A volume of revolution is the volume of this solid formed
How do I find the volume of revolution around the x-axis?
The formula may look complicated or confusing at first due to the y and dx
remember that y is a function of x
once the expression for y is substituted in, everything will be in terms of x
π is a constant so you may see this written either inside or outside the integral
This is not given in the formulae booklet
The formulae booklet does list the volume formulae for some common 3D solids – it may be possible to use these depending on what information about the solid is available
How do I solve problems involving volumes of revolution around the x-axis?
Visualising the solid created is helpful
Try sketching some functions and their solids of revolution to help
STEP 1 Square y
Do this first without worrying about π or the integration and limits
STEP 2 Identify the limits a and b (which could come from a graph)
STEP 3 Use the formula by evaluating the integral and multiplying by π
The answer may be required in exact form (leave in terms of π)
If not, round to three significant figures (unless told otherwise)
Trickier questions may give you the volume and ask for the value of an unknown constant elsewhere in the problem
Worked Example
Exam Tip
Volumes of revolution around the y-axis
What is a volume of revolution around the y-axis?
A volume of revolution is the volume of this solid formed
How do I find the volume of revolution around the y-axis?
How do I solve problems involving volumes of revolution around the y-axis?