Trouble visualizing what is going on. Volume of object

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a calculus problem involving the volume of a solid with a known cross-section, specifically using the integral \(\int 4(r^2 - x^2) \, dx\) from \(-r\) to \(r\). The user grapples with understanding how to derive the integral from the equation for the height of a circle, \(y = \sqrt{r^2 - x^2}\), and the area of the square cross-section, \(A = s^2\), where \(s = 2y\). The clarification provided emphasizes substituting \(y\) in terms of \(x\) and \(r\) to derive the correct integrand for the volume calculation.

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  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically volume calculations using cross-sections.
  • Familiarity with the equation of a circle and its geometric implications.
  • Knowledge of how to derive areas from geometric shapes, particularly squares and rectangles.
  • Experience with substitution methods in integration.
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  • Study the derivation of volume integrals for solids with known cross-sections.
  • Learn about the application of the disk method in volume calculations.
  • Explore the concept of cross-sectional area in relation to different geometric shapes.
  • Review substitution techniques in integral calculus for more complex integrands.
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Students in calculus courses, educators teaching volume calculations, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of integration techniques related to geometric shapes.

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Homework Statement


Hello,
Here is a link to a pdf .http://www.mrskeller.net/documents/hwsols14.pdf
I'm having issues with number 56. The solution makes no sense to me.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So, I did graph the equation y = sqrt(r^2 - x^2) and I understand that height of the circle. I understand that you need to integrate from -r to r. But I do not understand the integral by any means.

They have ##\int 4(r^2-x^2)) dx ## from -r to r
I thought that maybe there were doing something of the form ∏∫y^2 because that is what this chapter uses. But I guess not. They say that the length of a side is 2y = 2sqrt(r^2 - x^2). And the only way that I can see how to get from that equation to the integral they suggest is ly squaring 2y = 2sqrt(r^2 - x^2). So I don't understand that even because if you squared it and used the integral of the form ∏∫y^2 dx then your 4 dissapears. I just don't understand what is going on with this problem. Thanks
 
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The volume of a solid with a known cross section is basically
[tex]{\int_a}^b A(x) dx[/tex],
where A(x) represents the area of the cross section.

I believe the attached graphic illustrates the problem. Imagine a square lying on its side, the side being the thin rectangle in the diagram. Now imagine a bunch of thin vertical rectangles going from left to right (from -r to r). The distance from the x-axis to the top of this particular rectangle is y. Then you know the length of this thin rectangle (= the length of the square cross section), which is 2y. The area of the square cross section is
[tex]A = s^2[/tex]
(s is the length of the side),
so plug in 2y for s. Now, what does y equal in terms of x and r? Plug that in for y, and the resulting expression serves as the integrand for this problem.
 

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OMG! Thank you that makes a lot more sense. A lot more!
 

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