Solid of revolution vs. area below 1/x

In summary, the conversation discusses the paradox of the area below the graph of $\frac{1}{x}$ between [1, $\infty$) not existing, while the solid of revolution below the same graph in that same interval does exist. This paradox was discovered by Pappo di Alessandria in the fourth century and is explained through calculus, showing that while the area is infinite, the volume is finite. This concept is further explored in the article on Gabriel's Horn.
  • #1
SweatingBear
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How come the area below the graph of \(\displaystyle \frac 1x\) between \(\displaystyle [1, \infty)\) does not exist, but the solid of revolution below the same graph in that same interval does exist? I do not see the logic.
 
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  • #2
sweatingbear said:
How come the area below the graph of \(\displaystyle \frac 1x\) between \(\displaystyle [1, \infty)\) does not exist, but the solid of revolution below the same graph in that same interval does exist? I do not see the logic.

The calculus demonstrates that the area... $\displaystyle A = \int_{1}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{x} = \infty$ (1)

...and the volume of its the solid of revolution is finite and is... $\displaystyle V= \pi\ \int_{1}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{x^{2}} = \pi$ (2)

It may seem incredible but this 'paradox' was discovered by Pappo di Alessandria in the fourth century after Christ [!]...Kind regards $\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #4
Thank you both for your replies.
 

FAQ: Solid of revolution vs. area below 1/x

What is a solid of revolution?

A solid of revolution is a three-dimensional shape created by rotating a two-dimensional shape around an axis. The resulting solid will have the same cross-sectional area as the original shape at every point along the axis of rotation.

What is the area below 1/x?

The area below 1/x refers to the region bounded by the curve y = 1/x, the x-axis, and the vertical lines x = 1 and x = a, where a is any positive number. It is also known as the integral of 1/x or the natural logarithm function.

What is the difference between a solid of revolution and the area below 1/x?

The main difference between a solid of revolution and the area below 1/x is that the solid of revolution is a three-dimensional shape, while the area below 1/x is a two-dimensional region. The solid of revolution is created by rotating a two-dimensional shape, while the area below 1/x is calculated using integration.

What are some real-world applications of solid of revolution and the area below 1/x?

The solid of revolution is commonly used in engineering and design, such as creating cylindrical objects like pipes and bottles. The area below 1/x has many applications in physics, economics, and finance, such as calculating the work done by a variable force or determining the natural logarithmic growth of a population or investment.

Is there a relationship between a solid of revolution and the area below 1/x?

Yes, there is a relationship between a solid of revolution and the area below 1/x. The integral of 1/x can be used to calculate the volume of a solid of revolution, and the derivative of the integral of 1/x can be used to find the surface area of the solid of revolution.

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