Volume of a solid using disks/washers

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the volume of a solid generated by rotating the region enclosed by the function y=\frac{1}{1+x^2}, the lines x=-1 and x=1, and the line y=0 about the line y=2. The subject area pertains to calculus, specifically the application of the disk/washer method for volume calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the disk/washer method for volume calculation and explore the setup of the problem, including the identification of outer and inner radii. There are attempts to simplify the integral using symmetry and various integration techniques, including substitutions and partial fractions. Some participants express uncertainty regarding the correctness of their steps and seek clarification on their approach.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing feedback on each other's reasoning and calculations. Some have pointed out potential errors in the setup and suggested alternative methods for integration. There is a collaborative effort to clarify misunderstandings and refine the approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the function's characteristics and the integration process. Participants are also navigating the constraints of the problem, such as the limits of integration and the appropriateness of the chosen method.

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Homework Statement


Find the volume of the solid generated by rotating the region enclosed by y=\frac{1}{1+x^2} , x=-1,x=1 and y=0 about the line y=2

Homework Equations



pi(outer radius)^2-pi(inner radius)^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Since i am rotating around a horizontal line i figured disks/washers would be a better method than cylindrical shells for this problem. First i sketched the graph. It is sort of an upside down parabola enclosed by the x-axis and x=-1 and x=1. For the outer radius I got 2 and for the inner radius I got 2-\frac{1}{1+x^2}. Since the limits of integration are -1 and 1 and its a parabola I figured I can use symmetry to make it from 0 to 1 and multiply the whole thing by 2.
Step 1:
2\pi \int_0^1(2)^2-(2-\frac{1}{1+x^2})^2\,dx

Step 2:
2\pi \int_0^1(4)-(4-\frac{4}{1+x^2}+\frac{1}{(1+x^2)^2})dx

Step 3:
2\pi \int_0^1\frac{4}{1+x^2}-\frac{1}{(1+x^2)^2}dx

Step 4:
2\pi \int_0^1\frac{4(1+x^2)-1}{(1+x^2)^2}dx

Step 5:
2\pi \int_0^1\frac{4x^2}{(1+x^2)^2}dx

Here I hit a wall because I am not entirely sure how to integrate this. In fact I am not even sure if I am correct up to this point. I would appreciate it greatly if you guys could point me in the right direction.
 
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toothpaste666 said:

Homework Statement


Find the volume of the solid generated by rotating the region enclosed by y=\frac{1}{1+x^2} , x=-1,x=1 and y=0 about the line y=2



Homework Equations



pi(outer radius)^2-pi(inner radius)^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Since i am rotating around a horizontal line i figured disks/washers would be a better method than cylindrical shells for this problem. First i sketched the graph. It is sort of an upside down parabola enclosed by the x-axis and x=-1 and x=1. For the outer radius I got 2 and for the inner radius I got 2-\frac{1}{1+x^2}. Since the limits of integration are -1 and 1 and its a parabola I figured I can use symmetry to make it from 0 to 1 and multiply the whole thing by 2.
Step 1:
2\pi \int_0^1(2)^2-(2-\frac{1}{1+x^2})^2\,dx

Step 2:
2\pi \int_0^1(4)-(4-\frac{4}{1+x^2}+\frac{1}{(1+x^2)^2})dx

Step 3:
2\pi \int_0^1\frac{4}{1+x^2}-\frac{1}{(1+x^2)^2}dx

Step 4:
2\pi \int_0^1\frac{4(1+x^2)-1}{(1+x^2)^2}dx

Step 5:
2\pi \int_0^1\frac{4x^2}{(1+x^2)^2}dx

Here I hit a wall because I am not entirely sure how to integrate this. In fact I am not even sure if I am correct up to this point. I would appreciate it greatly if you guys could point me in the right direction.
Hello toothpaste666. Welcome to PF !

It's not a parabola, but it is symmetric w.r.t the y-axis.

4(1 + x2) - 1 = 4x2 - 3 ≠ 4x2 .
 
Thank you! Wow I can't believe I made that mistake thank you for catching me on that. Wouldnt it be 4X^2+3? The rest of it is right so far though? I was a little unsure about my inner and outer radius and limits of integration. If that is the case I have been having trouble finding a method to integrate that. I played around with a couple of substitutions and partial fractions but I didn't make much progress.
 
Last edited:
I wouldn't do step 4. After step 3, the left hand integral is well-known. For the other, try the same trig substitution that solves the left hand one.
 
haruspex said:
I wouldn't do step 4. After step 3, the left hand integral is well-known. For the other, try the same trig substitution that solves the left hand one.

Oh i see i should have split the integral. I ended up just making it more complicated. So i should let x = tan(theta) on the integral on the right?
 
toothpaste666 said:
Oh i see i should have split the integral. I ended up just making it more complicated. So i should let x = tan(theta) on the integral on the right?
That worked for me.
 
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haruspex said:
That worked for me.

I got it. Thank you so much!
 

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