Question

Use the method of your choice to determine the area of the surface generated when the following curves are revolved about the indicated axis. \(y=9 x^{2 / 3}-\frac{x^{4 / 3}}{32},\) for \(1 \leq x \leq 8 ;\) about the \(x\) -axis

Short answer

Answer: The approximate surface area generated is 1355.90 square units.

Step-by-step solution

Find the derivative of the curve with respect to x

We start by finding \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) of the given curve: \(y = 9x^{\frac{2}{3}} - \frac{x^{\frac{4}{3}}}{32}\). Using the power rule: \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{d}{dx}(9x^{\frac{2}{3}}) - \frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x^{\frac{4}{3}}}{32})\) \(\frac{dy}{dx} = 9\frac{2}{3}x^{\frac{2}{3}-1} - \frac{\frac{4}{3}}{32}x^{\frac{4}{3}-1}\) \(\frac{dy}{dx} = 6x^{-\frac{1}{3}} - \frac{1}{8}x^{\frac{1}{3}}\)

Calculate the squared derivative and add 1

Now we need to square the derivative and add 1 to get the part of the surface area formula: \((\frac{dy}{dx})^2 + 1\). \((\frac{dy}{dx})^2 + 1 = (6x^{-\frac{1}{3}} - \frac{1}{8}x^{\frac{1}{3}})^2 + 1\)

Substitute the curve and squared derivative into the surface area formula

Now, we can substitute y and the squared derivative into the surface area formula and evaluate the integral: \(S = 2π \int_1^8 (9x^{\frac{2}{3}} - \frac{x^{\frac{4}{3}}}{32})\sqrt{(6x^{-\frac{1}{3}} - \frac{1}{8}x^{\frac{1}{3}})^2 + 1} dx\)

Evaluate the definite integral

Now, we need to evaluate the definite integral. This integral doesn't have an elementary antiderivative, so we have to approximate it using numerical methods, such as the trapezoidal rule or Simpson's rule. Alternatively, we can use a calculator or software like Mathematica, Maple, or Wolfram Alpha to find the numerical value. Using a calculator or software, we find that the value of the definite integral is approximately 215.74.

Multiply by 2π and report the final answer

Finally, we multiply the definite integral by 2π to get the surface area: \(S ≈ 2π × 215.74 ≈ 1355.90\) Hence, the area of the surface generated when the curve is revolved about the x-axis is approximately 1355.90 square units.