Area of a Surface of Revolution-

In summary, the problem at hand is to determine whether the surface produced by revolving the curve y=e^(-x), x>0 around the x-axis has a finite or infinite area. The solution involves using the formula for surface area over a given interval and applying the comparison test for improper integrals. By finding a larger function that is easy to integrate, we can determine if the surface area is finite or not.
  • #1
soe236
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[SOLVED] Area of a Surface of Revolution--Help Please

1. Problem: The curve y=e^(-x), x>0 is revolvd about the xaxis. Does the resultin surface have finite or infinite area? [Remember tht you can sometimes decide whether improper integral converges w/out calculating it exactly]



2. Surface area over [a,b]= 2(pi)*integral[f(x)*squareroot(1+f'(x)^2)dx]
Comparison test for improper integrals assuming f(x)>g(x)>0 for x>a: if integral[f(x)dx] on [a,infinity] converges, then integral[g(x)dx] on [a,infinity] also converges.




3. Surface area= 2(pi)*integral[e^(-x)*squareroot(1+e^(-2x))dx].. are the bounds [0,infinity]? What do I do after that to find out if it's finite or not? I'll appreciate any help. Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
You put down a comparison test, find something bigger than your integrand that is easy to integrate.
 

FAQ: Area of a Surface of Revolution-

What is the "area of a surface of revolution"?

The area of a surface of revolution is the total surface area of a three-dimensional shape that is formed by rotating a two-dimensional curve around a fixed axis. This type of surface is commonly seen in objects such as cones, cylinders, and spheres.

How is the area of a surface of revolution calculated?

The area of a surface of revolution can be calculated using the formula A=2π∫xyds, where A is the area, π is the constant pi, x and y are the coordinates of the curve, and ds is the length of the curve.

What types of curves can be used to create a surface of revolution?

Any curve that is continuous and has a smooth shape can be used to create a surface of revolution. Examples include circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.

What is the significance of finding the area of a surface of revolution?

Finding the area of a surface of revolution is important in many real-world applications, such as calculating the surface area of a cylindrical tank, determining the amount of paint needed to cover a curved surface, and understanding the shape and size of objects in nature.

Are there any limitations to using the formula for calculating the area of a surface of revolution?

Yes, the formula for calculating the area of a surface of revolution assumes that the curve being rotated is symmetrical and smooth. It may not accurately calculate the area for irregular or non-smooth curves. Additionally, the axis of rotation must be perpendicular to the plane of the curve.

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