Volume of Frustum (Truncated Cone)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volume of a frustum (truncated cone) with specified base radii and height. Participants explore various methods, including calculus and geometric reasoning, to arrive at the volume, while addressing uncertainties in their approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for the volume of a frustum but expresses uncertainty about the height of the smaller cone, leading to a calculated volume of 42.41 in³.
  • Another participant describes a method using parametric equations to find the total height of the cone and suggests calculating the volume of the larger cone before subtracting the volume of the smaller cone.
  • Similar reasoning is reiterated by another participant, emphasizing the use of parametric equations to derive the height and volume.
  • A participant proposes a simpler solution using similar triangles to determine the height of the larger cone, leading to the same height conclusion of 21.
  • Another participant confirms the use of similar triangles and presents a ratio-based approach to find the height.
  • One participant introduces a formula for the volume of a frustum involving the areas of the top and bottom circles, suggesting that it can be derived using definite integrals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing methods for calculating the volume of the frustum, with no consensus on a single approach or final answer. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the height of the smaller cone and the application of different volume formulas. The discussion includes various mathematical approaches that may depend on specific assumptions or interpretations of the problem.

silvashadow
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If there is a frustum with base radii of 1.75 and 1.25 inches, and a height of 6 inches, what is the volume? I tried to use the V=|(b1*h1)/3-(b2*h2)/3)| from the Wikipedia page, but h2 is unknown. I get an answer of 42.41 in^3. Is this correct?

Please use basic calculus as that is all I have learned.
 
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Think of the circles x^2+y^2 = (1.75)^2 z=0 and x^2+y^2 = (1.25)^2 z=6. Left y = 0. This gives us two points from our equations (1.75, 0, 0) and (1.25, 0 ,6). Now we make a parametric equations for the line going through these two points. v = (-.5,0,6)
r = Po + t*v
x = 1.75 - .5t
y = 0
z = 6t

We want x and y to be zero so we can solve for z. 1.75 = .5t t = 3.5

z = 6*(3.5) = 21. So the total height of the cone if it weren't missing anything would be 21. Find the volume for that cone then subtract out the volume of the cone with height 14 and base 1.25.
 
Vid said:
Think of the circles x^2+y^2 = (1.75)^2 z=0 and x^2+y^2 = (1.25)^2 z=6. Left y = 0. This gives us two points from our equations (1.75, 0, 0) and (1.25, 0 ,6). Now we make a parametric equations for the line going through these two points. v = (-.5,0,6)
r = Po + t*v
x = 1.75 - .5t
y = 0
z = 6t

We want x and y to be zero so we can solve for z. 1.75 = .5t t = 3.5

z = 6*(3.5) = 21. So the total height of the cone if it weren't missing anything would be 21. Find the volume for that cone then subtract out the volume of the cone with height 14 and base 1.25.

Thanks.
 
I just realized a much simpler solution using similar triangles.

6/.5 = x/1.75 x = 12*1.75 = 21.
 
Vid said:
I just realized a much simpler solution using similar triangles.

6/.5 = x/1.75 x = 12*1.75 = 21.

Yea, that what I ended up doing.
x/1.25=(x+6)/1.75
 
V=(h/3)*[A1+A2+sqrt(A1*A2)],
h = height, A1 and A2 are areas of the top and bottom circles.
It is not tough to find the formula using simple definite integral.
 

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