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Ch. 6 - Applications of Integration
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 6.3.40

Let R be the region bounded by the following curves. Find the volume of the solid generated when R is revolved about the given axis.


y=x^2,y=2−x, and y=0; about the y-axis

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First, identify the region R bounded by the curves: \(y = x^2\), \(y = 2 - x\), and \(y = 0\). Sketching these curves helps visualize the area and the limits of integration.
Find the points of intersection between the curves to determine the bounds for \(x\). Solve \(x^2 = 2 - x\) to find the \(x\)-values where the curves \(y = x^2\) and \(y = 2 - x\) intersect.
Since the solid is generated by revolving the region around the y-axis, use the method of cylindrical shells. The volume element for shells is given by \(dV = 2\pi \cdot (\text{radius}) \cdot (\text{height}) \cdot dx\).
Express the radius and height of a typical shell in terms of \(x\). The radius is the distance from the y-axis, which is \(x\), and the height is the vertical distance between the curves, which is \((2 - x) - x^2\).
Set up the integral for the volume as \(V = \int_{a}^{b} 2\pi x \left[(2 - x) - x^2\right] dx\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are the \(x\)-values found from the intersection points. This integral will give the volume of the solid.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Finding the Region Bounded by Curves

To find the volume of a solid generated by revolving a region, first identify the area bounded by the given curves. This involves determining the points of intersection and understanding the shape enclosed by y = x², y = 2 - x, and y = 0. Accurate sketching or solving equations helps visualize the region R.
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Method of Cylindrical Shells

When revolving a region around the y-axis, the cylindrical shells method is often used. It involves integrating the volume of thin cylindrical shells with radius equal to the x-value, height given by the difference of functions, and thickness dx. This method simplifies volume calculation when the axis of rotation is vertical.
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Setting up and Evaluating Definite Integrals

Calculating the volume requires setting up a definite integral with proper limits corresponding to the region's x-values. The integral sums the volumes of infinitesimal shells or disks. Correctly expressing the radius, height, and limits ensures accurate evaluation of the volume.
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