Arc Length of a Curve and Surface Area: Fresh Take

  • Calculate the length of a curve described by y=f(x) from one point to another
  • Find the length of a curve defined by x=g(y) from one point to another
  • Calculate the total surface area of a solid formed by rotating a curve around an axis

Arc Lengths of Curves

The Main Idea 

  • Arc length represents the distance along a curve
  • Requires smooth functions (continuous derivatives)
  • Approximated using line segments, then taking the limit
  • Two main formulas:
    • For [latex]y = f(x)[/latex]:
      • [latex]\text{Arc Length} = \int_a^b \sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2} dx[/latex]
    • For [latex]x = g(y)[/latex]:
      • [latex]\text{Arc Length} = \int_c^d \sqrt{1 + [g'(y)]^2} dy[/latex]
  • Smoothness requirement:
    • Function must be differentiable with a continuous derivative
  • Derivation approach:
    • Partition the interval
    • Approximate curve with line segments
    • Use Pythagorean theorem for segment length
    • Sum segment lengths and take the limit
  • Choice of formula:
    • Use [latex]y = f(x)[/latex] formula when curve is better expressed as a function of [latex]x[/latex]
    • Use [latex]x = g(y)[/latex]formula when curve is better expressed as a function of [latex]y[/latex]

Let [latex]f(x)=\left(\dfrac{4}{3}\right){x}^{3\text{/}2}.[/latex] Calculate the arc length of the graph of [latex]f(x)[/latex] over the interval [latex]\left[0,1\right].[/latex] Round the answer to three decimal places.

Let [latex]f(x)= \sin x.[/latex] Calculate the arc length of the graph of [latex]f(x)[/latex] over the interval [latex]\left[0,\pi \right].[/latex] Use a computer or calculator to approximate the value of the integral.

Area of a Surface of Revolution

The Main Idea 

  • Surface area is the total area of the outer layer of an object
  • For surfaces of revolution, we use calculus to find the area
  • The method extends concepts from arc length calculations
  • Two main formulas:
    • For rotation around [latex]x[/latex]-axis:
      • [latex]\text{Surface Area} = \int_a^b 2\pi f(x)\sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2} dx[/latex]
    • For rotation around [latex]y[/latex]-axis:
      • [latex]\text{Surface Area} = \int_c^d 2\pi g(y)\sqrt{1 + [g'(y)]^2} dy[/latex]
  • Frustum of a cone:
    • Used to approximate small sections of the surface
    • Lateral surface area: [latex]S = \pi(r_1 + r_2)l[/latex], where l is slant height
  • Derivation approach:
    • Partition the interval
    • Approximate surface with frustums
    • Sum frustum areas and take the limit
  • Smooth function requirement:
    • Function must be differentiable with a continuous derivative
  • Choice of formula:
    • Use [latex]x[/latex]-axis formula when curve is better expressed as [latex]y = f(x)[/latex]
    • Use [latex]y[/latex]-axis formula when curve is better expressed as [latex]x = g(y)[/latex]

Let [latex]f(x)=\sqrt{1-x}[/latex] over the interval [latex]\left[0,\frac{1}{2}\right].[/latex] Find the surface area of the surface generated by revolving the graph of [latex]f(x)[/latex] around the [latex]x\text{-axis}.[/latex] Round the answer to three decimal places.

Let [latex]g(y)=\sqrt{9-{y}^{2}}[/latex] over the interval [latex]y\in \left[0,2\right].[/latex] Find the surface area of the surface generated by revolving the graph of [latex]g(y)[/latex] around the [latex]y\text{-axis}.[/latex]