Tricky Multiple integral word problem

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a complex multiple integral word problem involving a three-dimensional shape that appears as a circle, square, and triangle from different perspectives. Participants explore the geometric interpretation of the shape and the setup of the corresponding multiple integrals to calculate its volume.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the challenge of identifying a shape that fits the criteria of appearing as a circle, square, and triangle from different views.
  • Another participant suggests a shape with a square base and triangular sides, questioning where the circle fits in.
  • A later reply proposes that the shape could be a wedge with a circular base and square top/bottom, refining the initial idea.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of the shape being half a cylinder, with one participant providing a visual representation.
  • There is a suggestion to use cylindrical coordinates for setting up the integral, with participants discussing the limits for r, θ, and z.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about how to set up the integral and seek assistance in doing so.
  • Discussions include the need to account for the height of the cylinder and the relationship between the radius and height in the integral setup.
  • Participants debate the correct integrand and limits of integration, with some clarifying the integration process for cylindrical coordinates.
  • Final calculations lead to a volume expression, with participants confirming similar results but without establishing a definitive conclusion on the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to using cylindrical coordinates and the shape's characteristics, but there remains some uncertainty regarding the exact setup of the integral and the interpretation of the shape. No consensus is reached on the final volume calculation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include varying interpretations of the shape and the integration limits, as well as some participants expressing confusion about the mathematical steps involved in setting up the integral.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in advanced calculus, particularly those dealing with multiple integrals and geometric interpretations in three-dimensional space.

numberonenacho
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
So I've been talking with some people about this problem, but I can't seem to find the answer, or even set it up!

"A region in space, when viewed from 3 different views, looks like a circle, looks like a square and looks like a triangle. Describe this object. And then use multiple integration to determine its volume"

So if you think of any two shapes its pretty easy. Such as square and triangle = pyramid, circle and square = cylinder and so on. But I couldn't figure out a shape for when you add the third shape. And then Figuring out the integral would be even more difficult.
What do you guys think about it?
=D
 
Physics news on Phys.org
you almost had it with the circle+square=cylinder, what if you were to have only a square from the "top/bottom" and the sides a triangle?
 
Im still not getting it.. Pictures would help. >.<
So Square base and top. Sides triangle? Where would the circle go?
 
it's originally a cylinder, 2r=height, so from 2 sides you'd have a square. and now cut off some part in order to get a triangle from the other 2 sides. So it looks like a wedge with a circular base and square top/bottom.
 
OH I think I get it now. So bascially, its 1/2 a cylinder right?

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/8178/shapehi9.gif

So side view is square, bottom is circle
and other sides are triangles. Thanks!

But how would I find the volume of that shape? :bugeye:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
hm..depends how you place the axis's on it, but I think you'll need to add 2 integrals due to the circle you'll have the top and bottom part of it.

and it might be better to cut the cylinder by 2 lines so looking at the triangle side you can cut it at the center of the circle and get 2 symmetric sides so you can just do 2xsome integral to find the volume.
 
Well if I cut the cylinder in half diagonally, couldn't I just take the volume of the cylinder and then divide it by two? When you say cut the cylinder with two lines what do you mean?

And I have no idea how to set up the integral. >.<
could you get me started please?
 
o yea you could just do that.

Use cylindrical coordinates to setup your integral and then just multiply it by .5 to find the volume.
 
could you help me set it up? that's the part I am really bad at. Many thanks for discussing this problem with me. =)
 
  • #10
well you have r,\theta,z in cylindrical coordinates.

r-?
theta-?
z-?

z being the height and from what we've written you know what it is.
so just find the r and the z and you can setup the integral.
 
  • #11
theta would be 0 - 2pi?
z would be the height soo let's say 0 - a
what would r be?
 
  • #12
r would be 0 to the circle's radius, say R, and the height of the cylinder can be described in terms of R. So you can have the square when looking at it from 2 sides.
 
  • #13
what would the actual integrand be? rdrdz\theta
r - 0-R
theta - 0-2pi
z - 0-R

?
 
  • #14
no the z=2R because you need the diameter of the circle to = the height in order to get the square when looking at it from that side.

and yes the integrand will just be rdrdzd(theta).
 
  • #15
2\pi (\int \int rdrdz)
0-2R for first integral and 0-R for second one. how would I go from there? the rdr is confusing me a little.
 
  • #16
\int_0^{2\pi}d\theta\int_0^R rdr\int_0^{2R}dz

the rdr just means integrate r w.r.t. r just like: \int x dx
 
  • #17
I got 2pi r^3 for final answer
after dividing by two. How does that sound?
 
  • #18
yep that's what I got.

the volume for a cylinder is pi r^2 *h. h=2r ->2pir^3 and then *.5 = pi r^3
 
  • #19
cool! Thanks a lot for all your help. ^_^
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K