Contents 14

Applications of
Integration 1
14.1 Integration as the Limit of a Sum 2
14.2 The Mean Value and the Root-Mean-Square Value 10
14.3 Volumes of Revolution 20
14.4 Lengths of Curves and Surfaces of Revolution 27

Learning outcomes
In this Workbook you will learn to interpret an integral as the limit of a sum. You will learn
how to apply this approach to the meaning of an integral to calculate important attributes
of a curve: the area under the curve, the length of a curve segment, the volume and
surface area obtained when a segment of a curve is rotated about an axis. Other quantities
of interest which can also be calculated using integration is the position of the centre of
mass of a plane lamina and the moment of inertia of a lamina about an axis. You will also
learn how to determine the mean value of an integal.
Integration as the  

Limit of a Sum 14.1 

Introduction
In 13, integration was introduced as the reverse of differentiation. A more rigorous treatment
would show that integration is a process of adding or ‘summation’. By viewing integration from this
perspective it is possible to apply the techniques of integration to finding areas, volumes, centres of
gravity and many other important quantities.
The content of this Section is important because it is here that integration is defined more carefully. A
thorough understanding of the process involved is essential if you need to apply integration techniques
to practical problems.

 

Prerequisites • be able to calculate definite integrals

Before starting this Section you should . . .

 


• explain integration as the limit of a sum

Learning Outcomes
• evaluate the limit of a sum in simple cases
On completion you should be able to . . .
 

2 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

1. The limit of a sum

y
area required

y(x)

a b x

Figure 1: The area under a curve

Consider the graph of the positive function y(x) shown in Figure 1. Suppose we are interested in
finding the area under the graph between x = a and x = b. One way in which this area can be
approximated is to divide it into a number of rectangles of equal width, find the area of each
rectangle, and then add up all these individual rectangular areas. This is illustrated in Figure 2a,
which shows the area divided into n rectangles (with some small discrepancies at the tops), and
Figure 2b which shows the dimensions of a typical rectangle which is located at x = xk .

y y

y(x) y(x)
δx
n rectangles y(xk )

a b x xk x

(a) The area approximated by n rectangles (b) A typical rectangle

Figure 2
We wish to find an expression for the area under a curve based on the sum of many rectangles.
Firstly, we note that the distance from x = a to x = b is b − a. In Figure 2a the area has been
divided into n rectangles. If n rectangles span the distance from a to b the width of each rectangle
b−a
is :
n
b−a
It is conventional to label the width of each rectangle as δx, i.e. δx = . We label the x
n
coordinates at the left-hand side of the rectangles as x1 , x2 up to xn (here x1 = a and xn+1 = b). A
typical rectangle, the kth rectangle, is shown in Figure 2b. Note that its height is y(xk ), so its area
is y(xk ) × δx.
The sum of the areas of all n rectangles is then
y(x1 )δx + y(x2 )δx + y(x3 )δx + · · · + y(xn )δx
which we write concisely using sigma notation as
n
X
y(xk )δx
k=1

HELM (2008): 3
Section 14.1: Integration as the Limit of a Sum
This quantity gives us an estimate of the area under the curve but it is not exact. To improve the
estimate we must take a large number of very thin rectangles. So, what we want to find is the value
of this sum when n tends to infinity and δx tends to zero. We write this value as
n
X
lim y(xk )δx
n→∞
k=1

The lower and upper limits on the sum correspond to the first rectangle and last rectangle where
x = a and x = b respectively and so we can write this limit in the equivalent form
x=b
X
lim y(x)δx (1)
δx→0
x=a

Here, as the number of rectangles increases without bound we drop the subscript k from xk and write
y(x) which is the value of y at a ‘typical’ value of x. If this sum can actually be found, it is called
Z b
the definite integral of y(x), from x = a to x = b and it is written y(x)dx. You are already
a
familiar with the technique for evaluating definite integrals which was studied in Section 14.2.
Therefore we have the following definition:

Key Point 1
Z b x=b
X
The definite integral y(x)dx is defined as lim y(x)δx
a δx→0
x=a

Note that the quantity δx represents the thickness of a small but finite rectangle. When we have
taken the limit as δx tends to zero to obtain the integral, we write dx, which reminds us of the
variable of integration.
This process of dividing an area into very small regions, performing a calculation on each region, and
then adding the results by means of an integral is very important. This will become apparent when
finding volumes, centres of gravity, moments of inertia etc in the following Sections where similar
procedures are followed.

4 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Example 1
The area under the graph of y = x2 between x = 0 and x = 1 is to be found by
approximating it by a large number of thin rectangles and finding the limit of the
Xx=1
sum of their areas. From Equation (1) this is lim y(x) δx. Write down the
δx→0
x=0
integral which this sum defines and evaluate it to obtain the area under the curve.

Solution
1 1 1
x3
Z Z 
2 2 1
The limit of the sum defines the integral y(x)dx. Here y = x and so x dx = =
0 0 3 0 3

To show that the process of taking the limit of a sum actually works we investigate the problem in
detail. We use the idea of the limit of a sum to find the area under the graph of y = x2 between
x = 0 and x = 1, as illustrated in Figure 3.
y
1
y = x2

n rectangles

0 1 x

Figure 3: The area under y = x2 is approximated by a number of thin rectangles

Task
Refer to the diagram below to help you answer the questions below.

y
1
y = x2

n rectangles

0 1 x

If the interval between x = 0 and x = 1 is divided into n rectangles what is the width of each
rectangle?
Your solution

HELM (2008): 5
Section 14.1: Integration as the Limit of a Sum
 Answer
1/n

Mark this on the diagram. What is the x coordinate at the left-hand side of the first rectangle ?
Your solution

Answer
0
What is the x coordinate at the left-hand side of the second rectangle ?
Your solution

Answer
1/n

What is the x coordinate at the left-hand side of the third rectangle ?

Your solution

Answer
2/n

Mark these coordinates on the diagram.

What is the x coordinate at the left-hand side of the kth rectangle ?
Your solution

Answer
(k − 1)/n

Given that y = x2 , what is the y coordinate at the left-hand side of the kth rectangle ?
Your solution

Answer
 2
k−1
n

The area of the kth rectangle is its height × its width. Write down the area of the kth rectangle:
Your solution

Answer
2
(k − 1)2

k−1 1
× =
n n n3

6 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

To find the total area An of the n rectangles we must add up all these individual rectangular areas:
n
X (k − 1)2
An =
k=1
n3
This sum can be simplified and then calculated as follows. You will need to make use of the formulas
for the sum of the first n integers, and the sum of the squares of the first n integers:
n n n
X X 1 X 1
1 = n, k = n(n + 1), k 2 = n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
k=1 k=1
2 k=1
6
Then, the total area of the rectangles is given by
n
X (k − 1)2
An =
k=1
n3
n
1 X
= 3
(k − 1)2
n k=1
n
1 X 2
= (k − 2k + 1)
n3 k=1
n n n
!
1 X X X
= k2 − 2 k+ 1
n3 k=1 k=1 k=1
1 n n 
= (n + 1)(2n + 1) − 2 (n + 1) + n
n3  6 2 
1 (n + 1)(2n + 1)
= − (n + 1) + 1
n2 6
 
1 (n + 1)(2n + 1)
= −n
n2 6
1 2

1 1 1
= 2
2n − 3n + 1 = − + 2
6n 3 2n 6n
Note that this is a formula for the exact total area of the n rectangles. It is an estimate of the area
1 1
under the graph of y = x2 . However, as n gets larger, the terms and 2 become small and will
2n 6n
1
eventually tend to zero. If we let n tend to infinity we obtain the exact answer of .
3
1
The required area is . It has been found as the limit of a sum and of course agrees with that
3
calculated by integration.
In the calculations which follow in subsequent Sections the need to evaluate complicated limits like
this is avoided by performing the integration using the techniques of 13. Nevertheless it will
sometimes be necessary to go through the process of dividing a region into small sections, performing
a calculation on each section and then adding the results, in order to formulate the integral required.
When numerical methods of integration are studied ( 31) this summation method will prove
fundamental.

HELM (2008): 7
Section 14.1: Integration as the Limit of a Sum
 Engineering Example 1

Pulley belt tension

Problem

Consider that a belt is partially wound around a pulley so that there is a difference in the tension
either side of the pulley (see Figure 4). The pulley will be stationary as long as the friction between
belt and pulley is sufficient. The frictional force on the pulley will depend on the extent of the contact
between belt and pulley i.e. on the angle θ shown in Figure 4. Given that the tensions on either side
of the belt are T2 and T1 and that the coefficient of friction between belt and pulley is µ, find an
expression for T2 in terms of T1 , µ and θ.

Solution

Consider a small element of the belt, at angle θ where the tension is T . Changing the angle by a
small amount ∆θ changes the tension from T to T + ∆T .

Δθ

R θ

T2 T1

Figure 4

Take moments about the centre of the pulley, denoting the radius of the pulley by R and assuming
that the frictional force is µT per unit length. For the pulley to remain stationary,

∆T
R∆θµT = R(T + ∆T ) − RT or ∆θ = .
µT

Using integration as the limit of a sum,

Z T2  T2  
dT 1 1 T2
θ= = ln T = ln . So T2 = T1 eµθ .
T1 µT µ T1 µ T1

8 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Exercises
1. Find the area under y = x + 1 from x = 0 to x = 10 using the limit of a sum.

2. Find the area under y = 3x2 from x = 0 to x = 2 using the limit of a sum.

3. Write down, but do not evaluate, the integral defined by the limit as δx → 0, or δt → 0 of the
following sums:
x=1
X x=4
X t=1
X x=1
X
3 2 3
(a) x δx, (b) 4πx δx, (c) t δt, (d) 6mx2 δx.
x=0 x=0 t=0 x=0

Answers

1. 60,

2. 8,
Z 1 Z 4 Z 1 Z 1
3 2 3
3. (a) x dx, (b) 4π x dx, (c) t dt, (d) 6m x2 dx.
0 0 0 0

HELM (2008): 9
Section 14.1: Integration as the Limit of a Sum
The Mean Value and
the Root-Mean-Square  

Value 14.2 

Introduction
Currents and voltages often vary with time and engineers may wish to know the mean value of such
a current or voltage over some particular time interval. The mean value of a time-varying function
is defined in terms of an integral. An associated quantity is the root-mean-square (r.m.s). For
example, the r.m.s. value of a current is used in the calculation of the power dissipated by a resistor.

 
• be able to calculate definite integrals
Prerequisites
• be familiar with a table of trigonometric
Before starting this Section you should . . . identities

 

• calculate the mean value of a function
Learning Outcomes
• calculate the root-mean-square value of a
On completion you should be able to . . . function
 

10 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

1. Average value of a function

Suppose a time-varying function f (t) is defined on the interval a ≤ t ≤ b. The area, A, under the
Z b
graph of f (t) is given by the integral A = f (t) dt. This is illustrated in Figure 5.
a

f (t) f (t)

a b t a b t

(a) the area under the curve from t = a to t = b (b) the area under the curve and the area
of the rectangle are equal
Figure 5
On Figure 3 we have also drawn a rectangle with base spanning the interval a ≤ t ≤ b and which
has the same area as that under the curve. Suppose the height of the rectangle is m. Then
Z b Z b
1
area of rectangle = area under curve ⇒ m(b−a) = f (t) dt ⇒ m = f (t) dt
a b−a a
The value of m is the mean value of the function across the interval a ≤ t ≤ b.

Key Point 2
Z b
1
The mean value of a function f (t) in the interval a ≤ t ≤ b is f (t) dt
b−a a

The mean value depends upon the interval chosen. If the values of a or b are changed, then the
mean value of the function across the interval from a to b will in general change as well.

Example 2
Find the mean value of f (t) = t2 over the interval 1 ≤ t ≤ 3.

Solution
Using Key Point 2 with a = 1 and b = 3 and f (t) = t2
Z b Z 3  3
1 1 2 1 t3 13
mean value = f (t) dt = t dt = =
b−a a 3−1 1 2 3 1 3

HELM (2008): 11
Section 14.2: The Mean Value and the Root-Mean-Square Value
 Task
Find the mean value of f (t) = t2 over the interval 2 ≤ t ≤ 5.

Use Key Point 2 with a = 2 and b = 5 to write down the required integral:
Your solution
mean value =

Answer
Z 5
1
t2 dt
5−2 2

Now evaluate the integral:

Your solution
mean value =

Answer
Z 5  5
1 t3
 
1 2 1 125 8 117
t dt = = − = = 13
5−2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 9

Engineering Example 2

Sonic boom
Introduction
Impulsive signals are described by their peak amplitudes and their duration. Another quantity of
interest is the total energy of the impulse. The effect of a blast wave from an explosion on structures,
for example, is related to its total energy. This Example looks at the calculation of the energy on a
sonic boom. Sonic booms are caused when an aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound in air. An
idealized sonic-boom pressure waveform is shown in Figure 6 where the instantaneous sound pressure
p(t) is plotted versus time t. This wave type is often called an N-wave because it resembles the
shape of the letter N. The energy in a sound wave is proportional to the square of the sound pressure.
p(t)
P0

T
0 t

−P0

Figure 6: An idealized sonic-boom pressure waveform

12 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Problem in words
Calculate the energy in an ideal N-wave sonic boom in terms of its peak pressure, its duration and
the density and sound speed in air.
Mathematical statement of problem
Represent the positive peak pressure by P0 and the duration by T . The total acoustic energy E
carried across unit area normal to the sonic-boom wave front during time T is defined by
E = < p(t)2 > T /ρc (1)
where ρ is the air density, c the speed of sound and the time average of [p(t)]2 is
1 T
Z
2
< p(t) > = p(t)2 dt (2)
T 0
(a) Find an appropriate expression for p(t).
T P02
(b) Hence show that E can be expressed in terms of P0 , T, ρ and c as E = .
3ρc
Mathematical analysis
(a) The interval of integration needed to compute (2) is [0, T ]. Therefore it is necessary to find an
expression for p(t) only in this interval. Figure 6 shows that, in this interval, the dependence of the
sound pressure p on the variable t is linear, i.e. p(t) = at + b.
From Figure 6 also p(0) = P0 and p(T ) = −P0 . The constants a and b are determined from these
conditions.
At t = 0, a × 0 + b = P0 implies that b = P0 .
At t = T, a × T + b = −P0 implies that a = −2P0 /T.
−2P0
Consequently, the sound pressure in the interval [0, T ] may be written p(t) = t + P0 .
T
(b) This expression for p(t) may be used to compute the integral (2)
T T 2
Z T  2
4P0 2 4P02
 
−2P0
Z Z
1 2 1 1 2
p(t) dt = t + P0
dt = t − t + P0 dt
T 0 T 0 T T 0 T2 T
T
1 4P02 3 2P02 2

2
= t − t + P0 t
T 3T 2 T 0
2
 
P0 4 3 2 2
= T − T + T − 0 = P02 /3.
T 3T 2 T

Hence, from Equation (1), the total acoustic energy E carried across unit area normal to the sonic-
T P02
boom wave front during time T is E = .
3ρc
Interpretation
The energy in an N-wave is given by a third of the sound intensity corresponding to the peak pressure
multiplied by the duration.

HELM (2008): 13
Section 14.2: The Mean Value and the Root-Mean-Square Value
 Exercises
1. Calculate the mean value of the given functions across the specified interval.

(a) f (t) = 1 + t across [0, 2]

(b) f (x) = 2x − 1 across [−1, 1]
(c) f (t) = t2 across [0, 1]
(d) f (t) = t2 across [0, 2]
(e) f (z) = z 2 + z across [1, 3]

2. Calculate the mean value of the given functions over the specified interval.

(a) f (x) = x3 across [1, 3]

1
(b) f (x) = across [1, 2]
x
√
(c) f (t) = t across [0, 2]
(d) f (z) = z 3 − 1 across [−1, 1]

3. Calculate the mean value of the following:

(a) f (t) = sin t across 0, π2

 

(b) f (t) = sin t across [0, π]

(c) f (t) = sin ωt across [0, π]
(d) f (t) = cos t across 0, π2
 

(e) f (t) = cos t across [0, π]

(f) f (t) = cos ωt across [0, π]
(g) f (t) = sin ωt + cos ωt across [0, 1]

4. Calculate the mean value of the following functions:

√
(a) f (t) = t + 1 across [0, 3]
(b) f (t) = et across [−1, 1]
(c) f (t) = 1 + et across [−1, 1]

Answers
1 4 19
1. (a) 2 (b) −1 (c) (d) (e)
3 3 3
2. (a) 10 (b) 0.6931 (c) 0.9428 (d) −1
2 2 1 2 sin(πω)
3. (a) (b) (c) [1 − cos(πω)] (d) (e) 0 (f)
π π πω π πω
1 + sin ω − cos ω
(g)
ω
14
4. (a) (b) 1.1752 (c) 2.1752
9

14 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

2. Root-mean-square value of a function

If f (t) is defined on the interval a ≤ t ≤ b, the mean-square value is given by the expression:
Z b
1
[f (t)]2 dt
b−a a
This is simply the mean value of [f (t)]2 over the given interval.
The related quantity: the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) value is given by the following formula.

Key Point 3
Root-Mean-Square Value
s
Z b
1
r.m.s value = [f (t)]2 dt
b−a a

The r.m.s. value depends upon the interval chosen. If the values of a or b are changed, then the
r.m.s. value of the function across the interval from a to b will in general change as well. Note that
when finding an r.m.s. value the function must be squared before it is integrated.

Example 3
Find the r.m.s. value of f (t) = t2 across the interval from t = 1 to t = 3.

Solution
s s s s  
b 3 3 3
1 t5
Z Z Z
1 1 1
r.m.s = [f (t)]2 dt = [t2 ]2 dt = 4
t dt = ≈ 4.92
b−a a 3−1 1 2 1 2 5 1

HELM (2008): 15
Section 14.2: The Mean Value and the Root-Mean-Square Value
 Example 4
Calculate the r.m.s value of f (t) = sin t across the interval 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.

Solution
s
Z 2π
1
Here a = 0 and b = 2π so r.m.s = sin2 t dt.
2π 0

The integral of sin2 t is performed by using trigonometrical identities to rewrite it in the alternative
form 21 (1 − cos 2t). This technique was described in 13.7.
s s  2π r r
Z 2π
1 (1 − cos 2t) 1 sin 2t 1 1
r.m.s. value = dt = t− = (2π) = = 0.707
2π 0 2 4π 2 0 4π 2
Thus the r.m.s value is 0.707 to 3 d.p.

In the previous Example the amplitude of the sine wave was 1, and the r.m.s. value was 0.707. In
general, if the amplitude of a sine wave is A, its r.m.s value is 0.707A.

Key Point 4
The r.m.s value of any sinusoidal waveform taken across an interval of width equal to one
period is 0.707 × amplitude of the waveform.

Engineering Example 3

Electrodynamic meters

Introduction
A dynamometer or electrodynamic meter is an analogue instrument that can measure d.c. current
or a.c. current up to a frequency of 2 kHz. A typical dynamometer is shown in Figure 7.
It consists of a circular dynamic coil positioned in a magnetic field produced by two wound circular
stator coils connected in series with each other. The torque T on the moving coil depends upon the
mutual inductance between the coils given by:
dM
T = I1 I2
dθ

16 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

where I1 is the current in the fixed coil, I2 the current in the moving coil and θ is the angle between
the coils. The torque is therefore proportional to the square of the current. If the current is alternating
the moving coil is unable to follow the current and the pointer position is related to the mean value
of the square of the current. The scale can be suitably graduated so that the pointer position shows
the square root of this value, i.e. the r.m.s. current.

Scale
Pointer

Moving coil

Spring Fixed stator coils

Figure 7: An electrodynamic meter

Problem in words
A dynamometer is in a circuit in series with a 400 Ω resistor, a rectifying device and a 240 V r.m.s
alternating sinusoidal power supply. The rectifier resists current with a resistance of 200 Ω in one
direction and a resistance of 1 kΩ in the opposite direction. Calculate the reading indicated on the
meter.
Mathematical Statement of the problem
We know from Key Point 4 in the text that the r.m.s. value of any sinusoidal waveform taken
across an interval equal to one period is 0.707 × amplitude of the waveform. Where 0.707 is an
1
approximation of √ . This allows us to state that the amplitude of the sinusoidal power supply will
2
be:
Vrms √
Vpeak = 1 = 2Vrms
√
2

In this case the r.m.s power supply is 240 V so we have

√
Vpeak = 240 × 2 = 339.4 V
During the part of the cycle where the voltage of the power supply is positive the rectifier behaves as
a resistor with resistance of 200 Ω and this is combined with the 400 Ω resistance to give a resistance
of 600 Ω in total. Using Ohm’s law
V
V = IR ⇒ I =
R
As V = Vpeak sin(θ) where θ = ωt where ω is the angular frequency and t is time we find that during
the positive part of the cycle
Z π 2
2 1 339.4 sin(θ)
Irms = dθ
2π 0 600

HELM (2008): 17
Section 14.2: The Mean Value and the Root-Mean-Square Value
During the part of the cycle where the voltage of the power supply is negative the rectifier behaves
as a resistor with resistance of 1 kΩ and this is combined with the 400 Ω resistance to give 1400 Ω
in total.

So we find that during the negative part of the cycle

Z 2π  2
2 1 339.4 sin(θ)
Irms = dθ
2π π 1400

Therefore over an entire cycle

Z π  2 Z 2π  2
2 1 339.4 sin(θ) 1 339.4 sin(θ)
Irms = dθ + dθ
2π 0 600 2π π 1400

2
We can calculate this value to find Irms and therefore Irms .

Mathematical analysis
Z π  2 Z 2π  2
2 1 339.4 sin(θ) 1 339.4 sin(θ)
Irms = dθ + dθ
2π 0 600 2π π 1400

π 2π
339.42 sin2 (θ) sin2 (θ)
Z Z 
2
Irms = dθ + dθ
2π × 10000 0 36 π 196

1 − cos(2θ)
Substituting the trigonometric identity sin2 (θ) ≡ we get
2

π Z 2π
339.42
Z 
2 1 − cos(2θ) 1 − cos(2θ)
Irms = dθ + dθ
4π × 10000 0 36 π 196
π  2π !
339.42

θ sin(2θ) θ sin(2θ)
= − + −
4π × 10000 36 72 0 196 392 π

339.42  π π 
= + = 0.0946875 A2
4π × 10000 36 196

Irms = 0.31 A to 2 d.p.

Interpretation

The reading on the meter would be 0.31 A.

18 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Exercises
1. Calculate the r.m.s values of the given functions across the specified interval.

(a) f (t) = 1 + t across [0, 2]

(b) f (x) = 2x − 1 across [−1, 1]
(c) f (t) = t2 across [0, 1]
(d) f (t) = t2 across [0, 2]
(e) f (z) = z 2 + z across [1, 3]

2. Calculate the r.m.s values of the given functions over the specified interval.

(a) f (x) = x3 across [1, 3]

1
(b) f (x) = across [1, 2]
x
√
(c) f (t) = t across [0, 2]
(d) f (z) = z 3 − 1 across [−1, 1]

3. Calculate the r.m.s values of the following:

h πi
(a) f (t) = sin t across 0,
2
(b) f (t) = sin t across [0, π]
(c) f (t) = sin ωt across [0, π]
(d) f (t) = cos t across 0, π2
 

(e) f (t) = cos t across [0, π]

(f) f (t) = cos ωt across [0, π]
(g) f (t) = sin ωt + cos ωt across [0, 1]

4. Calculate the r.m.s values of the following functions:

√
(a) f (t) = t + 1 across [0, 3]
(b) f (t) = et across [−1, 1]
(c) f (t) = 1 + et across [−1, 1]

Answers
1. (a) 2.0817 (b) 1.5275 (c) 0.4472 (d) 1.7889 (e) 6.9666
2. (a) 12.4957 (b) 0.7071 (c) 1 (d) 1.0690
r
1 sin πω cos πω
3. (a) 0.7071 (b) 0.7071 (c) −
2 2πω
r r
1 sin πω cos πω sin2 ω
(d) 0.7071 (e) 0.7071 (f) + (g) 1 +
2 2πω ω
4. (a) 1.5811 (b) 1.3466 (c) 2.2724

HELM (2008): 19
Section 14.2: The Mean Value and the Root-Mean-Square Value
  

Volumes of Revolution 14.3 

Introduction
In this Section we show how the concept of integration as the limit of a sum, introduced in Section
14.1, can be used to find volumes of solids formed when curves are rotated around the x or y axis.

 

• be able to calculate definite integrals

Prerequisites
• understand integration as the limit of a sum
Before starting this Section you should . . .

 


Learning Outcomes • calculate volumes of revolution

On completion you should be able to . . .
 

20 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

1. Volumes generated by rotating curves about the x-axis

Figure 8 shows a graph of the function y = 2x for x between 0 and 3.

y
6
y = 2x

O 3 x

Figure 8: A graph of the function y = 2x, for 0 ≤ x ≤ 3

Imagine rotating the line y = 2x by one complete revolution (3600 or 2π radians) around the x-axis.
The surface so formed is the surface of a cone as shown in Figure 9. Such a three-dimensional shape
is known as a solid of revolution. We now discuss how to obtain the volumes of such solids of
revolution.

y
6
y = 2x

O 3 x

Figure 9: When the line y = 2x is rotated around the axis, a solid is generated

Task
Find the volume of the cone generated by rotating y = 2x, for 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, around
the x-axis, as shown in Figure 9.
In order to find the volume of this solid we assume that it is composed of lots of
thin circular discs all aligned perpendicular to the x-axis, such as that shown in
the diagram. From the diagram below we note that a typical disc has radius y,
which in this case equals 2x, and thickness δx.

HELM (2008): 21
Section 14.3: Volumes of Revolution
 y

6
y = 2x

(x, y)

δx

O 3 x

The cone is divided into a number of thin circular discs.

The volume of a circular disc is the circular area multiplied by the thickness.
Write down an expression for the volume of this typical disc:
Your solution

Answer
π(2x)2 δx = 4πx2 δx

To find the total volume we must sum the contributions from all discs and find the limit of this sum
as the number of discs tends to infinity and δx tends to zero. That is
x=3
X
lim 4πx2 δx
δx→0
x=0

This is the definition of a definite integral. Write down the corresponding integral:
Your solution

Answer
Z 3
4πx2 dx
0

Find the required volume by performing the integration:

Your solution

22 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Answer
3
4πx3

= 36π
3 0

Task
A graph of the function y = x2 for x between 0 and 4 is shown in the diagram. The
graph is rotated around the x-axis to produce the solid shown. Find its volume.

y
y = x2
16

(x, y)

δx
O 4 x

The solid of revolution is divided into a number of thin circular discs.

As in the previous Task, the solid is considered to be composed of lots of circular discs of radius y,
(which in this example is equal to x2 ), and thickness δx.
Write down the volume of each disc:
Your solution

Answer
π(x2 )2 δx = πx4 δx

Write down the expression which represents summing the volumes of all such discs:
Your solution

Answer
x=4
X
πx4 δx
x=0

Write down the integral which results from taking the limit of the sum as δx → 0:

HELM (2008): 23
Section 14.3: Volumes of Revolution
Your solution

Answer
Z 4
πx4 dx
0

Perform the integration to find the volume of the solid:

Your solution

Answer
45 π
= 204.8π
5

Task
In general, suppose the graph of y(x) between x = a and x = b is rotated about
the x-axis, and the solid so formed is considered to be composed of lots of circular
discs of thickness δx.

Write down an expression for the radius of a typical disc:

Your solution

Answer
y
Write down an expression for the volume of a typical disc:
Your solution

Answer
πy 2 δx
The total volume is found by summing these individual volumes and taking the limit as δx tends to
zero:
x=b
X
lim πy 2 δx
δx→0
x=a

Write down the definite integral which this sum defines:

Your solution

Answer
Z b
πy 2 dx
a

24 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Key Point 5

If the graph of y(x), between x = a and x = b, is rotated about the x-axis the volume of the solid
formed is Z b
πy 2 dx
a

Exercises
1. Find the volume of the solid formed when that part of the curve between y = x2 between
x = 1 and x = 2 is rotated about the x-axis.

2. The parabola y 2 = 4x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, is rotated around the x-axis. Find the volume of the
solid formed.

Answers 1. 31π/5, 2. 2π.

2. Volumes generated by rotating curves about the y-axis

We can obtain a different solid of revolution by rotating a curve around the y-axis instead of around
the x-axis. See Figure 10.

y(x)

δy (x, y)

O x

Figure 10: A solid generated by rotation around the y-axis

To find the volume of this solid it is divided into a number of circular discs as before, but this time
the discs are horizontal. The radius of a typical disc is x and its thickness is δy. The volume of the
disc will be πx2 δy.
The total volume is found by summing these individual volumes and taking the limit as δy → 0. If
the lower and upper limits on y are c and d, we obtain for the volume:
y=d Z d
X
2
lim πx δy which is the definite integral πx2 dy
δy→0 c
y=c

HELM (2008): 25
Section 14.3: Volumes of Revolution
 Key Point 6

If the graph of y(x), between y = c and y = d, is rotated about the y-axis the volume of the solid
formed is Z d
πx2 dy
c

Task
Find the volume generated when the graph of y = x2 between x = 0 and x = 1
is rotated around the y-axis.

Using Key Point 6 write down the required integral:

Your solution

Answer
Z 1
πx2 dy
0

This integral can be written entirely in terms of y, using the fact that y = x2 to eliminate x. Do
this now, and then evaluate the integral:
Your solution

Answer
Z 1 1 1
πy 2
Z 
2 π
πx dy = πy dy = =
0 0 2 0 2

Exercises
1. The curve y = x2 for 1 < x < 2 is rotated about the y-axis. Find the volume of the solid
formed.

2. The line y = 2 − 2x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 is rotated around the y-axis. Find the volume of revolution.

Answers
15π 16π
1. 2. .
2 3

26 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Lengths of Curves and  

Surfaces of Revolution 14.4

 

Introduction
Integration can be used to find the length of a curve and the area of the surface generated when a
curve is rotated around an axis. In this Section we state and use formulae for doing this.

 

Prerequisites • be able to calculate definite integrals

Before starting this Section you should . . .

 

• find the length of curves
Learning Outcomes
• find the area of the surface generated when a
On completion you should be able to . . . curve is rotated about an axis
 

HELM (2008): 27
Section 14.4: Lengths of Curves and Surfaces of Revolution
1. The length of a curve
To find the length of a curve in the xy plane we first divide the curve into a large number of pieces.
We measure (or, at least, approximate) the length of each piece and then by an obvious summation
process obtain an estimate for the length of the curve. Theoretically, we allow the number of pieces
to increase without bound, implying that the length of each piece will tend to zero. In this limit the
summation process becomes an integration process.
y
δy
δx y(x)

a b x
Figure 11
Figure 11 shows the portion of the curve y(x) between x = a and x = b. A small piece of this curve
has been selected and can be considered as the hypotenuse of a triangle with base δx and height
δy. (Here δx and δy are intended to be ‘small’ so that the curved segment can be regarded as a
straight segment.) s  2
p
2 2
δy
Using Pythagoras’ theorem, the length of the hypotenuse is: δx + δy = 1 + δx
δx
By summing all such contributions between x = a and x = b, and letting δx → 0 we obtain an
expression for the total length of the curve:
s
x=b  2
X δy
lim 1+ δx
δx→0
x=a
δx
But we already know how to write such an expression in terms of an integral. We obtain the following
result:

Key Point 7
Given a curve with equation y = f (x), then the length of the curve between the points where x = a
and x = b is given by the formula:
s  2
Z b
dy
1+ dx
a dx

Because of the complicated form of the integrand, and in particular the square root, integrals of this
type are often difficult to calculate. In practice, approximate numerical methods rather than exact
methods are normally needed to perform the integration. We shall first illustrate the application of
the formula in Key Point 7 by a problem which could be calculated in a much simpler way, before
looking at some harder problems.

28 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Example 5
Find the length of the curve y = 3x + 2 between x = 1 and x = 5.

Solution
In this Example, the curve is in fact a straight line segment, and its length could be obtained using
Pythagoras’ theorem without the need for integration.
dy
Notice from the formula in Key Point 7 that it is necessary to find , which in this case is 3.
dx
Applying the formula we find
Z 5p
length of curve = 1 + (3)2 dx
1
Z 5√
= 10 dx
1
h√ i5
= 10x
√1 √
= (5 − 1) 10 = 4 10 = 12.65 to 2 d.p.

Thus the length of the curve y = 3x + 2 between the points where x = 1 and x = 5 is 12.65 units.

Task
Find the length of the curve y = cosh x between x = 0 and x = 2 shown in the
diagram.

y
y = cosh x

0 2 x

dy
First write down :
dx
Your solution
dy
=
dx

Answer
dy
= sinh x
dx

HELM (2008): 29
Section 14.4: Lengths of Curves and Surfaces of Revolution
Hence write down the required integral:
Your solution

Answer
Z 2p
1 + sinh2 x dx
0

This integral can be evaluated by making use of the hyperbolic identity cosh2 x − sinh2 x ≡ 1.
Write down the integral which results after applying this identity:
Your solution

Answer
Z 2
cosh x dx
0

Perform the integration to find the required length:

Your solution

Answer
 2
sinh x = 3.63 to 2 d.p.
0

Thus the length of y = cosh x between x = 0 and x = 2 is 3.63 units.

The next Task is more complicated still and requires the use of a hyperbolic substitution and knowl-
edge of the hyperbolic identities.

Task
Find the length of the curve y = x2 between x = 0 and x = 3.

dy
Given y = x2 then = 2x. Use this result and apply the formula in Key Point 7 to obtain the
dx
integral required:
Your solution

Answer
Z 3√
1 + 4x2 dx
0

30 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

dx 1
Make the substitution x = 21 sinh u, giving = cosh u, to obtain an integral in terms of u:
du 2
Your solution

Answer
Z sinh−1 6 p
1
1 + sinh2 u cosh u du
0 2

Use the hyperbolic identity cosh2 u − sinh2 u ≡ 1 to eliminate sinh2 u:

Your solution

Answer
−1
1 sinh 6
Z
cosh2 u du
2 0

Use the hyperbolic identity cosh2 u ≡ 12 (cosh 2u + 1) to rewrite the integrand in terms of cosh 2u:

Your solution

Answer
−1
1 sinh 6
Z
(cosh 2u + 1) du
4 0

Finally, perform the integration to complete the calculation:

Your solution

Answer
Z sinh−1 6  sinh−1 6
1 1 sinh 2u
(cosh 2u + 1) du = +u
4 0 4 2 0
= 9.75 to 2 d.p.

Thus the length of the curve y = x2 between x = 0 and x = 3 is 9.75 units.

HELM (2008): 31
Section 14.4: Lengths of Curves and Surfaces of Revolution
 Exercises
1. Find the length of the line y = 2x + 7 between x = 1 and x = 3 using the technique of this
Section. Verify your result from your knowledge of the straight line.

2. Find the length of y = x3/2 between x = 0 and x = 5.

3. Calculate the length of the curve y 2 = 4x3 between x = 0 and x = 2, in the first quadrant.

Answers
√
1. 2 5 ≈ 4.47.
√ The distance
√ is from
√ (1.9) to (3, 13) along the line. This is given using Pythagoras’
2 2
theorem as 2 + 4 = 20 = 2 5.
2. 12.41
3. 6.06 (first quadrant only).

2. The area of a surface of revolution

In Section 14.2 we found an expression for the volume of a solid of revolution. Here we consider the
more complicated problem of formulating an expression for the surface area of a solid of revolution.
y(x)
y
(x , y ) δy
δx

a b x

Figure 12
Figure 12 shows the portion of the curve y(x) between x = a and x = b which is rotated around
the x axis through 360◦ . A small disc, of thickness δx, of the solid of revolution has been selected.
Its radius is y and so its circumference has length 2πy. (As usual we assume δx is ‘small’ so that
the curved part of y(x) representing the hypotenuse of the highlighted ‘triangle’ can p be regarded
as straight). This surface ‘ribbon’, shown shaded,
p has a length 2πy and a width (δx)2 + (δy)2
2 2
and so its area is, to a good approximation, 2πy (δx) + (δy) . We now let δx → 0 to obtain the
result in Key Point 8:

32 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1
 ®

Key Point 8
Given a curve with equation y = f (x), then the surface area of the solid generated by rotating that
part of the curve between the points where x = a and x = b around the x axis is given by the
formula: s
Z b  2
dy
area of surface = 2πy 1 + dx
a dx

Task
Find the area of the surface generated when the part of the curve y = x3 between
x = 0 and x = 4 is rotated around the x axis.

Using Key Point 8 write down the integral:

Your solution

Answer s 2
b 4 4 √
Z  Z Z
dy
q
area = 2πy 1+ dx = 2πx 3
1+ (3x2 )2 dx = 2πx3 1 + 9x4 dx
a dx 0 0

du
Use the substitution u = 1 + 9x4 so = 36x3 to write down the integral in terms of u:
dx
Your solution

Answer
π 2305 √
Z
u du
18 1

Perform the integration:

Your solution

Answer
2305
π 2u3/2


18 3 1

HELM (2008): 33
Section 14.4: Lengths of Curves and Surfaces of Revolution
Apply the limits of integration to find the area:
Your solution

Answer
π

(2305)3/2 − 1
27

Exercises
1. The line y = x between x = 0 and x = 1 is rotated around the x axis.

(a) Find the area of the surface generated.

(b) Verify this result by finding the curved surface area of the corresponding cone. (The
curved surface area of a cone of radius r and slant height ` is πr`.)
√
2. Find the area of the surface generated when y = x in the interval 1 ≤ x ≤ 2 is rotated about
the x axis.

Answers
√
1. π 2

2. 8.28

34 HELM (2008):
Workbook 14: Applications of Integration 1