Cylindrical shells to find volume.

In summary, the problem with the homework is that the equation is too difficult for the student to understand. Funky thinks the surrounding exercises are easy, but his brain just isn't catching on. He has tried several different approaches to solving the equation, but none have worked.
  • #1
Beamsbox
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0

Homework Statement



Funky, all the surrounding exercises are quite easy, so I assume this is too... my brain's just not catching it...

Use cylindrical shells to find the volume of the shape formed by rotating the following around the y-axis.

The (x,y) graph before rotation: use the area enclosed by the y-axis, y=x, and y=(4-x2)1/2.

The final shape resembles a top, like a spinny gyro-like top. ;)

Homework Equations



V = (the integral) from [a:b], [2(pi)(x)(f(x)-g(x))] dx

(damn that's easier to see written out...)

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, I'm sure I have the correct function to start with:

V = (the integral) from [0:21/2], [2(pi)(x)(4-x2)1/2 - x] dx


(This sq. root is what's screwing me up! along with the fact that you have to distribute the x into it before integrating...)

I've tried to work through it multiple ways, here's one:

Distribute the X because I don't know any product rules at the moment.

V = 2(pi)(the integral) from [0:21/2], [[(x)(4-x2)1/2] - x2] dx

(4-x2 = (2-x)(2+x)) so,

V = 2(pi)(the integral) from [0:21/2], [[(x)((2-x)(2+x))1/2] - x2] dx

... basically lost either way... no reason to continue...

Anyone see the simple way that I'm not?

Thx.
B~
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Use a u-substitution: let u = 4 - x2 in the first term of your integral.
 
  • #3
I've tried that... and it eventually seems to make things worse (when you get around to distributing the x, converted to a 'u' term, into the new radical...), please see my third attachment for my attempt at trying to make that work.

I've atached three different attempts, sorry if they're difficult to read/see... could you please point out where I'm going wrong?

Attempt #1
Calc_attempt_1.jpg


Attempt #2
Calc_attempt_2.jpg


Attempt #3
Calc_attempt_3.jpg
 
  • #4
For an integral like

[tex]\int x\sqrt{4-x^2}\, dx[/tex]

Let u = 4-x2, du = -2x dx

and you get

[tex]-\frac 1 2 \int u^{\frac 1 2}\,du[/tex]

You don't need a u-substitution on the other term in that integral.
 
  • #5
Thanks much... I remember doing 'different' u-substitutions like that... almost a decade ago... I think I can go from there.

Once more, thanks for your help!
 

FAQ: Cylindrical shells to find volume.

How do you calculate the volume of a cylindrical shell?

The volume of a cylindrical shell can be calculated using the formula V = πh(R2 - R1), where h is the height of the shell and R1 and R2 are the inner and outer radii, respectively.

What is the difference between a cylinder and a cylindrical shell?

A cylinder is a solid figure with circular bases and a curved surface, while a cylindrical shell is the space between two cylinders with different radii. In other words, a cylindrical shell is a hollowed-out cylinder.

How do you find the height of a cylindrical shell?

The height of a cylindrical shell can be found by subtracting the inner radius from the outer radius and dividing by 2π, or by using the formula h = V/(π(R2 - R1)), where V is the volume of the shell.

What units should be used when calculating the volume of a cylindrical shell?

The units used for the radius and height should be the same (e.g. centimeters or inches), and the resulting volume will be in cubic units (e.g. cubic centimeters or cubic inches).

Can the volume of a cylindrical shell be negative?

No, the volume of a cylindrical shell cannot be negative. It represents the amount of space contained within the shell, so it must be a positive value.

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