Applications of Integrals · Volume

Washer Method

V=πab([R(x)]2[r(x)]2)dxV = \pi \int_a^b \left([R(x)]^2 - [r(x)]^2\right) dx

Volume of revolution when there is a gap between the curve and the axis. R(x) is the outer radius and r(x) is the inner radius.

  • 2 variables
  • 2 worked examples
  • 14 in Applications of Integrals

Variables

Variables used in the Washer Method formula
SymbolNameUnit
aLeft bound -
bRight bound -

Worked examples

Find the volume when the region between y = x² and y = x is revolved about the x-axis.
  1. Intersection: x² = x → x = 0, 1. On [0,1]: R = x, r = x²
  2. V = π ∫₀¹ (x² - x⁴) dx = π[x³/3 - x⁵/5]₀¹ = π(1/3 - 1/5) = 2π/15

Answer: 2π/15 ≈ 0.4189

1 more worked examplePremium

Find the volume when the region under y = x on [0, 1] is revolved about the line y = -1.

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Practice

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