Prove Pappus's centroid theorems without calculus

In summary: This is used in Pappus's first theorem to calculate the surface area of a surface of revolution generated by rotating a plane curve.
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Happiness
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Pappus's centroid theorems were discovered 17 centuries ago, when calculus wasn't invented yet. How are these theorems proved without using calculus?

"The first theorem states that the surface area A of a surface of revolution generated by rotating a plane curve C about an axis external to C and on the same plane is equal to the product of the arc length s of C and the distance d traveled by its geometric centroid."

The centroid of an object is its center of mass supposing its density is uniform.

"The second theorem states that the volume V of a solid of revolution generated by rotating a plane figure F about an external axis is equal to the product of the area A of F and the distance d traveled by its geometric centroid."

Quotes from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pappus's_centroid_theorem
 
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  • #3
Happiness said:
Pappus's centroid theorems were discovered 17 centuries ago, when calculus wasn't invented yet. How are these theorems proved without using calculus?

"The first theorem states that the surface area A of a surface of revolution generated by rotating a plane curve C about an axis external to C and on the same plane is equal to the product of the arc length s of C and the distance d traveled by its geometric centroid."

The centroid of an object is its center of mass supposing its density is uniform.

"The second theorem states that the volume V of a solid of revolution generated by rotating a plane figure F about an external axis is equal to the product of the area A of F and the distance d traveled by its geometric centroid."

Quotes from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pappus's_centroid_theorem

Interesting post.
What does it refer to in its geometric centroid?
If I am not mistaking a centroid is a property of surfaces and solids only and not that of a 2-D open arc which can be the object of revolution here.
One thing to keep in mind is that mathematical proofs have not always been as strict as they are today.
Another is that an arc can-be/has-been defined by sections of a circle only and not a general curve, which would simplify the proof and would not be based on a centroid.
a simpler calculation would be derived from the fact that like a flat triangle, the area of a spherical triangle is equal to
1/2 x base-arc x height-arc
The height-arc would be the arc passing through the none base corner and perpendicular to the base arc.
It would not be too difficult to derive areas of more complex rotations from the above fact.
 
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ETA In my post above arcs in calculating the area refer to arc lengths and not angles
 
  • #5
a1call said:
Interesting post.
What does it refer to in its geometric centroid?
If I am not mistaking a centroid is a property of surfaces and solids only and not that of a 2-D open arc which can be the object of revolution here.

The geometric centroid of an arc is the average distance the arc is from the axis of rotation.

Screen Shot 2016-07-13 at 3.53.40 pm.png
 

Related to Prove Pappus's centroid theorems without calculus

1. What is the concept of Pappus's centroid theorems?

Pappus's centroid theorems state that the centroid of a plane figure can be found by taking the average of the centroids of its parts.

2. Why is it important to prove Pappus's centroid theorems without calculus?

Proving Pappus's centroid theorems without calculus provides a simpler and more intuitive understanding of the concept, making it easier to apply in real-world situations.

3. What are the steps to prove Pappus's centroid theorems without calculus?

The steps to prove Pappus's centroid theorems without calculus include dividing the figure into parts, finding the centroid of each part, and then taking the average of the centroids to find the overall centroid.

4. Can Pappus's centroid theorems be applied to any type of figure?

Yes, Pappus's centroid theorems can be applied to any type of figure, as long as it can be divided into smaller parts with known centroids.

5. What are the practical applications of Pappus's centroid theorems?

Pappus's centroid theorems have various practical applications in fields such as engineering, architecture, and physics. They can be used to determine the center of mass of objects, calculate moments of inertia, and design stable structures.

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