What p(x) should be in shell method

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of revolution for the function y = x^(1/2) around the line x = 4, specifically using the shell method. Participants are exploring the correct expression for p(x), the radius in the shell method formula.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the appropriate choice for p(x) in the shell method, with some suggesting it should be (x + 4) while others consider |x - 4| as the radius. There is also discussion about the boundaries of the region being revolved.

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of different interpretations regarding the setup of the problem and the definition of p(x). Some participants have provided insights into the radius calculation, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem lacks explicit boundaries, particularly the lower boundary of y = 0, which is assumed but not stated. This has led to confusion regarding the setup for the shell method.

en bloc
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Homework Statement


y=x^(1/2) x=4

find volume of revolution about the line x=4

this was a test problem and i chose x as p(x) [radius] but now i think that it should've been (x+4).

:confused:
 
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en bloc said:

Homework Statement


y=x^(1/2) x=4

find volume of revolution about the line x=4

this was a test problem and i chose x as p(x) [radius] but now i think that it should've been (x+4).

:confused:
I'm confused too !

What question are you asking?
 
In calculus II, graphing a function and then revolving it around an axis. calculate that volume either by disk/washer method or shell method.

and the formula for the shell method is 2\pi \int_{a}^{b} (p(y)h(y))\,dy
o:)
 
en bloc said:
In calculus II, graphing a function and then revolving it around an axis. calculate that volume either by disk/washer method or shell method.

and the formula for the shell method is

2\pi \int_{a}^{b} (p(y)h(y))\,dy
o:)
Yes, of course! I get that, but what did you mean by
y=x^(1/2) x=4​

I'd rather not have to guess when I'm answering someones question.
 
it's the region bounded by y = \sqrt{}x and x = 4
 
en bloc said:
it's the region bounded by y = \sqrt{}x and x = 4
You need at least one more boundary; perhaps the x-axis ?
 
i thought the same thing, y = 0, but it wasn't given. part (a) of the problem was revolution around the x-axis. i just implicitly assumed it was. so what would p(x) be in this region.
 
en bloc said:

Homework Statement


y=x^(1/2) x=4

find volume of revolution about the line x=4

this was a test problem and i chose x as p(x) [radius] but now i think that it should've been (x+4).

:confused:
Assuming that the problem is:
Find the volume of revolution, using the shell method, if the region bounded by y=x1/2, x=4, and y=0 is revolved about the line x = 4.​
The radius is the distance that an arbitrary value of x is from x=4. That distance is |x-4|. Assuming that the integration is done
from x = 0 to x = 4, then, |x-4| = 4 - x .
 

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