Volume of a Solid of Revolution

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume generated by rotating the area bounded by the curve \(y^2 = 8x\), the line \(x = 2\), and the x-axis about the y-axis. This falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically in the context of solids of revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the volume of a cylinder and the method of disks to approach the problem. There are attempts to derive the volume by subtracting an integral from the volume of a cylinder, with various expressions for the integral being proposed. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the integration and the relationship between their answers and the provided solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and expressed uncertainty about their results compared to the book's answer. There is recognition of a potential discrepancy between their derived volumes and the expected solution, leading to further questioning of the assumptions made in the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem specifies the area is bounded by the x-axis, which raises questions about whether multiplying their results by two is appropriate, as it would account for volume both above and below the x-axis.

SheldonG
Messages
50
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the volume generated by rotating the area bounded by [itex]y^2 = 8x, x = 2[/itex] and the x-axis about the y-axis.


Homework Equations


Volume of cylinder, volume of disk.


The Attempt at a Solution


I think this can be solved by subtracting the 'empty' volume from the volume of a cylinder of radius 2:

[tex]\pi r^2h - \int_0^4 \frac{\pi y^2}{8}\,dy[/tex]

I get an answer of [itex]\pi 40/3[/itex] but the solution provided is [itex]128/5\pi[/itex].

I'm sure my arithmetic is not that far off :-)

What did I do wrong?

Thanks,
Sheldon
 
Physics news on Phys.org
SheldonG said:

Homework Statement


Find the volume generated by rotating the area bounded by [itex]y^2 = 8x, x = 2[/itex] and the x-axis about the y-axis.


Homework Equations


Volume of cylinder, volume of disk.


The Attempt at a Solution


I think this can be solved by subtracting the 'empty' volume from the volume of a cylinder of radius 2:

[tex]\pi r^2h - \int_0^4 \frac{\pi y^2}{8}\,dy[/tex]

I get an answer of [itex]\pi 40/3[/itex] but the solution provided is [itex]128/5\pi[/itex].

I'm sure my arithmetic is not that far off :-)

What did I do wrong?

Thanks,
Sheldon

I see an error, but I still don't get the provided answer. I believe the following is correct:

[tex]\pi r^2h - \int_0^4 \frac{\pi y^4}{64}\,dy[/tex]

However I get the answer: [itex]64\pi/5[/itex]

Thanks!
Sheldon
 
SheldonG said:
I see an error, but I still don't get the provided answer. I believe the following is correct:

[tex]\pi r^2h - \int_0^4 \frac{\pi y^4}{64}\,dy[/tex]

However I get the answer: [itex]64\pi/5[/itex]

Thanks!
Sheldon
That integral is the correct one. I don't see how you could get [itex]64\pi/5[/itex] out of it! Show exactly how you integrated.
 
HallsofIvy said:
That integral is the correct one. I don't see how you could get [itex]64\pi/5[/itex] out of it! Show exactly how you integrated.

When x = 2, y = 4, so that's the height of the cylinder:

[tex]\pi(2^2)4 - \int_0^4 \frac{\pi y^4}{64}\,dy = 16\pi -\pi\left[\frac{y^5}{(5)(64)}\right]_0^4[/tex][tex]16\pi - \frac{16\pi}{5} = \frac{80\pi}{5} - \frac{16\pi}{5} = \frac{64\pi}{5}[/tex]

Am I making some dumb mistake here?

Thanks for your help!
Sheldon
 
Your integration is actually perfect.

Just notice that your answer is 1/2 the book's answer. That should lead you in the right direction.
 
Wolf of the Ste said:
Your integration is actually perfect.

Just notice that your answer is 1/2 the book's answer. That should lead you in the right direction.

Hi Wolf,

I noticed that, but I don't understand it. I am starting to wonder if the book answer is wrong, but this is a new topic, and I am not feeling very confident.

If I multiply by two (or integrate from -4 to 4), then I get the book answer. But the problem states that the area is bounded by the X-axis. Multiplying by 2 would give the volume for the object both above and below the X-axis. Isn't that right?

Thanks for your help,
Sheldon
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K