Volume of Solid Generated by Ellipse Quadrant Revolving About Major/Minor Axis

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the volume of the solid generated by revolving the first quadrant of the ellipse defined by the equation \(\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1\) about the line joining the extremities of the major and minor axes. The correct volume formula is established as \(\frac{\pi a^2 b^2}{\sqrt{a^2+b^2}} \left(\frac{5}{3} - \frac{\pi}{2}\right)\). Participants express confusion regarding the region to be rotated, suggesting that only the area above the axis of rotation should be considered. The ambiguity in the problem statement is acknowledged, with recommendations to clarify with the instructor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ellipse geometry and equations
  • Knowledge of volume calculation methods for solids of revolution
  • Familiarity with integral calculus, particularly in relation to area and volume
  • Ability to interpret mathematical problem statements accurately
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  • Study the method of calculating volumes using the disk and washer methods in calculus
  • Learn about the properties and equations of ellipses in analytical geometry
  • Explore examples of solids of revolution involving different axes of rotation
  • Review common ambiguities in mathematical problem statements and how to address them
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on solids of revolution, as well as educators seeking to clarify complex geometric problems in their curriculum.

himanshu121
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The quadrant of the ellipse \frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1. lying in the first quadrant, revolves about the line joining the extremities of the major and minor axis. Show that the volume of the solid generated is \frac{\pi a^2 b^2}{\sqrt{a^2+b^2}} (\frac{5}{3} - \frac{\pi}{2}).

I tried the above question and it was a lot of intricated.Pls tell me some shortest route to the problem
 
Last edited:
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this problem seems a little messed up, since the region to be rotated is on both sides of the axis of rotations. there will be overlap. maybe we should just choose that part of the ellipse that is in the first quadrant and above the line joining the extremities of the two axes?
 
I wrote the question correctly there might be some problems
But i think question requires the upper part which is above the line
 
Originally posted by himanshu121
I wrote the question correctly there might be some problems
But i think question requires the upper part which is above the line

i think so too, which is why i think there is a problem with what you wrote, which includes not just the part which is above the line, but instead the whole first quadrant of the ellipse.

are you sure that is correct?
 
It came in my exam and it says what i have written
 
Originally posted by himanshu121
It came in my exam and it says what i have written

ok, well i don t know what to do with it then...

sorry.

maybe you can ask your teacher if there is a typo...? or maybe someone else here can help you? the problem seems ambiguous to me.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by himanshu121
The quadrant of the ellipse \frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1. lying in the first quadrant, revolves about the line joining the extremities of the major and minor axis. Show that the volume of the solid generated is \frac{\pi a^2 b^2}{\sqrt{a^2+b^2}} (\frac{5}{3} - \frac{\pi}{2}).

I tried the above question and it was a lot of intricated.Pls tell me some shortest route to the problem

There are two extremes for each axis, so there are four possible axes of rotation. Perhaps you should ask your teacher which one he wanted?
 
What if we consider the revolution of triangle bounded by the line won't we come to conclusion as the upper curve by default would be included
 
NateTG: since the original problem referred to the first quadrant, I would think it reasonable to assume that the "extremities" referred to are (a,0) and (0,b). Then the axis of rotation is bx+ ay= ab.

The difficulty that lethe was referring to is that that axis goes through the figure. I would suspect that the problem was intended to be the figure generated if the boundary of the ellipse (above the axis of rotation) were rotated about that axis.
 

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