Wize AP Calculus (AB) Textbook > Applications of Integration
Volumes of Revolution (Discs & Washers Method)
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Volumes of Revolution by Cross Sections (Washers)
While we commonly use integrals to find area under curves. If we imagine the graph "coming out of the page" and revolving in 3-D, we can extend our concepts of calculating area to calculating Volumes of Revolution.
Volumes of Solids by Cross Sections

The volume of a solid between and having cross-sectional area is rotated about the x-axis is
The cross-section of the solid generated in the plane perpendicular to the x-axis.
Volumes of Solids by Washers
If your cross-sectional area is a disk, then the area of that disk will be . For a functionthe cross-sectional area is.

For a function , the volume of the solid of revolution obtained by revolving the region betweenand the x-axis between and about the x-axis is given by
This formula is useful for revolving about lines parallel to the x-axis.
Volumes Between Curves by Washers

If then the volume of the solid of revolution obtained by revolving the region between and between and about the x-axis is given by
More generally, think of the formula as
Watch Out!
It may be necessary to compute the points of intersection in order to obtain and .
Volumes about the Y-Axis using by Washers
If we'd like to use the Washer method about the y-axis, we need to write our equation as a function of .
These formulas is useful for revolving about lines parallel to the y-axis.
Wize Concept
For the method of Washer the variables in the integral should be same of the axis of rotation. (revolving about the x-axis , revolving about the y-axis )
Watch Out!
Be careful to consider the inner and outer radii; this depends on the axis of rotation.

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Example: Volumes of Revolution
Find the volume of the solid obtained by revolving the region between and around the -axis.
We begin by finding the intersection points of the curves. Setting , we get , and so the intersection points are and .

We have that on , , so the volume of the solid is given by

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Example: Volumes of Revolution
Find the volume of a solid ball with radius .
The ball can be generated by rotating a half-disk. Since the radius is , we can use the half-disk whose area is generated by where , and revolve it around the x-axis.

Note that visually, you could use a vertical half-disk instead, but that would no longer be a function of . A computation in this case can still be done, but it's easier, and more natural to do it in the way suggested initially. The volume then becomes
Practice: Volumes of Revolution
The volume of the solid that is produced by revolving the region bounded between and about the x-axis.
Practice: Volumes of Revolution
Write an integral representing the volume of the solid that is produced by revolving the region bounded between and about the line . Do not compute the integral.