Why might I need to add or subtract volumes of revolution?
As with the area between a curve and a line or the area between 2 curves, a required volume may be created by two functions
In this note we focus on volumes created by rotation around the x-axis but the same principles apply to rotation around the y-axis
Make sure you are familiar with the methods in Volumes of Revolution
The volumes created here can be created from areas that do not have the x-axis as one its boundaries
A cylinder is created by rotating a rectangle that borders the x-axis around the x-axis by 360°
An annularprism (a cylinder with a whole through it – like a toilet roll) is created by rotating a rectangle that does not have a boundary with the x‑axis around the x-axis by 360°
A rectangle would be defined by two vertical and two horizontal lines
How do I know whether to add or subtract volumes of revolution?
When the area to be rotated around an axis has more than one function (and an axis) defining its boundary it can be trickier to tell whether to add or subtractvolumes of revolution
It will depend on
The nature of the functions and their points of intersection
Whether rotation is around the x-axis or the y-axis
Consider the region R, bounded by a curve, a line and the -axis, in the diagram below
Think in 2D and area
“region under the curve” SUBTRACT “region under the line”
Think in 2D and area
“top ‘half’ is the area ‘below’ the curve to the horizontal where the curve and line intersect” ADD
“bottom ‘half’ is area ‘below’ the line to the horizontal where the curve and line interest”
How do I solve problems involving adding or subtracting volumes of revolution?
Visualising the solid created becomes increasingly useful (but also trickier) for shapes generated by separate volumes of revolution
Continue trying to sketch the functions and their solids of revolution to help
STEP 3: Identify the limits for each volume involved and form the integrals required
The limits could come from a graph
STEP 4: Evaluate the integral for each function and add or subtract as necessary
The answer may be required in exact form
If not, round to three significant figures (unless told otherwise)