Calculus Project

Volumes of Solids with Known Cross-Section Project

Due May 30
th
No Late Projects Accepted

Make and present a physical model of a solid with a known cross-section on a
given base. The following guidelines apply:
1) The base region and cross-section will be assigned to each team.
2) The model must be done to scale.
3) The materials can be no thicker than 0.25. Your model must consist of at
least 24 cross-sectional slices.
4) The model must be securely mounted on a background that will allow it
(the model) to be hung on the wall.

Your project must have the following information displayed:
1) The base function(s) defined, (I.e. f(x)=...), complete with a sketch of the
base region.
2) A description of the cross-sectional shape, complete with a sketch of the
cross-section.
3) A spreadsheet showing the x and y coordinates for the base of each slice,
the cross-sectional area of each slice, the volume of each slice, and the
total volume of the slices in your model.
4) The theoretical volume as defined by a definite integral.

Physical Model 50 points
Appropriate material, neatness, overall layout and visual appeal, creativity

Spreadsheet and Theoretical Volume Integrals 50 points
Accurate presentation of the information and accurate calculations
Correct theoretical integrals and volume calculations

This is a project where students who procrastinate and begin working on it a
couple of days before it is due end up very stressed with an incomplete project
that lowers their grade. Procrastinators usually show up without having slept for
the past 48 hours and hoping for leniency. Do not expect sympathy for trying to
do a project in one night when you were given weeks to complete the project.

Base Region Sketch

and the x-axis

Model


Spreadsheet
Approximate Volume
x y area volume

4-x^2 s^2 area*(1/6)
-1.833 0.639 0.408 0.068
-1.667 1.222 1.494 0.249
-1.500 1.750 3.063 0.510
-1.333 2.222 4.938 0.823
-1.167 2.639 6.964 1.161
-1.000 3.000 9.000 1.500
-0.833 3.306 10.927 1.821
-0.667 3.556 12.642 2.107
-0.500 3.750 14.063 2.344
-0.333 3.889 15.123 2.521
-0.167 3.972 15.779 2.630
0.000 4.000 16.000 2.667
0.167 3.972 15.779 2.630
0.333 3.889 15.123 2.521
0.500 3.750 14.063 2.344
0.667 3.556 12.642 2.107
0.833 3.306 10.927 1.821
1.000 3.000 9.000 1.500
1.167 2.639 6.964 1.161
1.333 2.222 4.938 0.823
1.500 1.750 3.063 0.510
1.667 1.222 1.494 0.249
1.833 0.639 0.408 0.068
2.000 0.000 0.000 0.000


TOTAL
VOLUME 34.133
Cross Section Sketch

Squares perpendicular to x-axis

Side =

Definite Integral
Theoretical Volume