Week 019 - Application of Definite Integrals

www.ck12.org Chapter 4.
Applications of Definite Integrals
C HAPTER
4 Applications of Definite
Integrals
Chapter Outline
4.1 A REA B ETWEEN T WO C URVES
4.2 VOLUMES
4.3 T HE L ENGTH OF A P LANE C URVE
4.4 A REA OF A S URFACE OF R EVOLUTION
4.5 A PPLICATIONS FROM P HYSICS , E NGINEERING , AND S TATISTICS
In this chapter, we will explore some of the many applications of the definite integral by using it to calculate areas
between two curves, volumes, length of curves, and several other applications from real life such as calculating the
work done by a force, the pressure a liquid exerts on an object, and basic statistical concepts.
23
4.1. Area Between Two Curves www.ck12.org
4.1 Area Between Two Curves
Learning Objectives
A student will be able to:
• Compute the area between two curves with respect to the x and y axes.
In the last chapter, we introduced the definite integral to find the area between a curve and the x axis over an
interval [a, b]. In this lesson, we will show how to calculate the area between two curves.
Consider the region bounded by the graphs f and g between x = a and x = b, as shown in the figures below. If the
two graphs lie above the x axis, we can interpret the area that is sandwiched between them as the area under the
graph of g subtracted from the area under the graph f .
Figure 1a
24
www.ck12.org Chapter 4. Applications of Definite Integrals
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
Therefore, as the graphs show, it makes sense to say that
[Area under f (Fig. 1a)] [Area under g (Fig. 1b)] = [Area between f and g (Fig. 1c)],
Z b Z b Z b
f (x)dx g(x) = [ f (x) g(x)]dx.
a a a
This relation is valid as long as the two functions are continuous and the upper function f (x) g(x) on the interval
[a, b].
The Area Between Two Curves (With respect to the x axis)
If f and g are two continuous functions on the interval [a, b] and f (x) g(x) for all values of x in the interval, then
the area of the region that is bounded by the two functions is given by
25
Z b
A= [ f (x) g(x)]dx.
a
Example 1:
Find the area of the region enclosed between y = x2 and y = x + 6.
Figure 2
Solution:
We first make a sketch of the region (Figure 2) and find the end points of the region. To do so, we simply equate the
two functions,
x2 = x + 6
,
and then solve for x.
x2 x 6=0
(x + 2)(x 3) = 0
from which we get x = 2 and x = 3 .

So the upper and lower boundaries intersect at points ( 2, 4) and (3, 9).
As you can see from the graph, x + 6 x2 and hence f (x) = x + 6 and g(x) = x2 in the interval [ 2, 3]. Applying the
area formula,
26
Z b
A= [ f (x) g(x)]dx
a
Z 3
= [(x + 6) (x2 )]dx.
2
Integrating,
 3
x2 x3
A= + 6x
2 3 2
125
= .
6
So the area between the two curves f (x) = x + 6 and g(x) = x2 is 125/6.
Sometimes it is possible to apply the area formula with respect to the y coordinates instead of the x coordinates.
In this case, the equations of the boundaries will be written in such a way that y is expressed explicitly as a function
of x (Figure 3).
Figure 3
The Area Between Two Curves (With respect to the y axis)
If w and v are two continuous functions on the interval [c, d] and w(y) v(y) for all values of y in the interval, then
the area of the region that is bounded by x = v(y) on the left, x = w(y) on the right, below by y = c, and above by
y = d, is given by
Z d
A= [w(y) v(y)]dy.
c
Example 2:
27
Find the area of the region enclosed by x = y2 and y = x 6.

Solution:
Figure 4
As you can see from Figure 4, the left boundary is x = y2 and the right boundary is y = x 6. The region extends
over the interval 2  y  3. However, we must express the equations in terms of y. We rewrite
x = y2
x = y+6
Thus
Z 3
A= [y + 6 y2 ]dy
2
 3
y2 y3
= + 6y
2 3 2
125
= .
6
Multimedia Links
For a video presentation of the area between two graphs (14.0)(16.0), see Math Video Tutorials by James Sousa, Are
a Between Two Graphs (6:12).
28
MEDIA
Click image to the left or use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/569
For an additional video presentation of the area between two curves (14.0)(16.0), see Just Math Tutoring, Finding
Areas Between Curves (9:51).
MEDIA
Review Questions
In problems #1 - 7, sketch the region enclosed by the curves and find the area.
p
1. y = x2 , y = x, on the interval [0.25,
⇥ p p 1]
⇤
2. y = 0,y = cos 2x, on the interval 4 , 2
3. y = | 1 + x|+2,y = 51 x + 7
4. y = cos x,y = sin x,x = 0,x = 2p
5. x = y2 ,y = x 2, integrate with respect to y
6. y2 4x = 4,4x y = 16 integrate with respect to y
7. y = 8 cos x,y = sec2 x, p/3  x  p/3
8. Find the area enclosed by x = y3 and x = y.
9. If the area enclosed by the two functions y = k cos x and y = kx2 is 2, what is the value of k?
10. Find the horizontal line y = k that divides the region between y = x2 and y = 9 into two equal areas.
29
4.2. Volumes www.ck12.org
4.2 Volumes
Learning Objectives
• Learn the basic concepts of volume and how to compute it with a given cross-section
• Learn how to compute volume by the disk method
• Learn how to compute volume by the washer method
• Learn how to compute volume by cylindrical shells
In this section, we will use definite integrals to find volumes of different solids.
The Volume Formula
A circular cylinder can be generated by translating a circular disk along a line that is perpendicular to the disk (Figure
5). In other words, the cylinder can be generated by moving the cross-sectional area A (the disk) through a distance
h. The resulting volume is called the volume of solid and it is defined to be
V = Ah.
Figure 5
30
The volume of solid does not necessarily have to be circular. It can take any arbitrary shape. One useful way to find
the volume is by a technique called “slicing.” To explain the idea, suppose a solid S is positioned on the x axis and
extends from points x = a to x = b (Figure 6).
Figure 6
Let A(x) be the cross-sectional area of the solid at some arbitrary point x. Just like we did in calculating the definite
integral in the previous chapter, divide the interval [a, b] into n sub-intervals and with widths
4x1 , 4x2 , 4x3 , . . . , 4xn .
Eventually, we get planes that cut the solid into n slices
S1 , S2 , S3 , . . . , Sn .
Take one slice, Sk . We can approximate slice Sk to be a rectangular solid with thickness 4xk and cross-sectional area
A(xk ). Thus the volume Vk of the slice is approximately
Vk ⇡ A(xk )4xk .
Therefore the volume V of the entire solid is approximately
V = V1 +V2 + . . . +Vn
n
⇡ Â A(xk )4xk .
k=1
31
If we use the same argument to derive a formula to calculate the area under the curve, let us increase the number
of slices in such a way that 4xk ! 0. In this case, the slices become thinner and thinner and, as a result, our
approximation will get better and better. That is,
n
V = lim =
4x!0
Â A(xk )4xk .
k=1
Notice that the right-hand side is just the definition of the definite integral. Thus
n
V = lim =
4x!0
Â A(xk )4xk
k=1
Z b
= A(x)dx.
a
The Volume Formula (Cross-section perpendicular to the x axis )

Let S be a solid bounded by two parallel planes perpendicular to the x axis at x = a and x = b. If each of the
cross-sectional areas in [a, b] are perpendicular to the x axis, then the volume of the solid is given by
Z b
V= A(x)dx.
a
where A(x) is the area of a cross section at the value of x on the x axis.
The Volume Formula (Cross-section perpendicular to the y axis)
Let S be a solid bounded by two parallel planes perpendicular to the y axis at y = c and y = d. If each of the
cross-sectional areas in [c, d] are perpendicular to the y axis, then the volume of the solid is given by
Z d
V= A(y)dy.
c
where A(y) is the area of a cross section at the value of y on the y axis.
Example 1:
Derive a formula for the volume of a pyramid whose base is a square of sides a and whose height (altitude) is h.
32
Figure 7a
Figure 7b
Solution:
Let the y axis pass through the apex of the pyramid, as shown in Figure (7a). At any point y in the interval [0, h],
the cross-sectional area is a square. If b is the length of the sides of any arbitrary square, then, by similar triangles
(Figure 7b),
33
1
2b h y
1
= ,
2a
h
a
b = (h y).
h
Since the cross-sectional area at y is A(y) = b2 ,
a2
A(y) = b2 = (h y)2 .
h2
Using the volume formula,
Z d
V= A(y)dy
c
Z h 2
a
= (h y)2 dy
0 h2
Z h
a2
= (h y)2 dy.
h2 0
Using u substitution to integrate, we eventually get
 h
a2 1
V= (h y)3
h2 3 0
1
= a2 h.
3
Therefore the volume of the pyramid is V = 13 a2 h, which agrees with the standard formula.
Volumes of Solids of Revolution
The Method of Disks

Suppose a function f is continuous and non-negative on the interval [a, b], and suppose that R is the region between
the curve f and the x axis (Figure 8a). If this region is revolved about the x axis, it will generate a solid that will
have circular cross-sections (Figure 8b) with radii of f (x) at each x.
34
Figure 8a
Figure 8b
Each cross-sectional area can be calculated by
35
A(x) = p[ f (x)]2 .
Since the volume is defined as
Z b
V= A(x)dx,
a
the volume of the solid is
Z b
V= p[ f (x)]2 dx.
a
Volumes by the Method of Disks (revolution about the x axis)
Z b
V= p[ f (x)]2 dx.
a
Because the shapes of the cross-sections are circular or look like the shapes of disks, the application of this method
is commonly known as the method of disks.
Example 2
p
Calculate the volume of the solid that is obtained when the region under the curve x is revolved about the x axis
over the interval [1, 7].
Solution:
As Figures 9a and 9b show, the volume is
Z b
V= p[ f (x)]2 dx
a
Z 7
p 2
= p[ x] dx
1
 7
x2
=p
2 1
= 24p.
36
Figure 9a
Figure 9b
Example 3:
Derive a formula for the volume of the sphere with radius r.
37
Solution:
One way to find the formula is to use the disk method. From your algebra, a circle of radius r and center at the origin
is given by the formula
x 2 + y2 = r 2
If we revolve the circle about the x axis, we will get a sphere. Using the disk method, we will obtain a formula for
the volume. From the equation of the circle above, we solve for y:
p
f (x) = y = r2 x2 ,
thus
Z b
V= p[ f (x)]2 dx
a
Z +r h p i2
= p r2 x2 dx
r
 r
x3
= p r2 x
3 r
4
= pr3 .
3
This is the standard formula for the volume of the sphere.

The Method of Washers
To generalize our results, if f and g are non-negative and continuous functions and
f (x) g(x)
for
a  x  b,
Then let R be the region enclosed by the two graphs and bounded by x = a and x = b. When this region is revolved
about the x axis, it will generate washer-like cross-sections (Figures 10a and 10b). In this case, we will have two
radii: an inner radius g(x) and an outer radius f (x). The volume can be given by:
Z b ⇣ ⌘
V (x) = p [ f (x)]2 [g(x)]2 dx.
a
38
Figure 10a
Figure 10b
Volumes by the Method of Washers (revolution about the x axis)
Z b ⇣ ⌘
V (x) = p [ f (x)]2 [g(x)]2 dx.
a
Example 4:
Find the volume generated when the region between the graphs f (x) = x2 + 1 and g(x) = x over the interval [0, 3] is
revolved about the x axis.
39
Solution:
As Figures 11a and 11b show, the volume is
Figure 11a
40
Figure 11b
From the formula above,
Z b
V (x) = p [ f (x)]2 [g(x)]2 dx
a
Z 3
= p (x2 + 1)2 (x)2 dx
0
Z 3
= p x4 + x2 + 1 dx
0
303p
= .
5
The methods of disks and washers can also be used if the region is revolved about the y axis. The analogous
formulas can be easily deduced from the above formulas or from the volumes of solids generated.
Disks:
Z d
V= p[u(y)]2 dy.
c
Washers:
Z d
V= p [w(y)]2 [v(y)]2 dy.
c
Example 5:
41
p
What is the volume of the solid generated when the region enclosed by y = x,y = 3, and x = 0 is revolved about
the y axis?
Solution:
p
Since the solid generated is revolved about the y axis (Figures 12a and 12b), we must rewrite y = x as x = y2 .
Thus u(y) = y2 . The volume is
Z d
V= p[u(y)]2 dy
c
Z 3
= p[y2 ]2 dy
0
Z 3
= py4 dx
0
 3
y5
=p
5 0
 5
3
=p 0
5
243p
= .
5
Figure 12a
42
Figure 12b
Volume By Cylindrical Shells
The method of computing volumes so far depended upon computing the cross-sectional area of the solid and then
integrating it across the solid. What happens when the cross-sectional area cannot be found or the integration is too
difficult to solve? Here is where the shell method comes along.
To show how difficult it sometimes is to use the disk or the washer methods to compute volumes, consider the region
enclosed by the function f (x) = x x2 . Let us revolve it about the line x = 1 (Figure 13a) to generate the shape of
a doughnut-shaped cake (Figure 13b). What is the volume of this solid?
43
Figure 13a
Figure 13b
If we wish to integrate with respect to the y axis, we have to solve for x in terms of y. That would not be easy (try
it!). An easier way is to integrate with respect to the x axis by using the shell method. Here is how: A cylindrical
shell is a solid enclosed by two concentric cylinders. If the inner radius is r1 and the outer one is r2 , with both of
height h, then the volume is (Figure 14)
V = [area of the cross-section] · [height]

= p(r22 r12 )h
= p(r2 + r1 )(r2 r1 )h

1
= 2p · (r2 + r1 ) · h · (r2 r1 ).
2
44
Figure 14
Notice however that (r2 r1 ) is the thickness of the shell and 12 (r2 + r1 ) is the average radius of the shell.
Thus
V = 2p · [average radius] · [height] · [thickness].
Replacing the average radius with a single variable r and using h for the height, we have
V = 2p · r · h · [thickness].
In general the shell’s thickness will be dx or dy depending on the axis of revolution. This discussion leads to the
following formulas for rotation about an axis. We will then use this formula to compute the volume V of the solid
of revolution that is generated by revolving the region about the x axis.
Volume By Cylindrical Shell about the y Axis
Suppose f is a continuous function in the interval [a, b] and the region R is bounded above by y = f (x) and below
by the x axis, and on the sides by the lines x = a and x = b. If R is rotated around the y axis, then the cylinders are
vertical, with r = x and h = f (x). The volume of the solid is given by
Z b Z a
V= 2prhdx = 2px f (x)dx.
a b
45
Volume By Cylindrical Shell about the x Axis

Equivalently, if the volume is generated by revolving the same region about the x axis, then the cylinders are
horizontal with
Z d
v= 2prhdy,
c
where c = f 1 (a) and d = f 1 (b). The values of r and h are determined in context, as you will see in Example 6.
Note: Example 7 shows what to do when the rotation is not about an axis.
Example 6:
A solid figure is created by rotating the region R (Figure 15) around the x axis. R is bounded by the curve y = x2
and the lines x = 0 and x = 2. Use the shell method to compute the volume of the solid.
Figure 15
46
Figure 16
Solution:
From Figure 15 we can identify the limits of integration: y runs from 0 to 4. A horizontal strip of this region would
p
generate a cylinder with height 2 y and radius y. Thus the volume of the solid will be
Z d
V= 2prhdy
c
Z 4
p
= 2py(2 y)dy
0
Z 4
= 2p (2y y3/2 )dy
0
 4
2 5/2
= 2p y2 y
5 0
32p
= .
5
Note: The alert reader will have noticed that this example could be worked with a simpler integral using disks.
However, the following example can only be solved with shells.
Example 7:
Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by y = x3 + 12 x + 14 ,y = 14 , and x = 1, about
x = 3.
Solution:
As you can see, the equation y = x3 + 12 x + 14 cannot be easily solved for x and therefore it will be necessary to solve
the problem by the shell method. We are revolving the region about a line parallel to the y axis and thus integrate
with respect to x. Our formula is
Z b
V= 2prhdx.
a
47
In this case, the radius is 3 x and the height is x3 + 12 x + 14 1

4. Substituting,
Z 1 ✓ ◆
3 1 1 1
V = 2p (3 x) x + x + dx
0 2 4 4
Z 1✓ ◆
4 3 1 2 3
= 2p x + 3x x + x dx
0 2 2

1 5 3 4 1 3 3 2 1
= 2p x + x x + x
5 4 6 4 0

1 3 1 3
= 2p + +
5 4 6 4

17
= 2p
15
34p
= .
15
Multimedia Links
The following applet allows you to try out solids of revolution about the x-axis for any two functions. You can
try inputting the examples above to test it out, and then experiment with new functions and changing the bounds.
Volumes of Revolution Applet . In the following video the narrator walks trough the steps of setting up a volume
integration (14.0)(16.0). Khan Academy Solids of Revolution (10:05).
MEDIA
Sometimes the same volume problem can be solved in two different ways (14.0)(16.0). In these two videos, the
narrator first finds a volume using shells Khan Academy Solid of Revolution (Part 5) (9:30)
MEDIA
, and then he does the same volume problem using disks. Khan Academy Solid of Revolution (Part 6) (9:19).
48
MEDIA
Together these videos show how both methods can be used to solve the same problem (though it’s not always done
this easily!).
Review Questions
In problems #1 - 4, find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the curves about the
x axis.
p
1. y = 9 x2 , y = 0
2. y = 3 + x, y = 1 2
p+ x
3. y = sec x, y = 2, p/4  x  p/4
4. y = 1, y = x, x = 0
In problems #5-8, find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the curves about the
y axis.
5. y = x3 , x = 0, y = 1
6. x = y2 , y = x 2
7. = p/4, y = 3p/4, x = 0
x = csc y, y p
8. y = 0, y = x, x = 4
In problems #9-12, use cylindrical shells to find the volume generated when the region bounded by the curves is
revolved about the axis indicated.
9. y = 1x , y = 0, x = 1, x = 3, about the y axis

10. y = x2 , x = 1, y = 0, about the x axis
11. y = 2x 1, y = 2x + 3, x = 2, about the y axis
12. y2 = x, y = 1, x = 0, about the x axis.
13. Use the cylindrical shells method to find the volume generated when the region is bounded by y = x3 , y =
1, x = 0 is revolved about the line y = 1.
49
4.3. The Length of a Plane Curve www.ck12.org
4.3 The Length of a Plane Curve
Learning Objectives
• Learn how to find the length of a plane curve for a given function.
In this section will consider the problem of finding the length of a plane curve. Formulas for finding the arcs of
circles appeared in early historical records and they were known to many civilizations. However, very little was
known about finding the lengths of general curves, such as the length of the curve y = x2 in the interval [0, 2], until
the discovery of calculus in the seventeenth century.
In calculus, we define an arc length as the length of a plane curve y = f (x) over an interval [a, b] (Figure 17). When
the curve f (x) has a continuous first derivative f 0 on [a, b], we say that f is a smooth function (or smooth curve) on
[a, b].
Figure 17
The Arc Length Problem
If y = f (x) is a smooth curve on the interval [a, b], then the arc length L of this curve is defined as
s ✓ ◆2
Z bq Z b
dy
L= 1 + [ f 0 (x)]2 dx = 1+ dx.
a a dx
Example 1:
3
Find the arc length of the curve y = x 2 on [1, 3] (Figure 18).
50
Figure 18
Solution:
Since y = x3 /2,
dy 3 1/2
= x .
dx 2
Using the formula above, we get
s 
Z bq Z 3 2
3
1 + [ f 0 (x)]2 dx = 1 + x1/2 dx
a 1 2
Z 3 r
9
= 1 + xdx.
1 4
Using u substitution by letting u = 1 + 94 x, then du = 94 dx. Substituting, and remembering to change the limits of
integration,
Z
4 31/4 p
L= udu
9 13/4
8 h 3/2 i31/4
= u
27 13/4
⇡ 4.65.
51
4.3. The Length of a Plane Curve www.ck12.org
Multimedia Links
The formula you just used to find the length of a curve was derived by using line segments to approximate the curve.
The derivation of that formula can be found at Wikipedia Entry on Arc Length . In the following applet you can
explore this further. Experiment with various curves and change the number of segments to see how changing the
number of segments is related to approximating the arc length. Arc Length Applet .
For video presentations showing how to obtain the arc length using parametric curves (16.0), see Just Math Tutori
ng, Arc Length Using Parametric Curves, Example 1 (8:18)
MEDIA
and Just Math Tutoring, Arc Length Using Parametric Curves, Example 2 (7:27).
MEDIA
Review Questions
1. Find the arc length of the curve
(x2 + 2)3/2
y=
3
on [0, 3].
2. Find the arc length of the curve
1 1
x = y3 +
6 2y
on y 2 [1, 2].
3. Integrate
Z yp
p p
x= sec4 t 1dt, y .
0 4 4
4. Find the length of the curve shown in the figure below. The shape of the graph is called the asteroid because
it looks like a star. The equation of its graph is x2/3 + y2/3 = 1.
52
5. The figure below shows a suspension bridge. The cable has the shape of a parabola with equation kx2 = y.
The suspension bridge has a total length of 2S and the height of the cable is h at each end. Show that the total
length of the cable is
Z sr
4h2
L=2 1 + 4 x2 dx.
0 S
53
4.4. Area of a Surface of Revolution www.ck12.org
4.4 Area of a Surface of Revolution
Learning Objectives
• Learn how to find the area of a surface that is generated by revolving a curve about an axis or a line.
In this section we will deal with the problem of finding the area of a surface that is generated by revolving a curve
about an axis or a line. For example, the surface of a sphere can be generated by revolving a semicircle about its
diameter (Figure 19) and the circular cylinder can be generated by revolving a line segment about any axis that is
parallel to it (Figure 20).
Figure 19
54
Figure 20
Area of a Surface of Revolution
If f is a smooth and non-negative function in the interval [a, b], then the surface area S generated by revolving the
curve y = f (x) between x = a and x = b about the x axis is defined by
s ✓ ◆2
Z b q Z b
dy
S= 2p f (x) 1 + [ f 0 (x)]2 dx = 2py 1+ dx.
a a dx
Equivalently, if the surface is generated by revolving the curve about the y axis between y = c and y = d, then
s ✓ ◆2
Z d q Z d
dx
S= 2pg(y) 1 + [g0 (y)]2 dy = 2px 1+ dy.
c c dy
Example 1:
Find the surface area that is generated by revolving y = x3 on [0, 2] about the x axis (Figure 21).
Solution:
55
Figure 21
The surface area S is
s ◆ ✓
Z b
dy 2
S= 2py 1 + dx
a dx
Z 2 q
3
= 2px 1 + (3x2 )2 dx
0
Z 2
= 2p x3 (1 + 9x4 )1/2 dx.
0
Using u substitution by letting u = 1 + 9x4 ,
56
Z 145
du
S = 2p u1/2
1 36

2p 2 3/2 145
= u
36 3 1
2p 2 h i
= · (145)3/2 1
36 3
4p
⇡ [1745]
108
⇡ 203
Example 2:
p
Find the area of the surface generated by revolving the graph of f (x) = x2 on the interval [0, 3] about the y axis
(Figure 22).
Solution:
Figure 22
Since the curve is revolved about the y axis, we apply
s ✓ ◆2
Z d
dx
S= 2px 1+ dy.
c dy
p p
So we write y = x2 as x = y. In addition, the interval on the x axis [0, 3] becomes [0, 3]. Thus
s ✓ ◆2
Z 3
p 1
S= 2p y 1+ p dy.
0 2 y
57
Simplifying,
Z 3p
S=p 4y + 1dy.
0
With the aid of u substitution, let u = 4y + 1,
Z
p 13 1/2
S= u du
4 1
ph i
= (13)3/2 1
6
p
= [46.88 1]
6
⇡ 24
Multimedia Links
For video presentations of finding the surface area of revolution (16.0), see Math Video Tutorials by James Sousa,
Surface Area of Revolution, Part 1 (9:47)
MEDIA
and Math Video Tutorials by James Sousa, Surface Area of Revolution, Part 2 (5:43).
MEDIA
Review Questions
In problems #1 - 3 find the area of the surface generated by revolving the curve about the x axis.
1. y = 3x,
p 0x1
2. y = px, 1  x  9
3. y = 4 x2 , 1  x  1
58
In problems #4–6 find the area of the surface generated by revolving the curve about the y axis.
4. x = 7y + 2, 0  y  3
5. 3, 0  y  8
x = yp
6. x = 9 y2 , 2  y  2
7. Show that the surface area of a sphere of radius r is 4pr2 .
8. Show that the lateral area S of a right circular cone of height h and base radius r is
p
S = pr r2 + h2 .
59
4.5. Applications from Physics, Engineering, and Statistics www.ck12.org
4.5 Applications from Physics, Engineering,

and Statistics
Learning Objectives
• Learn how to apply definite integrals to several applications from physics, engineering, and applied mathe-
matics such as work, fluids statics, and probability.
In this section we will show how the definite integral can be used in different applications. Some of the concepts
may sound new to the reader, but we will explain what you need to comprehend as we go along. We will take three
applications: The concepts of work from physics, fluid statics from engineering, and the normal probability from
statistics.
Work
Work in physics is defined as the product of the force and displacement. Force and displacement are vector
quantities, which means they have a direction and a magnitude. For example, we say the compressor exerts a
force of 200 Newtons (N) upward. The magnitude here is 200 N and the direction is upward. Lowering a book from
an upper shelf to a lower one by a distance of 0.5 meters away from its initial position is another example of the
vector nature of the displacement. Here, the magnitude is 0.5 m and the direction is downward, usually indicated by
a minus sign, i.e., a displacement of 0.5 m. The product of those two vector quantities (called the inner product,
see Chapter 10) gives the work done by the force. Mathematically, we say
W = Fd,
where F is the force and d is the displacement. If the force is measured in Newtons and distance is in meters, then
work is measured in the units of energy which is in joules (J).
Example 1:
You push an empty grocery cart with a force of 44 N for a distance of 12 meters. How much work is done by you
(the force)?
Solution:
Using the formula above,
W = Fd
= (44)(12)
= 528 J.
Example 2:
60
A librarian displaces a book from an upper shelf to a lower one. If the vertical distance between the two shelves is
0.5 meters and the weight of the book is 5 Newtons . How much work is done by the librarian?
Solution:
In order to be able to lift the book and move it to its new position, the librarian must exert a force that is at least
equal to the weight of the book. In addition, since the displacement is a vector quantity, then the direction must be
taken into account. So,
d = 0.5 meters.
Thus
W = Fd
= (5)( 0.5)
= 2.5 J.
Here we say that the work is negative since there is a loss of gravitational potential energy rather than a gain in
energy. If the book is lifted to a higher shelf, then the work is positive, since there will be a gain in the gravitational
potential energy.
Example 3:
A bucket has an empty weight of 23 N. It is filled with sand of weight 80 N and attached to a rope of weight 5.1 N/m.
Then it is lifted from the floor at a constant rate to a height 32 meters above the floor. While in flight, the bucket
leaks sand grains at a constant rate, and by the time it reaches the top no sand is left in the bucket. Find the work
done:
1. by lifting the empty bucket;

2. by lifting the sand alone;
3. by lifting the rope alone;
4. by the lifting the bucket, the sand, and the rope together.
Solution:
1. The empty bucket. Since the bucket’s weight is constant, the worker must exert a force that is equal to the weight
of the empty bucket. Thus
W = Fd
= (23)(+32)
= 736 J.
2. The sand alone. The weight of the sand is decreasing at a constant rate from 80 N to 0 N over the 32 meter lift.
When the bucket is at x meters above the floor, the sand weighs
F(x) = [original weight of sand][proportion left at elevation x]

✓ ◆
32 x
= 80
32
⇣ x⌘
= 80 1
32
= 80 2.5x N.
61
The graph of F(x) = 80 2.5x represents the variation of the force with height x (Figure 23). The work done
corresponds to computing the area under the force graph.
Figure 23
Thus the work done is
Z b
W= F(x)dx
a
Z 32
= [80 2.5x]dx
0
 32
2.5 2
= 80x x
2 0
= 1280 J.
3. The rope alone. Since the weight of the rope is 5.1 N/m and the height is 32 meters , the total weight of the rope
from the floor to a height of 32 meters is
(5.1)(32) = 163.2 N.
But since the worker is constantly pulling the rope, the rope’s length is decreasing at a constant rate and thus its
weight is also decreasing as the bucket being lifted. So at x meters, the (32 x) meters there remain to be lifted of
weight F(x) = (5.1)(32 x) N. Thus the work done to lift the weight of the rope is
Z 32 Z 35
W= F(x)dx = (5.1)(32 x)dx
0 0
 32
x2
W = (5.1) 32x
2 0
= 2611.2 J.
62
4. The bucket, the sand, and the rope together. Here we are asked to sum all the work done on the empty bucket, the
sand, and the rope. Thus
Wtotal = 736 + 1280 + 2611.2 = 4627.2 J.
Fluid Statics: Pressure
You have probably studied that pressure is defined as the force per area
F
P= ,
A
which has the units of Pascals (Pa) or Newtons per meter squared, Pa = N/m2 . In the study of fluids, such as water
pressure on a dam or water pressure in the ocean at a depth h, another equivalent formula can be used. It is called
the liquid pressure P at depth h:
P = wh.
where w is the weight density, which is the weight of the column of water per unit volume. For example, if you are
diving in a pool, the pressure of the water on your body can be measured by calculating the total weight that the
column of water is exerting on you times your depth. Another way to express this formula, the weight density w, is
defined as
w = rg,
where r is the density of the fluid and g is the acceleration due to gravity (which is g = 9.8 m/sec2 on Earth). The
pressure then can be written as
P = wh = rgh.
Example 4:
What is the total pressure experienced by a diver in a swimming pool at a depth of 2 meters ?
Solution
First we calculate the fluid pressure the water exerts on the diver at a depth of 2 meters :
P = rgh.
The density of water is r = 1000 kg/m3 , thus
P = (1000)(9.8)(2)
= 19600 Pa.
63
The total pressure on the diver is the pressure due to the water plus the atmospheric pressure. If we assume that the
diver is located at sea-level, then the atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 105 Pa . Thus the total pressure on
the diver is
Ptotal = Pwater + Patm

= 19600 + 105
= 119600
= 1.196 ⇥ 105 Pa.
Example 5:
What is the fluid pressure (excluding the air pressure) and force on the top of a flat circular plate of radius 3 meters
that is submerged horizontally at a depth of 10 meters ?
Solution:
The density of water is r = 1000 kg/m3 . Then
P = rgh
= (1000)(9.8)(10)
= 98000 Pa.
Since the force is F = PA, then
F = PA
= P · pr2
= (98000)(p)(3)2
= 2.77 ⇥ 106 N.
As you can see, it is easy to calculate the fluid force on a horizontal surface because each point on the surface is at
the same depth. The problem becomes a little complicated when we want to calculate the fluid force or pressure if
the surface is vertical. In this situation, the pressure is not constant at every point because the depth is not constant
at each point. To find the fluid force or pressure on a vertical surface we must use calculus.
The Fluid Force on a Vertical Surface
Suppose a flat surface is submerged vertically in a fluid of weight density w and the submerged portion of the surface
extends from x = a to x = b along the vertical x axis, whose positive direction is taken as downward. If L(x) is the
width of the surface and h(x) is the depth of point x, then the fluid force F is defined as
Z b
F= wh(x)L(x)dx.
a
Example 6:
A perfect example of a vertical surface is the face of a dam. We can picture it as a rectangle of a certain height and
certain width. Let the height of the dam be 100 meters and of width of 300 meters. Find the total fluid force exerted
on the face if the top of the dam is level with the water surface (Figure 24).
64
Figure 24
Solution:
Let x = the depth of the water. At an arbitrary point x on the dam, the width of the dam is L(x) = 300 m and the
depth is h(x) = xm . The weight density of water is
wwater = rg
= (1000)(9.8)
= 9800 N/m2 .
Using the fluid force formula above,
Z b
F= wh(x)L(x)dx
a
Z 100
= (9800)(x)(300)dx
0
Z 100
= 2.94 ⇥ 106 xdx
0
 100
6 x2
= 2.94 ⇥ 10
2 0
= 1.47 ⇥ 1010 N.
65
Normal Probabilities
If you were told by the postal service that you will receive the package that you have been waiting for sometime
tomorrow, what is the probability that you will receive it sometime between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM if you know that
the postal service’s hours of operations are between 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM?
If the hours of operations are between 7 AM to 6 PM, this means they operate for a total of 11 hours. The interval
between 3 PM and 5 PM is 2 hours, and thus the probability that your package will arrive is
2 hours
P= = 0.182
11 hours
= 18.2%
So there is a probability of 18.2% that the postal service will deliver your package sometime between the hours of 3
PM and 5 PM (or during any 2 hour interval). That is easy enough. However, mathematically, the situation is not
that simple. The 11 hour interval and the 2 hour interval contain an infinite number of times. So how can one
infinity over another infinity produce a probability of 18.2%? To resolve this issue, we represent the total probability
of the 11 hour interval as a rectangle of area 1 (Figure 25).
Figure 25
2
Looking at the 2 hour interval, we can see that it is equal to 11 of the total rectangular area 1. This is why it is
convenient to represent probabilities as areas. But since areas can be defined by definite integrals, we can also define
the probability associated with an interval [a, b] by the definite integral
Z b
P= f (x)dx,
a
where f (x) is called the probability density function (pdf). One of the most useful probability density functions is
the normal curve or the Gaussian curve (and sometimes the bell curve) (Figure 26). This function enables us to
describe an entire population based on statistical measurements taken from a small sample of the population. The
only measurements needed are the mean (µ) and the standard deviation (s). Once those two numbers are known,
we can easily find the normal curve by using the following formula.
66
Figure 26
The Normal Probability Density Function
The Gaussian curve for a population with mean µ and standard deviation s is given by
1 (x µ)2 /(2s2 )
f (x) = p e ,
s 2p
p
where the factor 1/(s 2p) is called the normalization constant. It is needed to make the probability over the entire
space equal to 1. That is,
Z +•
1 (x µ)2 /(2s2 )
P( • < x < •) = p e = 1.
• s 2p
Example 7:
Suppose that boxes containing 100 tea bags have a mean weight of 10.2 ounces each and a standard deviation of
0.1 ounce.
1. What percentage of all the boxes is expected to weigh between 10 and 10.5 ounces ?
2. What is the probability that a box weighs less than 10 ounces ?
3. What is the probability that a box will weigh exactly 10 ounces ?
Solution:
1. Using the normal probability density function,
1 (x µ)2 /(2s2 )
f (x) = p e .
s 2p
Substituting for µ = 10.2 and s = 0.1, we get
1 (x 10.2)2 /(2(0.1)2 )
f (x) = p e .
(0.1) 2p
The percentage of all the tea boxes that are expected to weight between 10 and 10.5 ounces can be calculated as
67
Z 10.5
1 (x 10.2)2 /(2(0.1)2 )
P(10  x  10.5) = p e dx.
10 (0.1) 2p
2
The integral of ex does not have an elementary anti-derivative and therefore cannot be evaluated by standard
techniques. However, we can use numerical techniques, such as The Simpson’s Rule or The Trapezoid Rule, to find
an approximate (but very accurate) value. Using the programing feature of a scientific calculator or, mathematical
software, we eventually get
Z 10.5
1 (x 10.2)2 /(2(0.1)2 )
p e dx ⇡ 0.976.
10 (0.1) 2p
That is,
P(10  x  10.5) ⇡ 97.6%.
Technology Note: To make this computation with a graphing calculator of the TI-83/84 family, do the following:
• From the [DISTR] menu (Figure 27) select option 2, which puts the phrase "normalcdf" in the home screen.
Add lower bound, upper bound, mean, standard deviation, separated by commas, close the parentheses, and
press [ENTER]. The result is shown in Figure 28.
Figure 27
Figure 28
2. For the probability that a box weighs less than 10.2 ounces, we use the area under the curve to the left of x = 10.2.
Since the value of f (9) is very small (less than a billionth),
68
1 (9 10.2)2 /(2(0.1)2 )
f (9) = p e dx
(0.1) 2p
32
= 1.35 ⇥ 10 ,
getting the area between 9 and 10 will yield a fairly good answer. Integrating numerically, we get
Z 10
1 (x 10.2)2 /(2(0.1)2 )
P(9  x  10) = p e dx
9 (0.1) 2p
P(9  x  10.2) ⇡ 0.02275

= 2.28%,
which says that we would expect 2.28% of the boxes to weigh less than 10 ounces.
3. Theoretically the probability here will be exactly zero because we will be integrating from 10 to 10, which is zero.
However, since all scales have some error (call it e), practically we would find the probability that the weight falls
between 10 e and 10 + e.
Example 8:
An Intelligence Quotient or IQ is a score derived from different standardized tests attempting to measure the level
of intelligence of an adult human being. The average score of the test is 100 and the standard deviation is 15.
1. What is the percentage of the population that has a score between 85 and 115?
2. What percentage of the population has a score above 140?
Solution:
1. Using the normal probability density function,
1 (x µ)2 /(2s2 )
f (x) = p e ,
s 2p
and substituting µ = 100 and s = 15,
1 (x 100)2 /(2(15)2 )
f (x) = p e .
15 2p
The percentage of the population that has a score between 85 and 115 is
Z 115
1 (x 100)2 /(2(15)2 )
P(85  x  115) = p e .
85 15 2p
2
Again, the integral of e x does not have an elementary anti-derivative and therefore cannot be evaluated. Using the
programing feature of a scientific calculator or a mathematical computer software, we get
Z 115
1 (x 100)2 /(2(15)2 )
p e dx ⇡ 0.68.
85 15 2p
69
That is,
P(85  x  115) ⇡ 68%.
Which says that 68% of the population has an IQ score between 85 and 115.
2. To measure the probability that a person selected randomly will have an IQ score above 140,
Z •
1 (x 100)2 /(2(15)2 )
P(x 140) = p e dx.
140 15 2p
This integral is even more difficult to integrate since it is an improper integral. To avoid the messy work, we can
argue that since it is extremely rare to meet someone with an IQ score of over 200, we can approximate the integral
from 140 to 200. Then
Z 200
1 (x 100)2 /(2(15)2 )
P(x 140) ⇡ p e dx.
140 15 2p
Integrating numerically, we get
P(x 140) ⇡ 0.0039.
So the probability of selecting at random a person with an IQ score above 140 is 0.39%. That’s about one person in
every 250 individuals!
Multimedia Links
For a video presentation of an application of integration involving consumer and producer surplus (14.0), see Math
Video Tutorials by James Sousa, Consumer and Producer Surplus (10:22).
MEDIA
For video presentations of work and Hooke’s Law (14.0)(16.0), see Just Math Tutoring, Work and Hooke’s Law, Ex
ample 1 (5:00)
MEDIA
70
and Just Math Tutoring, Work and Hooke’s Law, Example 2 (6:52).
MEDIA
For a video that uses calculus to explain centripetal acceleration (16.0), see Khan Academy, Centripetal Accelerati
on (10:14).
MEDIA
For an economics application involving equilibrium point (14.0), see Math Video Tutorials by James Sousa, Equilib
rium Point (4:58).
MEDIA
For economics applications involving future and present values (14.0), see Math Video Tutorials by James Sousa,
Future and Present Value, Part 1 (6:51)
MEDIA
; Math Video Tutorials by James Sousa, Future and Present Value, Part 2 (4:45).
MEDIA
71
Review Questions
1. A particle moves along the x axis by a force
1
F(x) = .
x2 + 1
If the particle has already moved a distance of 10 meters from the origin, what is the work done by the force?
2. A force of cos px 2 acts on an object when it is x meters away from the origin. How much work is done by
this force in moving the object from x = 1 to x = 5 meters?
3. In physics, if the force on an object varies with distance then work done by the force is defined as (see Example
5.15)
Z b
W= F(r)dr.
a
That is, the work done corresponds to computing the area under the force graph. For example, the strength
of the gravitational field varies with the distance r from the Earth’s center. If a satellite of mass m is to be
launched into space, then the force experienced by the satellite during and after launch is
mM
F(r) = G ,
r2
2
where M = 6 ⇥ 1024 kg is the mass of the Earth and G = 6.67 ⇥ 10 11 Nm kg2
is the Universal Gravitational
Constant. If the mass of the satellite is 1000 kg and we wish to lift it to an altitude of 35, 780 km above the
Earth’s surface, how much work is needed to lift it? (Radius of Earth is 6370 km.)
4. Hook’s Law states that when a spring is stretched x units beyond its natural length it pulls back with a force
F(x) = kx,
where k is called the spring constant or the stiffness constant. To calculate the work required to stretch the
spring a length x we use
Z b
W= F(x)dx,
a
where a is the initial displacement of the spring (a = 0 if the spring is initially unstretched) and b is the final
displacement. A force of 5 N is exerted on a spring and stretches it 1 mbeyond its natural length.
a. Find the spring constant k.

b. How much work is required to stretch the spring 1.8 m beyond its natural length?
5. When a force of 30 N is applied to a spring, it stretches it from a length of 12 cm to 15 cm. How much work
will be done in stretching the spring from 12 cm to 20 cm? (Hint: read the first part of problem #4 above.)
6. A flat surface is submerged vertically in a fluid of weight density w. If the weight density w is doubled, is the
force on the plate also doubled? Explain.
7. The bottom of a rectangular swimming pool, whose bottom is an inclined plane, is shown below. Calculate
the fluid force on the bottom of the pool when it is filled completely with water.
72
8. Suppose f (x) is the probability density function for the lifetime of a manufacturer’s light bulb, where xis
measured in hours. Explain the meaning of each integral.
R
5000
a. R1000 f (x)dx
•
b. 3000 f (x)dx
9. The length of time a customer spends waiting until his/her entree is served at a certain restaurant is modeled
by an exponential density function with an average time of 8 minutes.
a. What is the probability that a customer is served in the first 3 minutes?
b. What is the probability that a customer has to wait more than 10 minutes?
10. The average height of an adult female in Los Angeles is 63.4 inches (5 feet3.4 inches) with a standard deviation
of 3.2 inches.
a. What is the probability that a female’s height is less than 63.4 inches?
b. What is the probability that a female’s height is between 63 and 65 inches?
c. What is the probability that a female’s height is more than 6 feet?
d. What is the probability that a female’s height is exactly 5 feet?
Texas Instruments Resources
In the CK-12 Texas Instruments Calculus FlexBook® resource, there are graphing calculator activities designed
to supplement the objectives for some of the lessons in this chapter. See http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Texas
-Instruments-Calculus-Student-Edition/section/6.0/ .
73

Week 019 - Application of Definite Integrals

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Week 019 - Application of Definite Integrals

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Week 019 - Application of Definite Integrals

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

www.ck12.org Chapter 4.

Applications of Definite Integrals

4.1 Area Between Two Curves

A student will be able to:

from which we get x = 2 and x = 3 .

Find the area of the region enclosed by x = y2 and y = x 6.

The Volume Formula

4x1 , 4x2 , 4x3 , . . . , 4xn .

Eventually, we get planes that cut the solid into n slices

Therefore the volume V of the entire solid is approximately

The Volume Formula (Cross-section perpendicular to the x axis )

Since the cross-sectional area at y is A(y) = b2 ,

Using the volume formula,

Using u substitution to integrate, we eventually get

Volumes of Solids of Revolution

The Method of Disks

Since the volume is defined as

the volume of the solid is

Volumes by the Method of Disks (revolution about the x axis)

This is the standard formula for the volume of the sphere.

Volume By Cylindrical Shells

V = [area of the cross-section] · [height]

V = 2p · [average radius] · [height] · [thickness].

Volume By Cylindrical Shell about the x Axis

In this case, the radius is 3 x and the height is x3 + 12 x + 14 1

9. y = 1x , y = 0, x = 1, x = 3, about the y axis

4.3 The Length of a Plane Curve

A student will be able to:

Using the formula above, we get

1. Find the arc length of the curve

4.4 Area of a Surface of Revolution

A student will be able to:

Using u substitution by letting u = 1 + 9x4 ,

With the aid of u substitution, let u = 4y + 1,

4.5 Applications from Physics, Engineering,

A student will be able to:

1. by lifting the empty bucket;

F(x) = [original weight of sand][proportion left at elevation x]

Wtotal = 736 + 1280 + 2611.2 = 4627.2 J.

Fluid Statics: Pressure

The density of water is r = 1000 kg/m3 , thus

Ptotal = Pwater + Patm

Since the force is F = PA, then

Using the fluid force formula above,

Substituting for µ = 10.2 and s = 0.1, we get

P(10  x  10.5) ⇡ 97.6%.

P(9  x  10.2) ⇡ 0.02275

and substituting µ = 100 and s = 15,

P(85  x  115) ⇡ 68%.

Integrating numerically, we get

P(x 140) ⇡ 0.0039.

1. A particle moves along the x axis by a force

a. Find the spring constant k.

Texas Instruments Resources

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.