Where Did I Go Wrong With the Centroid Problem?

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    Centroid Vector
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a centroid problem involving the curves defined by the equations y=4x^2 and y=2x^3. Participants explore the calculation of the centroid's y-coordinate, addressing issues related to the setup of integrals and the identification of intersection points.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about their calculations for the y vector, seeking guidance on where they might be going wrong.
  • Another participant questions the construction of the integral, suggesting that the method used may not be correct.
  • Some participants discuss the correct formulation of the integral for calculating the centroid, mentioning the need to integrate the difference of squares of the functions involved.
  • There are mentions of different methods for calculating the centroid, including integrating with respect to y and using the inverse of the functions.
  • A participant acknowledges a mistake in identifying the correct limits for integration, specifically the x2 and x1 values.
  • One participant clarifies that the term "y vector" refers to the "mean of y," indicating a potential misunderstanding in terminology.
  • Another participant reflects on their earlier mistakes and notes that they eventually arrived at the correct answer after the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct method or formulation for the centroid calculation, as multiple approaches and interpretations are presented. Some express confidence in their methods, while others remain uncertain about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the setup of integrals, the identification of intersection points, and the correct application of formulas for calculating the centroid. Participants express varying degrees of understanding and confidence in their approaches.

bmanmcfly
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[SOLVED] Centroid problem with y vector

View attachment 720

So, I've been having a problem with this part here, the equations are y=4x^2 and y=2x3.

So, the intersections are (0,0) and (2, 16)
The area between the two is 8/3.

I know I'm doing something correct because I get the x vector correct with ease, but no matter what I can't get the y vector anywhere near the answer.View attachment 720

Can someone please point out where I'm going wrong here??

(not the answer, just where I'm going wrong)
 

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Sorry , I cannot understand what the question really is ?
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
Sorry , I cannot understand what the question really is ?

The given equation is y vector= 1/area( int from 0-16 for y( x2-x1) dy

(sorry not good with latex)

The x2 and x1 are found with y=4x^2 and y=2x^3.

At which point am I going wrong?

Or did the image linked not appear?

Edit: the answer should by a y value between 0-16 to reflect the point of balance between the two curves.
 
Are you sure that you have constructed the integral correctly ?
 
Before we try to follow your work and check for an error, what method are you using? Are you using the method outlined here? I see the 1/A term but the y moment should be integrating f(x)^2-g(x)^2. Just checking we're talking about the same thing. :)
 
Welcome to MHB, Bmanmcfly! :)

Your calculation is fine!
But as ZaidAlyafey already suggested, the expression for your initial integral contains a small mistake.

Btw, what you refer to as "y vector" is actually the "mean of y".
 
Jameson said:
Before we try to follow your work and check for an error, what method are you using? Are you using the method outlined here? I see the 1/A term but the y moment should be integrating f(x)^2-g(x)^2. Just checking we're talking about the same thing. :)

If this is the case then the book just messed me up, because the equation I've been given in the book is the
X vector uses x(y2-y1) then divide by the area equation. Then the y vector is y(x2-x1)...

But the square method in that link might prove useful... I used the 1/a because I calculated that separately to use less page room from calculating all...

I think you got me going in a good direction here, I'll try and report.

I did notice that I chose the wrong x2 and x1 lines, I think.
 
I like Serena said:
Welcome to MHB, Bmanmcfly! :)

Your calculation is fine!
But as ZaidAlyafey already suggested, the expression for your initial integral contains a small mistake.

Btw, what you refer to as "y vector" is actually the "mean of y".

Oh, oops, I thought the bar over the y meant vector...
 
Bmanmcfly said:
If this is the case then the book just messed me up, because the equation I've been given in the book is the
X vector uses x(y2-y1) then divide by the area equation. Then the y vector is y(x2-x1)...

But the square method in that link might prove useful... I used the 1/a because I calculated that separately to use less page room from calculating all...

I think you got me going in a good direction here, I'll try and report.

I did notice that I chose the wrong x2 and x1 lines, I think.

Both methods work.
Either you calculate the inverse of f(x) and g(x) and integrate y(x2-x1) with respect to y as you did.
Or you use the integral of (1/2)(x2^2 - x1^2) and integrate with respect to x as Jameson suggests.
 
  • #10
I like Serena said:
Both methods work.
Either you calculate the inverse of f(x) and g(x) and integrate y(x2-x1) with respect to y as you did.
Or you use the integral of (1/2)(x2^2 - x1^2) and integrate with respect to x as Jameson suggests.

I realized the mistakes I was making... First, x1 should have been closest to the axis.

There were other issues also in the 20 or so times I tried to solve the problem before posting, but I finally got the answer.

It may not feel like you all helped that much, but it definitely worked.

Thanks.
 

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