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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
All textbooksBriggs 3rd EditionCh. 6 - Applications of IntegrationProblem 6.4.8a
Chapter 6, Problem 6.4.8a

6–8. Let R be the region bounded by the curves y = 2−√x,y=2, and x=4 in the first quadrant.
Graph showing region R bounded by curves y=2, y=2−√x, and line x=4 in the first quadrant.


Suppose the shell method is used to determine the volume of the solid generated by revolving R about the line x=4.


a. What is the radius of a cylindrical shell at a point x in [0, 4]?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the axis of rotation: The region R is revolved about the vertical line x=4. This means the radius of a cylindrical shell at a point x is the horizontal distance from x to the line x=4.
Determine the formula for the radius: The radius is given by the difference between the x-coordinate of the line of rotation (x=4) and the x-coordinate of the shell. Thus, the radius is r(x) = 4 - x.
Verify the bounds of integration: The region R is bounded by x-values from x=0 to x=4, so the radius formula r(x) = 4 - x is valid for all x in [0, 4].
Understand the shell method setup: In the shell method, the radius r(x) is multiplied by the height of the shell and integrated over the bounds of x to compute the volume. For this part of the problem, we are only determining the radius.
Conclude the radius: The radius of a cylindrical shell at a point x in [0, 4] is r(x) = 4 - x.

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Key Concepts

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

Cylindrical Shell Method

The cylindrical shell method is a technique for finding the volume of a solid of revolution. It involves slicing the solid into thin cylindrical shells, where the volume of each shell is calculated and then integrated over the interval of interest. This method is particularly useful when revolving a region around a vertical line, as it simplifies the calculation of the radius and height of each shell.
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Euler's Method

Radius of a Shell

In the context of the shell method, the radius of a cylindrical shell is the distance from the axis of rotation to the shell itself. For the given problem, where the region R is revolved around the line x=4, the radius at a point x is determined by the difference between the line x=4 and the x-coordinate of the shell, which is expressed as (4 - x). This distance is crucial for calculating the volume of the shell.
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Radius of Convergence

Bounded Region

The bounded region R in the problem is defined by the curves y = 2, y = 2 - √x, and the vertical line x = 4. Understanding the boundaries of this region is essential for setting up the integral for volume calculation. The area enclosed by these curves in the first quadrant provides the shape that will be revolved around the line x=4 to generate the solid.
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Area of Polar Regions
Related Practice
Textbook Question

17–22. Position from velocity Consider an object moving along a line with the given velocity v and initial position.


a. Determine the position function, for t≥0, using the antiderivative method


v(t) = −t³+3t²−2t on [0, 3]; s(0)=4

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Textbook Question

55–58. Marginal cost Consider the following marginal cost functions.


a. Find the additional cost incurred in dollars when production is increased from 100 units to 150 units.


C′(x) = 300+10x−0.01x²

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Textbook Question

{Use of Tech} Oscillating motion A mass hanging from a spring is set in motion, and its ensuing velocity is given by v(t) = 2π cos πt, for t≥0. Assume the positive direction is upward and s(0)=0. 


a. Determine the position function, for t≥0.

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Textbook Question

Depletion of natural resources Suppose r(t) = r0e^−kt, with k>0, is the rate at which a nation extracts oil, where r0=10⁷ barrels/yr is the current rate of extraction. Suppose also that the estimate of the total oil reserve is 2×10⁹ barrels. 


a. Find Q(t), the total amount of oil extracted by the nation after t years.

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Textbook Question

Emptying a water trough A water trough has a semicircular cross section with a radius of 0.25 m and a length of 3 m (see figure).

a. How much work is required to pump the water out of the trough (to the level of the top of the trough) when it is full?

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Textbook Question

A vertical spring A 10-kg mass is attached to a spring that hangs vertically and is stretched 2 m from the equilibrium position of the spring. Assume a linear spring with F(x) = kx.

a. How much work is required to compress the spring and lift the mass 0.5 m?

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