Volume of paraboloid in a cylinder

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SUMMARY

The volume of a paraboloid can be derived using the equation of a parabola, specifically ##y = ax^2##, and integrating the volume of infinitesimally small cylinders. The integration yields the formula $$V = \frac{\pi h^2}{2a}$$. However, this result does not equate to half the volume of the circumscribing cylinder, which is given by $$V = \pi h r^2$$. The correct interpretation of the variables and integration limits is crucial for accurate volume calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Familiarity with the geometric properties of paraboloids and cylinders.
  • Knowledge of the equations of conic sections, particularly parabolas.
  • Basic understanding of volume calculations in three-dimensional geometry.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the volume of a paraboloid using calculus.
  • Learn about the relationship between the volumes of different geometric shapes, particularly comparing paraboloids and cylinders.
  • Explore the application of integration in calculating volumes of revolution.
  • Investigate the implications of variable substitution in integration problems.
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Mathematicians, engineering students, and anyone involved in geometric modeling or volume calculations will benefit from this discussion.

Hamiltonian
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TL;DR
I want to prove that the volume of a paraboloid is half the volume of the cylinder circumscribed by it.
the equation of a parabola that is obtained by taking a cross-section passing through the center of the paraboloid is ##y = ax^2##

breaking the paraboloid into cylinders of height ##(dy)## the volume of each tiny cylinder is given by ##\pi x^2 dy##
since ##y = ax^2## we have ##\pi (y/a) dy##

now on integrating this $$V = \int_0^h \pi (y/a) dy = \frac{\pi h^2}{2a} + c$$

the answer I have got for the volume of the paraboloid is not half the volume of the cylinder circumscribed by it.
I have a feeling I am doing something majorly wrong, as I think you are supposed to use the equation of a paraboloid to find the volume but I am not too sure about that.
 
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Hamiltonian299792458 said:
Summary:: I want to prove that the volume of a paraboloid is half the volume of the cylinder circumscribed by it.

the equation of a parabola that is obtained by taking a cross-section passing through the center of the paraboloid is ##y = ax^2##

breaking the paraboloid into cylinders of height ##(dy)## the volume of each tiny cylinder is given by ##\pi x^2 dy##
since ##y = ax^2## we have ##\pi (y/a) dy##

now on integrating this $$V = \int_0^h \pi (y/a) dy = \frac{\pi h^2}{2a} + c$$

the answer I have got for the volume of the paraboloid is not half the volume of the cylinder circumscribed by it.
I have a feeling I am doing something majorly wrong, as I think you are supposed to use the equation of a paraboloid to find the volume but I am not too sure about that.
The cylinder's volume is $$\pi h r^2$$, you are calling r as x, $$V = \pi h x^2$$, $$V = \frac{\pi h y}{a}$$, but, obviously y = h, $$V = \frac{\pi h^2}{a}$$. You error is thinking you are wrong
 
Thanks! o:)
 

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