Volume with Shell Method for Revolving Curves and Lines

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the shell method to find the volume of a solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the curves x=2y-y^2 and x=0. The shell method is described as V = 2 \pi\int x * height dx and the shape of the curve is determined to be a parabola. The conversation also suggests graphing the curve or using easy points to better understand the shape and analyze the equation.
  • #1
genu
22
0

Homework Statement



Use the shell method to find the volumes of the solid generated by revolving the regions bounded by the curves and lines.

x=2y-y2, x=0

Homework Equations



The shell method is of the format: [tex]V = 2 \pi\int x * height dx[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



I cannot picture the problem (not sure exactly how to graph it)
 
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  • #2
x=2y-y^2 is a parabola and x=0 is a line. What's the problem with graphing them? Where do they intersect? And what what axis are you going to rotate the region around?
 
  • #3
rotating around the x-axis


how can I tell its a parabola?
 
  • #4
A usual parabola is given by [itex]y = ax^2 + bx + c[/itex]. In this case, we have [itex]x = ay^2 + by + c[/itex]. The two are much the same really, except that in the second case, the parabola is 'on it's side'.

It is actually two square roots, pasted together though. You can see this by solving the equation for y, resulting in your usual "y = f(x)" graph. For general a, b, c:
[tex]y = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac + 4ax} }{2a}[/tex]
(Two equations, one for + and one for -!)

If you graph these, we get (using a = 1, b = 2, c = -1 for example):
sqrz8o.jpg

(The two don't meet in the middle exactly because Maple has trouble graphic them there.)If you really can't figure out the shape of a curve, why not simply try to draw a few easy points on paper? Like (0,0) or (0,1), (1,0) etc... You will most likely recognize a familiar shape from that, and you can then go on and analyze the curve equation further.
 
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Related to Volume with Shell Method for Revolving Curves and Lines

1. What is the shell method and how does it work?

The shell method is a technique used in calculus to find the volume of a solid of revolution. It involves slicing the solid into thin cylindrical shells and integrating their volume to find the total volume of the solid. The formula for the shell method is V = 2π∫(radius)(height)dx, where the limits of integration are the boundaries of the solid.

2. When should the shell method be used instead of the disk method?

The shell method is typically used when the shape being revolved around the axis of rotation is not a perfect circle or when the axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the base. In these cases, the shell method is more efficient in calculating the volume compared to the disk method.

3. What are some common mistakes made when using the shell method?

One common mistake is forgetting to adjust the limits of integration when the axis of rotation is not at x = 0. Another mistake is using the wrong formula, as the shell method and disk method have different formulas for calculating volume. It's also important to correctly identify the radius and height of the shells to ensure accurate calculations.

4. Can the shell method be used for both solids of revolution and solids with known cross-sections?

Yes, the shell method can be used for both types of solids. For solids of revolution, the shell method is used to calculate the volume of the entire solid. For solids with known cross-sections, the shell method is used to calculate the volume of each individual cross-section, which can then be summed to find the total volume of the solid.

5. Are there any real-world applications of the shell method?

Yes, the shell method has many real-world applications, particularly in engineering and physics. It can be used to calculate the volume of objects such as pipes, cans, and bottles. It can also be used to find the volume of complex 3D shapes in architecture and design. Additionally, the shell method is used in physics to calculate the moment of inertia for rotating objects.

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