Volume Generated by Rotating Two Curves About x-Axis

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In summary, the problem involves finding the exact volume of a solid generated by rotating a region in the first quadrant, bounded by the y-axis and two curves (y=e^x and y=1+2e^-x), about the x-axis. The two curves intersect at (log 2, 2) and the bounded area is finite. An integral will need to be done to solve the problem.
  • #1
jack1234
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A question here:
Given two curves
y=e^x
y=1+2e^(-x)

The region in the first quadrant that is bounded by the y-axis and these two curves is rotated through one complete revolution about the x-axis. Calculate the exact volume of the solid generated.

My problem is, in the first quadrant, y=1+2e^(-x) seems touching the x-axis at [tex]x=\infty[/tex], so how do we find the volume?
 
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  • #2
You sure you copied the problem correctly?
 
  • #3
Thanks, you are right that the question has not been copied correctly. I have changed
y=1+2e^(x)
to
y=1+2e^(-x)
Please refer to the original question again. Very sorry for any inconvenience caused.
 
  • #4
The two curves cross at (0,3), of course, and the region under the two curves is symmetric about the y-axis. However, if that really is the correct formula, because y goes to 1 as x goes to [itex]\infty[/itex], and as x goes to [itex]-\infty[/itex], the volume generated contains an infinitely long cylinder of radius 1 and so is not finite.
 
  • #5
A start

The two curves are [tex]y=e^{x}[/tex] and [tex]y=1+2e^{-x}[/tex] which intersect when [tex]e^{x}=1+2e^{-x}[/tex] multiply by e^x to get [tex]e^{2x}-e^{x}-2=0[/tex] so by the quadratic formula we have [tex]e^{x}=2[/tex] or [tex]x = \log {2}[/tex] so the curves meet at the point (log 2, 2). The other boundary is the y-axis so the bounded area is now finite (see attached plot) and to be rotated about the x-axis, so do an integral :smile: . --Ben
 

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    exp(x),1+2exp(-x),plot.gif
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FAQ: Volume Generated by Rotating Two Curves About x-Axis

What is the formula for finding the volume generated by rotating two curves about the x-axis?

The formula for finding the volume generated by rotating two curves about the x-axis is ∏∫[(upper curve)^2 - (lower curve)^2]dx, where the integral is taken from the lower bound to the upper bound of the region.

How do you determine which curve is the upper curve and which is the lower curve?

The upper curve is the curve that is farther from the x-axis, and the lower curve is the curve that is closer to the x-axis. In order to determine this, you can graph the two curves and compare their distances from the x-axis.

Can the curves intersect each other?

Yes, the curves can intersect each other. In this case, the volume generated will still be the same, but the limits of integration will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Is it necessary to have a closed region in order to use this formula?

No, it is not necessary to have a closed region. As long as the curves have a finite distance from the x-axis for the given interval, the formula can still be used to find the volume generated by rotating them.

Are there any other methods for finding the volume generated by rotating two curves about the x-axis?

Yes, there are other methods such as using the disk method or the shell method. These methods involve breaking the region into smaller pieces and using either disks or cylindrical shells to find the volume of each piece, then adding them together to find the total volume.

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