Volumes by disks and washers

Definition

Volumes by disks and washers is a method used to find the volume of a solid by integrating cross-sectional areas. It involves slicing the solid into thin disks or washers perpendicular to an axis, calculating the area of each disk or washer, and then summing up these areas using integration.

Related terms

Cross-sectional area: The area formed when a solid is sliced perpendicular to an axis. It helps in determining the volume using methods like volumes by disks and washers.

Integration:

A mathematical technique used to find the sum or accumulation of infinitesimally small quantities. In volumes by disks and washers, integration is used to add up all the cross-sectional areas.

Axis of rotation: The line around which a solid is rotated to create disks or washers for finding their volumes. It plays a crucial role in determining how slices are made for calculation purposes.