Volumes of Revolution

Coach Name: Sir Muhammad Abdullah Shah

Edexcel IAL January 2023 P4 (WMA14/01) Q3 Parametric Equation, Differentiation, Volume of Revolutions
In this question you must show all stages of your working.
Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable.
Figure 1 shows a sketch of the curve with equation

\[y = \sqrt{\frac{3x}{3x^2 + 5}} \quad x \geq 0\]

The finite region \( R \), shown shaded in Figure 1, is bounded by the curve, the \( x \)-axis and the lines with equations \( x = \sqrt{5} \) and \( x=5 \)
The region \( R \) is rotated through \( 360^\circ \) about the \( x \)-axis.
Use integration to find the exact volume of the solid generated. Give your answer in the form \( a \ln b \), where \( a \) is an irrational number and \( b \) is a prime number.
(5)
Solution: Volume of Solid of Revolution
Key Concepts Used:
  1. Volume of Revolution: The volume \( V \) when a curve \( y = f(x) \) is rotated about the \( x \)-axis from \( x = a \) to \( x = b \) is given by
  2. Substitution Method: To simplify the integral, use a substitution that matches the denominator.
  3. Logarithmic Integration: The integral of \(\frac{1}{u}\) is \(\ln|u|\).

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Set Up the Volume Integral

The curve is

\[y = \sqrt{\frac{3x}{3x^2 + 5}}\]

Squaring both sides gives

\[y^2 = \frac{3x}{3x^2 + 5}\]

The volume is

\[V = \pi \int_{\sqrt{5}}^{5} y^2 dx = \pi \int_{\sqrt{5}}^{5} \frac{3x}{3x^2 + 5} dx\]

2. Choose a Substitution

Let

\[u = 3x^2 + 5\]

(Why choose \( u = 3x^2 + 5 \)?

The denominator is \( 3x^2 + 5 \), and its derivative is \( 6x \), which cancels with the \( x \) in the numerator. This substitution simplifies the integral.)

Then,

\[\frac{du}{dx} = 6x \Rightarrow dx = \frac{du}{6x}\]

3. Change the Limits of Integration

* When \( x = \sqrt{5} \):

\[u = 3(\sqrt{5})^2 + 5 = 3 \cdot 5 + 5 = 15 + 5 = 20\]

* When \( x = 5 \):

\[u = 3(5)^2 + 5 = 3 \cdot 25 + 5 = 75 + 5 = 80\]

4. Rewrite the Integral in Terms of u

Substitute into the integral:

\[V = \pi \int_{x=\sqrt{5}}^{x=5} \frac{3x}{u} \cdot \frac{du}{6x} = \pi \int_{u=20}^{u=80} \frac{3x}{u} \cdot \frac{1}{6x} du\]

The x terms cancel:

\[V = \pi \int_{20}^{80} \frac{3}{6} \cdot \frac{1}{u} du = \pi \int_{20}^{80} \frac{1}{2u} du\]

5. Integrate with Respect to u

\[V = \frac{\pi}{2} \int_{20}^{80} \frac{1}{u} du = \frac{\pi}{2} [\ln|u|]_{20}^{80}\]

6. Evaluate the Definite Integral

\[V = \frac{\pi}{2} (\ln 80 – \ln 20) = \frac{\pi}{2} \ln \left( \frac{80}{20} \right) = \frac{\pi}{2} \ln 4\]

7. Simplify the Expression

Since \( \ln 4 = \ln(2^2) = 2\ln 2 \), we have

\[V = \frac{\pi}{2} \cdot 2\ln 2 = \pi \ln 2\]

(Why is \( \ln 4 = 2\ln 2 \)?

This is a logarithmic identity: \( \ln(a^b) = b\ln a \).)

Final Answer:
\[\pi \ln 2\]
Here, \( a = \pi \) (an irrational number) and \( b = 2 \) (a prime number).