The volume of a solid rotating about a different axis

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of a solid formed by revolving the function y = 1/(4+x^2) over the interval [0,2] about the line y = -1. Participants are exploring the setup of the integral using either the disk/washer or shell method.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the integral and express confusion regarding the inner and outer radii for the volume calculation. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the function and the axis of rotation, as well as the limits of integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on visualizing the problem through graphing, while others are questioning the assumptions made about the inner and outer radii. There is an ongoing exploration of how to correctly interpret the area to be rotated and the implications of the axis of rotation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify whether to rotate the area between y(x) and the x-axis, leading to uncertainty about the correct interpretation of the inner and outer radii.

atomibay
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Homework Statement


[itex]y = {\frac{1}{4+x^2}}[/itex] on the interval [0,2], revolving about y = -1
Use either the disk/washer or shell method to find the volume.



Homework Equations


[itex]v = pi\int (outer radius)^2-(inner radius)^2\,dx[/itex]
[itex]v = 2pi\int (radius)(height)\,dy[/itex]
[itex] x = \sqrt{\frac{1}{y}-4}[/itex]



The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]v = 2pi\int (y+1)<br /> \sqrt{\frac{1}{y}-4}\,dy[/itex] from [itex]\frac{1}{4}[/itex] to [itex]\frac{1}{8}[/itex]

I'm just stuck on setting up the integral. I get confused easily from these washer/shell problems, and it's worse when the axis changes haha. So I don't know if this integral is set up correctly. And, I feel like there's something off about my limits. Do I have to add another integral to integrate from 0? Or would it just be easier to use the washer method?
 
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If I were you, I'd start by plotting y(x) for the given interval... can you imagine what it wouldlook like as your rotate it about y=-1? What would be the radius of a disk at x? What would be the area of the disk?
 
Yeah, I've tried graphing it but even while I was looking at it, I'm still confused as to how to read the inner radius and the outer radius.
I figured that the inner radius is (y+1) and the outer is [itex]\frac{1}{4+x^2}[/itex], right?
I'm not sure about the area though.
 

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atomibay said:
Yeah, I've tried graphing it but even while I was looking at it, I'm still confused as to how to read the inner radius and the outer radius.
I figured that the inner radius is (y+1) and the outer is [itex]\frac{1}{4+x^2}[/itex], right?
I'm not sure about the area though.

Why have you only shaded in part of the area between y(x) and y=-1? Does the problem tel you to rotate onlythe areabetween y(x) and the x-axis around y=-1? Ifnot, I would say your inner radius is zeroand your outer radius is |y(x)|
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Why have you only shaded in part of the area between y(x) and y=-1? Does the problem tel you to rotate onlythe areabetween y(x) and the x-axis around y=-1? Ifnot, I would say your inner radius is zeroand your outer radius is |y(x)|
Well, the problem didn't specify anything like that. All I received was the equation, the interval and what axis it's rotating about, so I just presumed that's what the graph would look like for the problem.

I'll try working it out with inner radius as 0 though, thanks!
 

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