What is the surface area when rotating a curve about the x-axis?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the surface area generated by rotating curves about the x-axis and y-axis, specifically focusing on parametric equations and integration techniques. The participants explore various related problems in calculus, including area bounded by curves, arc length, and surface area of revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup for calculating the area bounded by curves and question the limits of integration. There are attempts to apply the arc length formula for parametric equations and to derive the surface area of revolution using integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the correct application of formulas and suggest rechecking certain calculations, particularly regarding the integration limits and the expressions under the square root. There is an exploration of different interpretations of the surface area problem when changing the axis of rotation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with the limits of integration and the expressions used in the calculations, indicating a need for careful consideration of the definitions and setups involved in the problems.

sherlockjones
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1 Find the area bounded by the curve [tex]x = t - \frac{1}{t}[/tex], [tex]y = t + \frac{1}{t}[/tex] and the line [tex]y = 2.5[/tex].

I know that [tex]A = \int_{\alpha}^{\beta} g(t)f'(t) \; dt[/tex]I ended up with [tex]\int_{1}^{2} 2.5-(t+\frac{1}{t})(1+\frac{1}{t^{2}})[/tex] 2 Find the length of the curve: [tex]x = a(\cos \theta + \theta \sin \theta)[/tex], [tex]y = a(\sin \theta-\theta \cos \theta)[/tex], [tex]0\leq \theta\leq \pi[/tex]

I obtained [tex]\frac{a\pi^{2}}{2}[/tex]. Does this look correct? I used the arc length formula for parametric equations.Is this correct? 3 Find the surface area obtained by rotating the given curve about the x-axis: [tex]x = 3t-t^{3}[/tex] [tex]y = 3t^{2}[/tex], [tex]0\leq t\leq 1[/tex].

So [tex]S = \int_{a}^{b} 2\pi y \sqrt{(\frac{dx}{dt}^{2})+(\frac{dy}{dt}^{2})} \; dt[/tex]

So would I do the following: [tex]\int_{0}^{1} 2\pi(3t^{2})\sqrt{(3-3t^{2})+36t^{2}} \; dt[/tex]?
 
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sherlockjones said:
1 Find the area bounded by the curve [tex]x = t - \frac{1}{t}[/tex], [tex]y = t + \frac{1}{t}[/tex] and the line [tex]y = 2.5[/tex].

I know that [tex]A = \int_{\alpha}^{\beta} g(t)f'(t) \; dt[/tex]


I ended up with [tex]\int_{1}^{2} 2.5-(t+\frac{1}{t})(1+\frac{1}{t^{2}})[/tex]
Now quite. if x= f(t), y= g(t), then dx= f'(t)dt and ydx= g(t)f'(t)dt but you want (2.5- y)dx. You should have (2.5- t+ 1/t)(1+ 1/t2)dt. Also, recheck your limits of integration. When t= 1, y= 2, not 2.5.


2 Find the length of the curve: [tex]x = a(\cos \theta + \theta \sin \theta)[/tex], [tex]y = a(\sin \theta-\theta \cos \theta)[/tex], [tex]0\leq \theta\leq \pi[/tex]

I obtained [tex]\frac{a\pi^{2}}{2}[/tex]. Does this look correct? I used the arc length formula for parametric equations.


Is this correct?
Yes, it is. Don't you just love it when things cancel out?


3 Find the surface area obtained by rotating the given curve about the x-axis: [tex]x = 3t-t^{3}[/tex] [tex]y = 3t^{2}[/tex], [tex]0\leq t\leq 1[/tex].

So [tex]S = \int_{a}^{b} 2\pi y \sqrt{(\frac{dx}{dt}^{2})+(\frac{dy}{dt}^{2})} \; dt[/tex]

So would I do the following: [tex]\int_{0}^{1} 2\pi(3t^{2})\sqrt{(3-3t^{2})+36t^{2}} \; dt[/tex]?
No. You forgot a square: it should be
[tex]\int_{0}^{1} 2\pi(3t^{2})\sqrt{(3-3t^{2})^2+36t^{2}} \; dt[/tex]
(Once again, that square root simplifies nicely. Your teacher is being nice to you!)
 
Instead if the question read as:

Find the surface area generated by rotating the given curve about the y-axis:

[tex]x = 3t^{2}, y = 2t^{3}, 0\leq t \leq 5[/tex] would it be:

[tex]\int_{0}^{5} 2\pi(3t^{2})\sqrt{72t^{2}} \; dt[/tex]
 
No, it wouldn't. You want [itex]\sqrt{(dx/dt)^2+ (dy/dt)^2}[/itex]. Here, dx/dt= 6t and dy/dt= 6t2. You need [itex]\sqrt{36t^2+ 36t^4}= 6t\sqrt{1+ t^2}[/itex].
 

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