Joey e's questions at Yahoo Answers regarding solids of revolution

In summary, the conversation discussed two problems involving solids of revolution and finding their volumes using the disk/washer and shell method. The first problem revolved a region bounded by two curves around the x-axis and the second problem revolved a region bounded by three curves around the y-axis. The work shown for both problems was done using both methods to provide a comparison and practice. The answers were found to be the same for both methods, showing the validity of both approaches. The conversation ended with an invitation to post other similar problems in the forum for further practice.
  • #1
MarkFL
Gold Member
MHB
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Here is the question:

Calculus Disc/washer/shell method.?

I have two problems that I have no idea how to work, and have the test coming up soon.

1) Sketch the region by the following curves and find the volume of the solid generated by revolving this region about the x-axis.

y=8sqrtx
y=8x^3

2) Sketch the region bounded by the following curves and find the volume of the solid generated by the revolving this region about the y-axis.

x=1/2y^3
x=4
y=0

I need to know why you picked the method you did, and the work shown associated with it. THANK YOU SO MUCH

Here is a link to the questions:

Calculus Disc/washer/shell method.? - Yahoo! Answers

I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can find my response.
 
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  • #2
Re: joey e's questions from Yahoo! Answers regarding solids of revolution

Hello joey e,

I am going to work both problems using the disk/washer method and the shell method so you can see both in action and as a means of checking my work, plus it's good practice when practical.

1.) Let's first look at a plot of the region to be revolved about the $x$-axis:

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/780._xfImport

Washer method:

Let's find the volume $dV$ of an arbitrary washer:

\(\displaystyle dV=\pi\left(R^2-r^2 \right)\,dx\)

$R$ is the outer radius, and it is given by:

\(\displaystyle R=8\sqrt{x}\)

$r$ is the inner radius, and it is given by:

\(\displaystyle r=8x^3\)

and so we have:

\(\displaystyle dV=64\pi\left(x-x^6 \right)\,dx\)

Summing the washers by integrating, we find:

\(\displaystyle V=64\pi\int_0^1 x-x^6\,dx=64\pi\left[\frac{x^2}{2}-\frac{x^7}{7} \right]_0^1=64\pi\left(\frac{1}{2}-\frac{1}{7} \right)=\frac{160\pi}{7}\)

Shell method:

The volume $dV$ of an arbitrary shell is:

\(\displaystyle dV=2\pi rh\,dy\)

where:

\(\displaystyle r=y\)

\(\displaystyle h=\frac{y^{\frac{1}{3}}}{2}-\frac{y^2}{64}\)

and so we have:

\(\displaystyle dV=\pi \left(y^{\frac{4}{3}}-\frac{y^3}{32} \right)\,dy\)

Summing the shells by integrating, we find:

\(\displaystyle V=\pi\int_0^8 y^{\frac{4}{3}}-\frac{y^3}{32}\,dy=\pi\left[\frac{3}{7}y^{\frac{7}{3}}-\frac{1}{128}y^4 \right]_0^8=\pi\left(\frac{3}{7}8^{\frac{7}{3}}-\frac{1}{128}8^4 \right)=\frac{160\pi}{7}\)

2.) Here is a plot of the region to be revolved about the $y$-axis:

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/781._xfImport

Washer method:

The volume $dV$ of an arbitrary washer is:

\(\displaystyle dV=\pi\left(R^2-r^2 \right)\,dy\)

\(\displaystyle R=4\)

\(\displaystyle r=\frac{1}{2}y^3\)

and so we have:

\(\displaystyle dV=\pi\left(16-\frac{1}{4}y^6 \right)\,dy\)

Summing the washers by integrating, we find:

\(\displaystyle V=\pi\int_0^2 16-\frac{1}{4}y^6\,dy=\pi\left[16y-\frac{1}{28}y^7 \right]_0^2=\pi\left(16\cdot7-\frac{1}{28}2^7 \right)=\frac{192\pi}{7}\)

Shell method:

The volume $dV$ of an arbitrary shell is:

\(\displaystyle dV=2\pi rh\,dx\)

\(\displaystyle r=x\)

\(\displaystyle h=(2x)^{\frac{1}{3}}\)

and so we have:

\(\displaystyle dV=2^{\frac{4}{3}}\pi x^{\frac{4}{3}}\,dx\)

Summing the shells by integration, we find:

\(\displaystyle V=2^{\frac{4}{3}}\pi\int_0^4 x^{\frac{4}{3}}\,dx=2^{\frac{4}{3}}\pi\left[\frac{3}{7}x^{\frac{7}{3}} \right]_0^4=2^{\frac{4}{3}}\pi\cdot\frac{3}{7}4^{\frac{7}{3}}=\frac{192\pi}{7}\)

To joey e and any other guests viewing this topic, I invite and encourage you to post other solids of revolution problems here in our http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f10/ forum.

Best Regards,

Mark.
 

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FAQ: Joey e's questions at Yahoo Answers regarding solids of revolution

What are solids of revolution?

Solids of revolution are 3-dimensional objects that are created by rotating a 2-dimensional shape around an axis. This rotation creates a solid shape that has the same cross-sectional area as the original shape. Examples of solids of revolution include cones, cylinders, and spheres.

How do you find the volume of a solid of revolution?

The volume of a solid of revolution can be found using the formula V = π∫(f(x))^2 dx, where f(x) is the function that represents the cross-sectional area of the shape being rotated. This formula is based on the concept of integration in calculus.

What is the difference between a disk method and a shell method in finding the volume of a solid of revolution?

The disk method involves slicing the solid into thin disks and adding up their volumes to find the total volume. The shell method, on the other hand, involves slicing the solid into thin cylindrical shells and adding up their volumes to find the total volume. The method used depends on the shape of the solid and the axis of rotation.

Can you explain the concept of cross-sectional area in relation to solids of revolution?

Cross-sectional area is the area of the shape that is created when a solid of revolution is sliced perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This area remains constant throughout the rotation, which is why it is used in the formula for finding the volume of a solid of revolution.

How can solids of revolution be applied in real life?

Solids of revolution have many real-life applications, such as in engineering and architecture. For example, the shape of a silo or grain bin is a solid of revolution, as well as the shape of a soda can or a tire. They are also used in physics, such as in calculating the moment of inertia of objects.

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