Why Is My Calculation of the Volume Using the Shell Method Incorrect?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an integration problem involving the shell method to calculate the volume of a solid generated by revolving a region bounded by specific curves about the X-axis. The original poster expresses confusion regarding their calculation and the setup of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up the integral using the shell method but questions their expression for X and the resulting integral. Some participants suggest re-evaluating the expression for X and the algebra involved in the integration. Others provide algebraic rules to assist in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with some participants providing guidance on algebraic manipulation. The original poster has indicated a resolution to their confusion, achieving the expected answer after addressing their algebraic mistakes. However, there is no explicit consensus on the initial setup of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's confusion stems from the algebraic manipulation required to express the integral correctly. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct form of the expression for X in relation to Y.

Shakenbake158
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Homework Statement



Hey guys, I am working an integration problem and am having a hard time.
This is the problem : Let R be the region bounded by Y = 2x^(-3/2), Y = 2, Y = 16, and X = 0. Use the shell method to find the volume of the solid generated when R is revolved about the X-Axis.

The radius is just Y since it's about an axis.
The bounds are from 2 to 16.
I don't know if I am solving for X wrong, when I solve for X, I get X = (1/2)Y^(-2/3)
So wouldn't my integral be 2∏∫(Y)((1/2)Y^(-2/3)dy from 2 to 16?
the anser is 90∏, and that is not what I am getting :/



Homework Equations



So I know the shell method is 2∏∫(radius)(height).
Since its about the X-Axis, we are integrating with respect to Y, which means we have to solve for X.





The Attempt at a Solution



The radius is just Y since it's about an axis.
The bounds are from 2 to 16.
I don't know if I am solving for X wrong, when I solve for X, I get X = (1/2)Y^(-2/3)
So wouldn't my integral be 2∏∫(Y)((1/2)Y^(-2/3) from 2 to 16?
the anser is 90pi, and that is not what I am getting :/
 
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Shakenbake158 said:

Homework Statement



Hey guys, I am working an integration problem and am having a hard time.
This is the problem : Let R be the region bounded by Y = 2x^(-3/2), Y = 2, Y = 16, and X = 0. Use the shell method to find the volume of the solid generated when R is revolved about the X-Axis.

The radius is just Y since it's about an axis.
The bounds are from 2 to 16.
I don't know if I am solving for X wrong, when I solve for X, I get X = (1/2)Y^(-2/3)
So wouldn't my integral be 2p times the integral of (Y)((1/2)Y^(-2/3) from 2 to 16?
the anser is 90pi, and that is not what I am getting :/



Homework Equations



So I know the shell method is the integral of 2pi(radius)(height).
Since its about the X-Axis, we are integrating with respect to Y, which means we have to solve for X.

The Attempt at a Solution



The radius is just Y since it's about an axis.
The bounds are from 2 to 16.
I don't know if I am solving for X wrong, when I solve for X, I get X = (1/2)Y^(-2/3)
So wouldn't my integral be 2pi times the integral of (Y)((1/2)Y^(-2/3) from 2 to 16?
the anser is 90pi, and that is not what I am getting :/
Hello Shakenbake158. Welcome to PF.

You're either solving for x incorrectly, or you're incorrectly expressing the result.

(y/2) should be raised to the -2/3 power, not y alone.
 
SammyS said:
Hello Shakenbake158. Welcome to PF.

You're either solving for x incorrectly, or you're incorrectly expressing the result.

(y/2) should be raised to the -2/3 power, not y alone.


Thank you for the greeting!

I thought that I might be solving for X wrong.

So now I have 2∏∫(y)((y/2)^(-2/3))dy

My algerbra is failing me, how do I multiple these two terms?
 
[itex]\displaystyle \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^m=\frac{a^m}{b^m}[/itex]


[itex]\displaystyle a^m a^n=\left(a\right)^{(m+n)}[/itex]
 
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SammyS said:
[itex]\displaystyle \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^m=\frac{a^m}{b^m}[/itex]


[itex]\displaystyle a^m a^n=\left(a\right)^{(m+n)}[/itex]


Thank you so much for the help. I was finally able to get 90∏.

I was just making algebraic mistakes.

I appreciate the help.
 

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