Using disk method with respect to y-axis

  • Thread starter Thread starter Geekchick
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Disk Method
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of a region defined by the curve y = √x, the line x = 4, and the line y = 0, specifically when this region is rotated around the y-axis. The original poster attempts to apply the disk method but encounters discrepancies between their calculated volume and the textbook's answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the disk method versus the washer method for calculating volume, with some questioning the setup of the problem and the boundaries for integration. There is also a discussion about the implications of rotating different regions around the y-axis.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the problem, with some providing clarifications on the appropriate method to use based on the region being rotated. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's confusion regarding the use of washers and the correct interpretation of the volume to be calculated.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster's misunderstanding regarding the region to be rotated and the necessity of using washers due to the presence of a hole in the middle of the volume when rotating around the y-axis. The discussion also highlights the importance of visualizing the region involved.

Geekchick
Messages
77
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


y=[tex]\sqrt{x}[/tex], x=4, y=0


Homework Equations


[tex]\pi[/tex][tex]\int^{c}_{d}{R(y)}^{2}[/tex]dy



The Attempt at a Solution


I solve for x then pluged it into the formula

[tex]\int[/tex][tex]^{2}_{0}[/tex]{(y[tex]^{2}[/tex])[tex]^{2}[/tex]}

The answer I got was [tex]\frac{32\pi}{5}[/tex]

but my textbook says the answer should be [tex]\frac{128\pi}{5}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
It looks like what they want is the area between y=sqrt(x) and the vertical line x=4 rotated around the y-axis. You'll want to use washers. Or you could subtract your answer from the volume of the cylinder with radius 4 and height 2.
 
Last edited:
Yeah sorry, I thought I put that I was supposed to find the the volume as it rotates around the y-axis. which is what i tried to do by solving y=sqrt(x) for x=y^2 then I used that boundries 0-2 and integrated. How do you suppose I use washers? I thought the problem had to have two functions of x to do that.

Please help this problem has been bothering me since yesterday!
Thanks!
 
If you cut the volume at a fixed value of y then you get a washer shaped region (a circle with a circular hole in the middle). The inner radius is where it hits y=sqrt(x) and, as you said, that's y^2. The outer radius is where it hits the line x=4. So the outer radius is 4. To use the method of washers, you integrate pi*(outer radius)^2-pi*(inner radius)^2.
 
I got it! thank you so much! I can always depend on the PF members!
 
Oh, I was wondering can the disk method ever be used to find the volume around the y-axis? If so how can I tell? thanks!
 
Draw a sketch of the region. Do you see what you were doing wrong the first time? You were rotating the region between x=0 (the y-axis) and y=sqrt(x). Disks work fine for that. There's no hole in the middle. But what they wanted was the region between y=sqrt(x) and x=4. Now there's a hole in it and you should use washers. You were rotating the wrong region.
 
Ok, so for the volume of the same function about the x-axis the graph essentialliy swings down and around the axis with no gap in between the values of integation 0-4. However, by trying to find the volume of the same function as it swings around the y-axis there is a gap between the values of integration 0-2 which is accounted for by the funtion x=y^2. Right?
 
That sounds right. Because in your problem they wanted you to rotate the region OUTSIDE of the function, not inside.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K