Use the shell method to find the volume of the rotated region

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using the shell method to find the volume of a solid formed by rotating the region bounded by the curve y=4x-x² and the line y=0 around the line x=5. Participants are exploring the setup of the problem, particularly focusing on defining the limits of integration and the radius of the shells.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the identification of the region to be rotated and the corresponding height function h=4x-x². There is uncertainty about how to define the limits of integration and the shell radius when rotating around a vertical line other than the y-axis. Some participants question how to handle the two x-values for each y-value in the context of the shell method.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct setup for the shell method, with some participants suggesting different intervals for integration. Guidance has been offered regarding the radius and height definitions for the shells, and there is acknowledgment that both proposed intervals for integration could be valid.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of rotating around a line that is not the y-axis, which complicates the determination of the shell radius. The discussion includes the need to clarify the intervals for integration based on the shape of the region being rotated.

howsockgothap
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Homework Statement


Use the shell method to find the area of the resulting shape when the region bounded by y=4x-x2 and y=0 is rotated about the line x=5.


Homework Equations


2π ∫ (shell radius)(shell height) dx (from x=a to b)



The Attempt at a Solution


I know the region I am rotating, and I know that h=4x-x2

My problem comes when I try to define the limits of integration and the radius. I don't really understand how to incorporate that the region is being rotated around a line other than the y-axis
 
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howsockgothap said:

Homework Statement


Use the shell method to find the area of the resulting shape when the region bounded by y=4x-x2 and y=0 is rotated about the line x=5.


Homework Equations


2π ∫ (shell radius)(shell height) dx (from x=a to b)



The Attempt at a Solution


I know the region I am rotating, and I know that h=4x-x2

My problem comes when I try to define the limits of integration and the radius. I don't really understand how to incorporate that the region is being rotated around a line other than the y-axis

Have you drawn a sketch of the cross-section of the solid you get? Part of the cross-section is above [0, 4]. What interval is the other part of the cross-section above?

What do you get for the volume of a typical shell?
 
the volume of a typical shell is 2pi*r*h... and the cross section of this shape extends from 0 to 4 and then from 6 to 10... I don't see how that really helps. The radius confuses me for this mostly because for every y value there's two x values, so it doesn't seem to make sense to set it up as 5-x=r
 
howsockgothap said:
the volume of a typical shell is 2pi*r*h...
That's the area of an unrolled shell, not the volume. Also your formula is very general and not specific to your problem.

For the function in your problem, what is r? what is h? And what is the thickness of a typical shell? You don't have that in your formula.


howsockgothap said:
and the cross section of this shape extends from 0 to 4 and then from 6 to 10... I don't see how that really helps. The radius confuses me for this mostly because for every y value there's two x values, so it doesn't seem to make sense to set it up as 5-x=r

I would use the interval [6, 10]. That way the radius is r = x - 5, which is a positive number. The cross-section view includes two intervals, but for your integration limits, you need to use only one of them. Each shell has a cross-section that is in [0, 4] and another that is in [6, 10], but it's still only one shell. Again, I would use the interval [6, 10] If you use the interval [0, 4], then r = 5 - x, which is positive for all values of x in [0, 4].
 
Oops, yes, my mistake, the area is 2pi*r*h*thickness... if I were using the interval from 0 to 4, I guess I would use 2pi∫(5-x)(4x-x2)dx whereas for the interval from 6 to 10 I would use 2pi∫(x-5)(4x-x2)dx... does that seem right?
 
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