Volume by parallel cross-section.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of a solid whose base is bounded by the curves y = x² and y = 4, with cross sections perpendicular to the x-axis being squares.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the volume element and the integration process. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the geometric interpretation and the integral formulation. Some participants express confusion regarding the integration steps and seek further explanation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the volume element and its components. Some guidance has been offered regarding the symmetry of the problem and the integration limits. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach, as participants are still working through the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of calculation errors and misunderstandings regarding the integration process. Participants are also exploring different methods, including the shell method, which suggests a broader context of problem-solving strategies being considered.

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The questions: the base of a solid is the region bounded y=x^2 and y=4. Find the volume of the solid given that the cross sections perpendicular to the x-axis are squares.

The answer is 512/15.

I set A(x)= (2y)^2 = 4(x^2)^2=4x^4, and the answer is wrong when I integrate this from x = -2 to x = 2.

How can I solve this?

Please help me.
 
Last edited:
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The typical volume element, \Delta V, has a volume of (4 - x2)(4 - x2)\Delta x. The first factor of (4 - x2) is the distance between the line y = 4 and the curve y = x2. The second factor of (4 - x2) is the vertical height of the volume element (perpendicular to the x-y plane). The \Delta x factor is the thickness of the volume element.
 
That's more confusing... can you explain it with integrals?
 
Maybe this picture will help you:

forumslab.jpg
 
LCKurtz said:
Maybe this picture will help you:

forumslab.jpg

Thank you for the picture, but I do understand how it looks...

just don't know how it goes with the integrals...
 
Mark44 said:
The typical volume element, \Delta V, has a volume of (4 - x2)(4 - x2)\Delta x. The first factor of (4 - x2) is the distance between the line y = 4 and the curve y = x2. The second factor of (4 - x2) is the vertical height of the volume element (perpendicular to the x-y plane). The \Delta x factor is the thickness of the volume element.

so A(x) = (4-x2)2 ?
2\int(4-x2)2dx (x is 0~2)
 
Yes, since you have symmetry about x = 0.
 
LCKurtz said:
Yes, since you have symmetry about x = 0.

But, I am not getting 512/15.
 
Then you have done something wrong.
\int_{x = -2}^2 (4 - x^2)^2 dx~=~2\int_{x = 0}^2 (4 - x^2)^2 dx~=~\frac{512}{15}
 
  • #10
Yes. made some calculation error
 
  • #11
Did you find out where you went wrong?
 
  • #12
Mark44 said:
Did you find out where you went wrong?

Yes. Thank you. I have posted another question this time regarding shell method
 

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