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Volumes of Revolution

Emily Davis

Emily Davis

5 min read

Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers calculating the volume of revolution around the y-axis using the disc method. It explains how to rewrite functions in terms of y, set up and evaluate the definite integral involving the rewritten function, and determine the boundaries of integration. The guide includes a worked example, practice questions, exam tips, and a glossary of key terms like solid of revolution.

Volume with Disc Method Revolving Around the y-axis

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Volume of Revolution Around the y-axis
  2. Disc Method for Calculating Volume
  3. Exam Tips
  4. Worked Example
  5. Practice Questions
  6. Glossary
  7. Summary and Key Takeaways

Introduction to Volume of Revolution Around the y-axis

A volume of revolution around the y-axis is similar to a volume of revolution around the x-axis. It involves rotating an area bounded by a function y=f(x)y = f(x) and other boundary equations around the y-axis to form a solid shape. This shape's volume is what we are interested in calculating.

Key Concept

A solid of revolution is formed when an area bounded by a function y=f(x)y=f(x) and other boundary equations is rotated 2π2\pi radians (360°) around the y-axis.

Disc Method for Calculating Volume

To calculate the volume of revolution around the y-axis using the disc method, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the boundaries: Determine the region bounded by the curve and the y-axis between y=ay = a and y=by = b.

  2. Rewrite the function: Express the function y=f(x)y = f(x) as x=g(y)x = g(y).

  3. Set up the integral: The volume VV of the solid of revolution is given by: V=πabx2,dy=πab(g(y))2,dyV = \pi \int_{a}^{b} x^2 , dy = \pi \int_{a}^{b} (g(y))^2 , dy

  4. Evaluate the integral: Perform the integration with respect to yy.

Exam Tip

If the given function involves a square root, remember that the square root will be 'squared away' when using the Volume of Revolution formula.

If y=ay = a and y=by = b are not explicitly stated in a problem, the boundaries could involve the x-axis (y=0y = 0) or another function y=f(x)y = f(x).

Exam Tips

  1. Square Roots: If the function has a square root, it will be squared away in the integration process.
  2. Sketching: If no diagram is provided, sketching the curve, limits, etc., can be very helpful. A graphing calculator can assist with this.

Worked Example

Problem: Calculate the volume of the solid formed by rotating the area bounded by y=arcsin(2x+1)y = \arcsin(2x+1), the x-axis, and the positive y-axis about the y-axis. Give your answer correct to 3 decimal places.

Solution:

  1. Rewrite the function: y=arcsin(2x+1)y = \arcsin(2x+1) Solve for xx: sin(y)=2x+1    x=sin(y)12\sin(y) = 2x + 1 \implies x = \frac{\sin(y) - 1}{2}

  2. Set up the integral: V=π0π2(sin(y)12)2,dyV = \pi \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \left( \frac{\sin(y) - 1}{2} \right)^2 , dy

  3. Evaluate the integral using a calculator: V=π0π2(sin(y)12)2,dy0.279754...V = \pi \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \left( \frac{\sin(y) - 1}{2} \right)^2 , dy \approx 0.279754... Rounded to three decimal places: V0.280,units3V \approx 0.280 , \text{units}^3

Exam Tip

The question doesn't specify units, so the units of volume will be units3\text{units}^3.

Practice Questions

Practice Question
  1. Calculate the volume of the solid formed by rotating the area bounded by y=xy = \sqrt{x}, the y-axis, and the line y=2y=2 about the y-axis.
Practice Question
  1. Find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating the region bounded by y=x2y = x^2, the x-axis, and y=4y=4 around the y-axis.

Glossary

  • Volume of Revolution: The volume of a solid formed by rotating a region around an axis.
  • Disc Method: A method for finding the volume of a solid of revolution by integrating cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the axis.
  • Integral: A mathematical concept used to find areas, volumes, and totals.

Summary and Key Takeaways

  • A volume of revolution around the y-axis is calculated by rotating a region bounded by a function and other boundaries around the y-axis.
  • The disc method involves setting up an integral with respect to yy and rewriting the function xx in terms of yy.
  • Always verify the limits of integration and ensure the function is correctly expressed.
  • Practice problems help solidify understanding and application of the disc method for volume calculations.
Key Concept

Understanding how to set up and evaluate integrals is essential for calculating volumes of revolution.


By following these structured notes, students should find it easier to grasp the concept of volumes of revolution around the y-axis and effectively prepare for their exams.

Question 1 of 9

What is a solid of revolution around the y-axis? 🤔

A 2D shape rotated around the x-axis

A 3D shape formed by rotating an area around the y-axis

The area under a curve

A line segment rotated around the x-axis