What is the volume of the solid formed using the shell method?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volume of a solid formed by rotating a region defined by the function $$f(x)=\sqrt{x}$$ and a line $$L$$ about the x-axis. Participants explore the shell method and the disk method for volume calculation, addressing various aspects of the problem including equations of lines, area expressions, and integration limits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant derives the equation of the normal line $$L$$ to the graph of $$f$$ at the point $$(4,2)$$, confirming it as $$y=-4x+18$$.
  • Another participant agrees with the correctness of the derived equation and the x-intercept calculation for point $$A$$.
  • Participants discuss the area of region $$R$$ using integrals, with one proposing the expression $$\int_{0}^{4}\sqrt{x}\,dx + \int_{4}^{\frac{9}{2}}(-4x+18)\,dx$$ and calculating the area as $$\frac{35}{6}$$.
  • There is a suggestion to find the volume of the solid formed by rotating region $$R$$ about the x-axis, with one participant estimating the volume using the disk method as approximately $$536\pi$$ units$$^3$$.
  • Another participant points out the need to check the limits of integration, suggesting they should be in terms of $$x$$ rather than $$\theta$$.
  • Further discussion clarifies the integration process, with participants confirming the volume calculation and discussing the implications of the rotation angle on the integration method.
  • One participant suggests refraining from using decimal approximations for $$\pi$$ in the final volume expression, proposing an exact form of $$V=\frac{26\pi}{3}$$.
  • A later reply prompts the computation of the volume using the shell method, indicating it could be done with a single integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the initial calculations for the line and area, but there are ongoing discussions about the volume calculations and the appropriate methods to use. Some participants express uncertainty about the integration limits and the implications of the rotation angle.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the limits of integration and the specific methods used for volume calculation, with some participants suggesting corrections without reaching a consensus on the final volume expression.

karush
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Let $$f(x)=\sqrt{x}$$, Line $$L$$ is the normal to the graph of f and point $$(4,2)$$

(a) show that the equation of L is $$y=-4x+18$$

$$f'=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}$$ so $$f'(4)=\frac{1}{4}$$ so normal would be $$-4$$
then L is $$y-2=-4(x-4)$$ or $$y= -4x+18$$



(b) Point $$A$$ is the x-intercept of $$L$$. find the x-coordinate of $$A$$

from $$Y=-4x+18$$ set $$0=-4x+18$$ then $$18=4x$$ and $$x=\frac{9}{2}$$ so $$A=(\frac{9}{2},0)$$

there is still (c) and (d) but want to make sure this is correct first.:cool:
 
Last edited:
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Re: volumn of the solid formed

Yeah, yeah. This is correct.

Edit: that is, (a) is correct.
You've added (b) to the OP, which is still correct.
 
Last edited:
Re: volumn of the solid formed

(c) find the expression for the area of R

$$\int_{0}^{4}\sqrt{x}\,dx + \int_{4}^{\frac{9}{2}}(-4x+18)\,dx$$

$$= \frac{16}{3} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{35}{6}$$

(d) The region R is rotated $$360^0$$ about the $$x$$-axis. Find the volume of the solid formed
give answer in terms of $$\pi$$

I assume this means adding $$2$$ integrals

$$\pi\bigg[\int_{0}^{2\pi}(\sqrt{x})^2\,dx +\int_{0}^{2\pi}(-4x+18)^2\,dx\bigg]\approx 536\pi$$ units$$^3$$
 
Re: volumn of the solid formed

c) Correct.

d) Check your limits of integration. They should be in terms of $x$, not $\theta$.
 
Re: volumn of the solid formed

karush said:
(c) find the expression for the area of R

$$\int_{0}^{4}\sqrt{x}\,dx + \int_{4}^{\frac{9}{2}}(-4x+18)\,dx$$

$$= \frac{16}{3} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{35}{6}$$

(d) The region R is rotated $$360^0$$ about the $$x$$-axis. Find the volume of the solid formed
give answer in terms of $$\pi$$

I assume this means adding $$2$$ integrals

$$\pi\bigg[\int_{0}^{2\pi}(\sqrt{x})^2\,dx +\int_{0}^{2\pi}(-4x+18)^2\,dx\bigg]\approx 536\pi$$ units$$^3$$

Looking good.
I guess you just wanted to verify you're using the right method?

Edit: as Mark said, you need to rectify your integral boundaries.
 
Re: volumn of the solid formed

I like Serena said:
Looking good.
I guess you just wanted to verify you're using the right method?

Edit: as Mark said, you need to rectify your integral boundaries.

$$\pi\bigg[\int_{0}^{4}(\sqrt{x})^2\,dx +\int_{4}^{\frac{9}{2}}(-4x+18)^2\,dx\bigg]\approx 8.67\pi$$ units$$^3$$

how does this assume that we are going $$360^0$$ around the $$x$$ axis if $$2\pi$$ isn't anywhere?
 
Re: volumn of the solid formed

karush said:
$$\pi\bigg[\int_{0}^{4}(\sqrt{x})^2\,dx +\int_{4}^{\frac{9}{2}}(-4x+18)^2\,dx\bigg]\approx 8.67\pi$$ units$$^3$$

how does this assume that we are going $$360^0$$ around the $$x$$ axis if $$2\pi$$ isn't anywhere?

You're integrating circle disks.
Each disk has surface $\pi r^2$, which effectively includes your $2\pi$.
And each disk has a thickness of $dx$, which is what you are integrating.
 
Re: volumn of the solid formed

karush said:
$$\pi\bigg[\int_{0}^{4}(\sqrt{x})^2\,dx +\int_{4}^{\frac{9}{2}}(-4x+18)^2\,dx\bigg]\approx 8.67\pi$$ units$$^3$$

how does this assume that we are going $$360^0$$ around the $$x$$ axis if $$2\pi$$ isn't anywhere?

Your integrands are of the form $\pi r^2$ which combined with the differential, gives the volumes of a stack of disk shaped slices (complete circular disks, thus the angle of rotation of $360^{\circ}$ is implied) which are then summed up by integration.
 
Re: volumn of the solid formed

MarkFL said:
Your integrands are of the form $\pi r^2$ which combined with the differential, gives the volumes of a stack of disk shaped slices (complete circular disks, thus the angle of rotation of $360^{\circ}$ is implied) which are then summed up by integration.

ok got it...
so my volume is correct then...
 
  • #10
Re: volumn of the solid formed

karush said:
ok got it...
so my volume is correct then...

I would refrain from using a decimal approximation for the factor of $\pi$. I would write:

$$V=\frac{26\pi}{3}$$

As a follow-up...can you compute the volume using the shell method? This will actually allow the volume to be computed using only 1 integral.(Nerd)
 

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