Volumes of Revolution - Ellipsoid

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the volume of a solid formed by rotating an ellipse around the y-axis. The equation of the ellipse is given as x²/a² + y²/b² = 1. Participants clarify that the integral for volume should be set up as π∫(x²) dy, with the limits of integration being from -b to b. The correct volume formula for the ellipsoid is V = 4/3πab², which is referenced but not directly applied in the initial attempts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Familiarity with the equation of an ellipse.
  • Knowledge of volume calculation for solids of revolution.
  • Basic algebra for rearranging equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of disks/washers for calculating volumes of revolution.
  • Learn how to derive equations from geometric shapes, specifically ellipses.
  • Explore applications of definite integrals in volume calculations.
  • Review examples of rotating different shapes around axes to solidify understanding.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on volumes of solids of revolution, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to ellipses and integration.

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Homework Statement


An ellipse is rotated around the y-axis, find the volume of this solid.


Homework Equations


x^2 / a^2 + y^2 / b^2 = 1
<br /> \pi\int_{a}^-a x^2 dy<br />


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm having trouble solving this; I know that the upper and lower bounds of the curve occur on the y-axis so I think that the ellipse equation can be rearranged to form;
x^2 / a^2 + 0 = 1
Thats where the upper and lower bounds for the integral come from.
However I know that the volume of an ellipsoid is V = 4/3*pi*a*b^2.
I just can't seem to get it to work.

Any help is appreciated :)
 
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Shouldn't your limits be ±b ?

\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1 \Rightarrow \frac{x^2}{a^2}=1-\frac{y^2}{b^2}

find x2 in terms of y2, then put that into π∫x2 dy from b to -b and calculate.
 

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