474 Chapter 7 Applications of Integration

7.4 Arc Length and Surfaces of Revolution

Find the arc length of a smooth curve.
Find the area of a surface of revolution.

Arc Length
In this section, definite integrals are used to find the arc lengths of curves and the areas
of surfaces of revolution. In either case, an arc (a segment of a curve) is approximated
by straight line segments whose lengths are given by the familiar Distance Formula
d = √(x2 − x1)2 + ( y2 − y1)2.
A rectifiable curve is one that has a finite arc length. You will see that a sufficient
condition for the graph of a function f to be rectifiable between (a, f (a)) and (b, f (b))
is that f′ be continuous on [a, b]. Such a function is continuously differentiable on
[a, b], and its graph on the interval [a, b] is a smooth curve.
y
Consider a function y = f (x) that is continuously differentiable on the interval
(x2, y2)
(x1, y1) Δ y = y2 − y1 [a, b]. You can approximate the graph of f by n line segments whose endpoints are
(x0, y0) determined by the partition
(xn, yn)
Δ x = x2 − x1 a = x0 < x1 < x2 < . . . < xn = b
as shown in Figure 7.37. By letting ∆xi = xi − xi−1 and ∆yi = yi − yi−1, you can
approximate the length of the graph by
n

∑ √(x − x
x
a = x0 x1 x2 b = xn s≈ i i−1 )2 + ( yi − yi−1)2
i=1
n
y
s
y = f(x)
= ∑ √(∆x )
i=1
i
2 + (∆yi )2

∑ √(∆x )
∆yi
(∆x ) (∆x )
n 2
= i
2 + i
2

s = length of i=1 i

= ∑ √1 + ( ) (∆x ).
curve from n ∆y i
2
a to b
i=1 ∆x i
i

This approximation appears to become better and better as ∆ → 0 (n → ∞). So, the
x length of the graph is
a b

∑ √1 + (∆x )
n
∆yi 2
Figure 7.37 s = lim (∆xi ).
∆→0 i=1 i

Because f′(x) exists for each x in (xi−1, xi), the Mean Value Theorem guarantees the
existence of ci in (xi−1, xi ) such that
f (xi ) − f (xi−1)
= f′(ci )
xi − xi−1
∆yi
= f′(ci ).
∆xi
Because f′ is continuous on [a, b], it follows that √1 + [ f′(x)]2 is also continuous (and
therefore integrable) on [a, b], which implies that
n
s = lim ∑ √1 + [ f′(c )]
∆→0 i=1
i
2 (∆xi )

= ∫a
b
√1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx

where s is called the arc length of f between a and b.

 7.4 Arc Length and Surfaces of Revolution 475

Definition of Arc Length

Let the function y = f (x) represent a smooth curve on the interval [a, b]. The
arc length of f between a and b is

s= ∫a
b
√1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx.

Similarly, for a smooth curve x = g( y), the arc length of g between c and d is

s= ∫c
d
√1 + [g′( y)]2 dy.

CHRISTIAN HUYGENS
(1629–1695)
The Dutch mathematician
Christian Huygens, who
invented the pendulum clock,
and James Gregory (1638–1675),
a Scottish mathematician, both
made early contributions to the
problem of finding the length of
a rectifiable curve.
See LarsonCalculus.com to read
more of this biography.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To see how arc length can be used to define
trigonometric functions, see the article “Trigonometry Requires Calculus, Not Vice
Versa” by Yves Nievergelt in UMAP Modules.
Because the definition of arc length can be applied to a linear function, you can
check to see that this new definition agrees with the standard Distance Formula for the
length of a line segment. This is shown in Example 1.
The Length of a Line Segment
Find the arc length from (x1, y1) to (x2, y2) on the graph of
f (x) = mx + b.

Solution Because
y2 − y1
f′(x) = m =
x2 − x1
it follows that

∫
y
x2

(x2, y2) s= √1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx Formula for arc length

x1

(x1, y1)
y2 − y1 = ∫√ x2

x1
1+
y2 − y1
(x2 − x1
)
2
dx

x2
x2 − x1

f(x) = mx + b
= √
(x2 − x1)2 + ( y2 − y1)2
(x2 − x1)2
(x)
] x1
Integrate and simplify.

(x2 − x1)2 + ( y2 − y1)2

x = √ (x2 − x1)2
(x2 − x1)
The formula for the arc length of the = √(x2 − x1)2 + ( y2 − y1)2
graph of f from (x1, y1) to (x2, y2) is the
same as the standard Distance Formula. which is the formula for the distance between two points in the plane, as shown in
Figure 7.38 Figure 7.38.

TECHNOLOGY Definite integrals representing arc length often are very

difficult to evaluate. In this section, a few examples are presented. In the next
chapter, with more advanced integration techniques, you will be able to tackle more
difficult arc length problems. In the meantime, remember that you can always use
a numerical integration program to approximate an arc length. For instance, use the
numerical integration feature of a graphing utility to approximate the arc lengths in
Examples 2 and 3.

Bettmann/Corbis
476 Chapter 7 Applications of Integration

Finding Arc Length

y
3
y= x +
1
Figure 7.39.
x3
Find the arc length of the graph of y = +
6
1
2x
1
on the interval , 2 , as shown in
2 [ ]
6 2x
2 Solution Using

1
dy 3x2
dx
=
6
1 1 1
− 2 = x2 − 2
2x 2 x ( )
yields an arc length of

∫√ ( )
x b 2
1 2 3 dy
s= 1+ dx Formula for arc length
The arc length of the graph of y on dx

∫ √ [(
a

[12, 2] 2

)] dx
2
1 2 1
= 1+ x − 2
Figure 7.39 2 x

∫ √(
12
2
+ 2 + ) dx
1 4 1
= x 4
4 x

∫ ( )
12
2
1 1
= x2 + dx Simplify.
2 12 x2

[ ]
3 2
1 x 1
= − Integrate.
2 3 x 12

= ( + )
1 13 47
2 6 24
33
= .
16

Finding Arc Length

y
Find the arc length of the graph of ( y − 1)3 = x2 on the interval [0, 8], as shown in
(8, 5)
5 Figure 7.40.
4
Solution Solving for y yields y = x23 + 1 and dydx = 2(3x13). Because dydx
3
is undefined when x = 0, the arc length formula with respect to x cannot be used.
2 (y − 1)3 = x 2
Solving for x in terms of y yields x = ±( y − 1)32. Choosing the positive value of x
1 (0, 1)
produces
x
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 dx 3
= ( y − 1)12.
The arc length of the graph of y on dy 2
[0, 8]
The x-interval [0, 8] corresponds to the y-interval [1, 5], and the arc length is
Figure 7.40

s= ∫√ d
1+ ( ) dy
dx
dy
2
Formula for arc length

∫√
c
5
1 + [ ( y − 1) ]
2
3
= 12 dy
2

∫√
1
5
9 5
= y − dy
4 4

∫
1
5
1
= √9y − 5 dy Simplify.
2 1
1 (9y − 5)32
[ ]
5
= Integrate.
18 32 1
1
= (4032 − 432)
27
≈ 9.073.
 7.4 Arc Length and Surfaces of Revolution 477

Finding Arc Length

See LarsonCalculus.com for an interactive version of this type of example.
y
Find the arc length of the graph of
y = ln(cos x)
x
−π π from x = 0 to x = π4, as shown in Figure 7.41.
2 2
Solution Using

−1 dy sin x
=− = −tan x
dx cos x

y = ln(cos x) yields an arc length of

The arc length of the graph of y on

π
s= ∫√ b
1+ (dydx)
2
dx Formula for arc length

[ ]
∫
a
0, π4
4
Figure 7.41
= √1 + tan2 x dx

∫
0
π4
= √sec2 x dx Trigonometric identity

∫
0
π4
= sec x dx Simplify.
0
π4
[ ∣
= ln sec x + tan x ∣]0 Integrate.

= ln(√2 + 1) − ln 1
≈ 0.881.

Length of a Cable
An electric cable is hung between two towers that are 200 feet apart, as shown in
y Figure 7.42. The cable takes the shape of a catenary whose equation is
Catenary:
x
y = 150 cosh
150 x
y = 75(e x150 + e−x150) = 150 cosh .
150

150 Find the arc length of the cable between the two towers.
1
Solution Because y′ = 2 (e x150 − e−x150), you can write
1
( y′)2 = (e x75 − 2 + e−x75)
4
x
−100 100
and

[ ]
2
1 1
Figure 7.42 1 + ( y′)2 = (e x75 + 2 + e−x75) = (e x150 + e−x150) .
4 2
Therefore, the arc length of the cable is

s= ∫ b
√1 + ( y′)2 dx Formula for arc length

∫
a
100
1
= (e x150 + e−x150) dx
2 −100

[ ]
100
= 75 e x150 − e−x150 Integrate.
−100
= 150(e23 − e−23)
≈ 215 feet.
478 Chapter 7 Applications of Integration

Area of a Surface of Revolution

In Sections 7.2 and 7.3, integration was used to calculate the volume of a solid
of revolution. You will now look at a procedure for finding the area of a surface
of revolution.

Definition of Surface of Revolution

When the graph of a continuous function is revolved about a line, the resulting
surface is a surface of revolution.

The area of a surface of revolution is L

derived from the formula for the lateral surface
area of the frustum of a right circular cone.
r2
Consider the line segment in the figure at the r1
right, where L is the length of the line segment,
r1 is the radius at the left end of the line segment,
and r2 is the radius at the right end of the line
segment. When the line segment is revolved Axis of
revolution
about its axis of revolution, it forms a frustum
of a right circular cone, with
S = 2πrL Lateral surface area of frustum

where
1
r = (r1 + r2). Average radius of frustum
2
(In Exercise 56, you are asked to verify the formula for S.)
Consider a function f that has a continuous derivative on the interval [a, b]. The
graph of f is revolved about the x-axis to form a surface of revolution, as shown in
Figure 7.43. Let ∆ be a partition of [a, b], with subintervals of width ∆xi. Then the line
segment of length
∆Li = √(∆xi )2 + (∆yi )2
generates a frustum of a cone. Let ri be the average radius of this frustum. By the
Intermediate Value Theorem, a point di exists (in the ith subinterval) such that
ri = f (di).
The lateral surface area ∆Si of the frustum is
∆Si = 2πri ∆Li
= 2πf (di)√(∆xi)2 + (∆yi)2

√1 + (∆x ) ∆x .
∆yi 2
= 2πf (di ) i
i

Δ Li
y = f(x)
Δ yi

Δ xi

a = x0 xi − 1 xi b = xn

Axis of
revolution

Figure 7.43
 7.4 Arc Length and Surfaces of Revolution 479
y
By the Mean Value Theorem, a number ci exists in (xi−1, xi ) such that
y = f(x)
f (xi ) − f (xi−1)
f′(ci ) =
xi − xi−1
(x, f(x)) ∆yi
= .
∆xi
r = f(x)
So, ∆Si = 2πf (di )√1 + [ f′(ci)]2 ∆xi, and the total surface area can be approximated
x
Axis of a b by
revolution n
S ≈ 2π ∑ f (d )√1 + [ f′(c )]
i=1
i i
2 ∆xi.

y It can be shown that the limit of the right side as ∆ → 0 (n → ∞) is

∫
y = f(x) b
S = 2π f (x)√1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx.
Axis of revolution

a
(x, f(x))
In a similar manner, if the graph of f is revolved about the y-axis, then S is

∫
r=x b
S = 2π x√1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx.
a
x
a b
In these two formulas for S, you can regard the products 2πf (x) and 2πx as the
circumferences of the circles traced by a point (x, y) on the graph of f as it is revolved
Figure 7.44 about the x-axis and the y-axis (Figure 7.44). In one case, the radius is r = f (x), and
in the other case, the radius is r = x. Moreover, by appropriately adjusting r, you
can generalize the formula for surface area to cover any horizontal or vertical axis of
revolution, as indicated in the next definition.

Definition of the Area of a Surface of Revolution

Let y = f (x) have a continuous derivative on the interval [a, b]. The area S of
the surface of revolution formed by revolving the graph of f about a horizontal
or vertical axis is

S = 2π ∫a
b
r(x)√1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx y is a function of x.

where r(x) is the distance between the graph of f and the axis of revolution. If
x = g( y) on the interval [c, d], then the surface area is

S = 2π ∫c
d
r( y)√1 + [g′( y)]2 dy x is a function of y.

where r( y) is the distance between the graph of g and the axis of revolution.

The formulas in this definition are sometimes written as

S = 2π ∫ a
b
r (x) ds y is a function of x.

and

S = 2π ∫ c
d
r ( y) ds x is a function of y.

where
ds = √1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx and ds = √1 + [g′( y)]2 dy
respectively.
480 Chapter 7 Applications of Integration

The Area of a Surface of Revolution

y
Find the area of the surface formed by revolving the graph of f (x) = x3 on the interval
[0, 1] about the x-axis, as shown in Figure 7.45.
Solution The distance between the x-axis and the graph of f is r(x) = f (x), and
f(x) = x 3 (1, 1)
1 because f′(x) = 3x2, the surface area is

S = 2π ∫ b
r(x)√1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx Formula for surface area

∫
a
r (x) = f (x) 1
= 2π x3√1 + (3x2)2 dx

∫
x 0
1 1
2π
Axis of = (36x3)(1 + 9x4)12 dx Simplify.
revolution 36 0
π (1 + 9x4)32
[ ]
1
= Integrate.
18 32 0
−1
π
= (1032 − 1)
27
≈ 3.563.
Figure 7.45
The Area of a Surface of Revolution
Find the area of the surface formed by revolving the graph of f (x) = x2 on the interval
[0, √2 ] about the y-axis, as shown in the figure below.
y

2 ( 2, 2)

f(x) = x 2

−2 −1 x
1 2
r(x) = x
Axis of revolution

Solution In this case, the distance between the graph of f and the y-axis is r(x) = x.
Using f′(x) = 2x and the formula for surface area, you can determine that

S = 2π ∫ b
r(x)√1 + [ f′(x)]2 dx Formula for surface area

∫
a
√2
= 2π x√1 + (2x)2 dx

∫
0
√2
2π
= (1 + 4x2)12(8x) dx Simplify.
8 0
π (1 + 4x2)32
[ ]
√2
= Integrate.
4 32 0
π
= [(1 + 8)32 − 1]
6
13π
=
3
≈ 13.614.
 7.4 Arc Length and Surfaces of Revolution 481

7.4 Exercises See CalcChat.com for tutorial help and worked-out solutions to odd-numbered exercises.

17. y = 12 (e x + e−x), [0, 2]

CONCEPT CHECK
+1
(ee )
x
1. Rectifiable Curve Describe the condition for a curve 18. y = ln , [ln 6, ln 8]
x
−1
to be rectifiable between two points.
19. x = 13 ( y2 + 2)32, 0 ≤ y ≤ 4
2. Arc Length Explain how to find the arc length of a
function that is a smooth curve on the interval [a, b]. 20. x = 13√y ( y − 3), 1 ≤ y ≤ 4

3. Arc Length Name a function for which the integral Finding Arc Length In Exercises 21–30, (a) sketch the
below represents the arc length of the function on the graph of the function, highlighting the part indicated by the
interval [0, 2]. given interval, (b) write a definite integral that represents the

∫0
2
√1 + (4x)2 dx
arc length of the curve over the indicated interval and observe
that the integral cannot be evaluated with the techniques
studied so far, and (c) use the integration capabilities of a
4. Surface of Revolution Describe a surface of graphing utility to approximate the arc length.
revolution in your own words.
21. y = 4 − x2, [0, 2] 22. y = x2 + x − 2, [−2, 1]
1
Finding Distance Using Two Methods In Exercises 23. y = , [1, 3]
x
5 and 6, find the distance between the points using (a) the
Distance Formula and (b) integration. 1
24. y = , [0, 1]
x+1
5. (2, 1), (5, 3) 6. (−2, 2), (4, −6)
25. y = sin x, [0, π ]
Finding Arc Length In Exercises 7–20, find
the arc length of the graph of the function over the
26. y = cos x, [− π2 , π2 ]
indicated interval. 27. y = 2 arctan x, [0, 1]
2 x4 1 28. y = ln x, [1, 5]
7. y = (x2 + 1)32 8. y = + , [2, 3]
3 8 4x2 29. x = e−y, 0 ≤ y ≤ 2
y y 4
y = x + 12 30. x = √36 − y2, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3
4 16 8 4x
3 Approximation In Exercises 31 and 32, approximate the
12
arc length of the graph of the function over the interval [0, 4]
2
8 in three ways. (a) Use the Distance Formula to find the distance
1 y = 23 (x 2 + 1)3/2
between the endpoints of the arc. (b) Use the Distance Formula
4
x to find the lengths of the four line segments connecting the
−1 1 2 3 4
−1
x points on the arc when x = 0, x = 1, x = 2, x = 3, and x = 4.
1 2 3 4
Find the sum of the four lengths. (c) Use the integration
2 capabilities of a graphing utility to approximate the integral
9. y = x32 + 1 10. y = 2x32 + 3 yielding the indicated arc length.
3
y y
31. f (x) = x3 32. f (x) = (x2 − 4)2
4 60
50 33. Length of a Cable An electric cable is hung between two
3
40 towers that are 40 meters apart (see figure). The cable takes the
2 30 shape of a catenary whose equation is
1 y = 23 x 3/2 + 1 20
y = 2x 3/2 + 3 y = 10(e x20 + e−x20), −20 ≤ x ≤ 20
10
x
x
−1 1 2 3 4 where x and y are measured in meters. Find the arc length of
−1 2 4 6 8 10 12
the cable between the two towers.
3 3 y
11. y = x23, [1, 8] 12. y = x23 + 4, [1, 27]
2 2
30
x5 1 x7 1
13. y = + , [2, 5] 14. y = + , [1, 2]
10 6x3 14 10x 5
10
15. y = ln(sin x), [ π4 , 3π4 ] 16. y = ln(cos x), [0, π3 ] x
−20 −10 10 20
482 Chapter 7 Applications of Integration

34. Roof Area A barn is 100 feet long and 40 feet wide (see 43. y = √4 − x2, −1 ≤ x ≤ 1
figure). A cross section of the roof is the inverted catenary
44. y = √9 − x2, −2 ≤ x ≤ 2
y = 31 − 10(e x20 + e−x20). Find the number of square feet
of roofing on the barn. Finding the Area of a Surface of
y Revolution In Exercises 45– 48, write and
y = 31 − 10(e x/20 + e −x/20) evaluate the definite integral that represents the
100 ft area of the surface generated by revolving the
20
curve on the indicated interval about the y-axis.

45. y = √
3 x + 2, 1 ≤ x ≤ 8 46. y = 9 − x2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 3
x
− 20 20 x2 x
47. y = 1 − , 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 48. y = + 3, 1 ≤ x ≤ 5
4 2
35. Length of Gateway Arch The Gateway Arch in St.
Louis, Missouri, is closely approximated by the inverted Finding the Area of a Surface of Revolution Using
catenary Technology In Exercises 49 and 50, use the integration
capabilities of a graphing utility to approximate the area of the
y = 693.8597 − 68.7672 cosh 0.0100333x, surface of revolution.
−299.2239 ≤ x ≤ 299.2239.
Function Interval Axis of Revolution
Use the integration capabilities of a graphing utility to 49. y = sin x [0, π ] x-axis
approximate the length of this curve (see figure).
50. y = ln x [1, e] y-axis
y y

(0, 625.1) 8
6
x 2/3 + y 2/3 = 4 EXPLORING CONCEPTS
(− 299.2, 0) 400 (299.2, 0) Approximation In Exercises 51 and 52, determine
200
2 which value best approximates the length of the arc
x
represented by the integral. Make your selection on the
x −6 −2 2 6 8
−400 −200 200 400 basis of a sketch of the arc, not by performing calculations.
−6
−8 51. ∫√
2

0
1+ [ dxd (x 2
5
+1 )]
2
dx
Figure for 35 Figure for 36
(a) 25 (b) 5 (c) 2 (d) −4 (e) 3
36. Astroid Find the total length of the graph of the astroid
x23 + y23 = 4. 52. ∫π4

0
√1 + [ dxd (tan x)] dx
2

37. Arc Length of a Sector of a Circle Find the arc length 4π

from (0, 3) clockwise to (2, √5) along the circle x2 + y2 = 9. (a) 3 (b) −2 (c) 4 (d)
3
(e) 1
38. Arc Length of a Sector of a Circle Find the arc length 53. Exploring Relationships Consider the function
from (−3, 4) clockwise to (4, 3) along the circle x2 + y2 = 25.
Show that the result is one-fourth the circumference of the circle. 1
f (x) = e x + e−x.
4
Finding the Area of a Surface of
Compare the definite integral of f on the interval [a, b]
Revolution In Exercises 39– 44, write and
with the arc length of f over the interval [a, b].
evaluate the definite integral that represents the
area of the surface generated by revolving the
curve on the indicated interval about the x-axis.
1 54. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? The graphs of
39. y = x3 40. y = 2√x the functions f1 and f2 on the interval [a, b] are
3
y y
shown in the figure. The graph of each function
y=2 x is revolved about the x-axis. Which surface of
10 6 revolution has the greater surface area? Explain.
8
4
y = 13 x 3 y
2
2
x x f1
−1 1 3 2 4 6 8
−2
−4
−6 −4
−8 f2
−10 −6

x3 1 x
41. y = + , 1 ≤ x ≤ 2 42. y = 3x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 3 a b
6 2x
 7.4 Arc Length and Surfaces of Revolution 483

55. Think About It The figure shows the graphs of the 57. Lateral Surface Area of a Cone A right circular cone
functions y1 = x, y2 = 12x32, y3 = 14x2, and y4 = 18x52 on the is generated by revolving the region bounded by y = 3x4,
interval [0, 4]. To print an enlarged copy of the graph, go to y = 3, and x = 0 about the y-axis. Find the lateral surface area
MathGraphs.com. of the cone.
y 58. Lateral Surface Area of a Cone A right circular cone
is generated by revolving the region bounded by y = hxr,
4 y = h, and x = 0 about the y-axis. Verify that the lateral
3
surface area of the cone is S = πr√r2 + h2.
59. Using a Sphere Find the area of the segment of a sphere
2
formed by revolving the graph of y = √9 − x2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2,
1 about the y-axis.
x 60. Using a Sphere Find the area of the segment of a sphere
1 2 3 4 formed by revolving the graph of y = √r2 − x2, 0 ≤ x ≤ a,
(a) Label the functions. about the y-axis. Assume that a < r.

(b) Without calculating, list the functions in order of increasing 61. Modeling Data The circumference C (in inches) of a vase
arc length. is measured at three-inch intervals starting at its base. The
measurements are shown in the table, where y is the vertical
(c) Verify your answer in part (b) by using the integration distance in inches from the base.
capabilities of a graphing utility to approximate each arc
length accurate to three decimal places.
y 0 3 6 9 12 15 18
56. Verifying a Formula
C 50 65.5 70 66 58 51 48
(a) Given a circular sector with radius L and central angle θ
(see figure), show that the area of the sector is given by
(a) Use the data to approximate the volume of the vase by
1 2 summing the volumes of approximating disks.
S= L θ.
2
(b) Use the data to approximate the outside surface area
(b) By joining the straight-line edges of the sector in part (a), (excluding the base) of the vase by summing the outside
a right circular cone is formed (see figure) and the lateral surface areas of approximating frustums of right circular
surface area of the cone is the same as the area of the cones.
sector. Show that the area is S = πrL, where r is the radius (c) Use the regression capabilities of a graphing utility to find
of the base of the cone. (Hint: The arc length of the sector a cubic model for the points ( y, r), where r = C(2π ). Use
equals the circumference of the base of the cone.) the graphing utility to plot the points and graph the model.
(d) Use the model in part (c) and the integration capabilities of
L a graphing utility to approximate the volume and outside
surface area of the vase. Compare the results with your
θ answers in parts (a) and (b).
62. Modeling Data Property bounded by two perpendicular
r roads and a stream is shown in the figure. All distances are
L measured in feet.
y

Figure for 56(a) Figure for 56(b) 600 (0, 540)

(150, 430)
(50, 390) (200,425)
(c) Use the result of part (b) to verify that the formula for 400 (250, 360)
the lateral surface area of the frustum of a cone with slant (100, 390) (300, 275)
height L and radii r1 and r2 (see figure) is S = π (r1 + r2)L. 200
(350, 125)
(Note: This formula was used to develop the integral for
finding the surface area of a surface of revolution.) (400, 0)
x
200 400 600
L
(a) Use the regression capabilities of a graphing utility to fit a
r2 fourth-degree polynomial to the path of the stream.
r1
(b) Use the model in part (a) to approximate the area of the
property in acres.
(c) Use the integration capabilities of a graphing utility to find
Axis of the length of the stream that bounds the property.
revolution
484 Chapter 7 Applications of Integration

63. Volume and Surface Area Let R be the region bounded 67. Astroid Find the area of the surface formed by revolving
by y = 1x, the x-axis, x = 1, and x = b, where b > 1. Let D the portion in the first quadrant of the graph of x23 + y23 = 4,
be the solid formed when R is revolved about the x-axis. 0 ≤ y ≤ 8, about the y-axis.
(a) Find the volume V of D. y
y y 2 = 1 x(4 − x) 2
(b) Write a definite integral that represents the surface area S 8
12

of D. 1

(c) Show that V approaches a finite limit as b → ∞.

(d) Show that S → ∞ as b → ∞. x x
−8 −4 4 8 −1 1 2 3 4 5 6
64. Think About It Consider the equation

x2 y2
+ = 1. −1
9 4
Figure for 67 Figure for 68
(a) Use a graphing utility to graph the equation.
(b) Write the definite integral for finding the first-quadrant arc 68. Using a Loop Consider the graph of
length of the graph in part (a). 1
y2 = x(4 − x)2
(c) Compare the interval of integration in part (b) and the 12
domain of the integrand. Is it possible to evaluate the
definite integral? Explain. (You will learn how to evaluate shown in the figure. Find the area of the surface formed when
this type of integral in Section 8.8.) the loop of this graph is revolved about the x-axis.
69. Suspension Bridge A cable for a suspension bridge has
Approximating Arc Length or Surface Area In the shape of a parabola with equation y = kx2. Let h represent
Exercises 65– 68, write the definite integral for finding the the height of the cable from its lowest point to its highest point
indicated arc length or surface area. Then use the integration and let 2w represent the total span of the bridge (see figure).
capabilities of a graphing utility to approximate the arc length Show that the length C of the cable is given by
or surface area. (You will learn how to evaluate this type of
integral in Section 8.8.)

65. Length of Pursuit A fleeing object leaves the origin and

C=2 ∫√ w

0
1+ (4hw )x
2
2
2
dx

moves up the y-axis (see figure). At the same time, a pursuer y

leaves the point (1, 0) and always moves toward the fleeing
object. The pursuer’s speed is twice that of the fleeing object.
The equation of the path is modeled by
h
1
y = (x32 − 3x12 + 2).
3 x
2w
How far has the fleeing object traveled when it is caught?
Show that the pursuer has traveled twice as far.
y
y 70. Suspension Bridge The Humber Bridge, located in the
y = 13 x1/2 − x 3/2 United Kingdom and opened in 1981, has a main span of
about 1400 meters. Each of its towers has a height of about
1
155 meters. Use these dimensions, the integral in Exercise
x 69, and the integration capabilities of a graphing utility to
approximate the length of a parabolic cable along the main span.
x
1 71. Arc Length and Area Let C be the curve given by
y = 13 (x 3/2 − 3x 1/2 + 2) f (x) = cosh x for 0 ≤ x ≤ t, where t > 0. Show that the arc
length of C is equal to the area bounded by C and the x-axis.
Figure for 65 Figure for 66 Identify another curve on the interval 0 ≤ x ≤ t with this
property.
66. Bulb Design An ornamental light bulb is designed by
revolving the graph of
PUTNAM EXAM CHALLENGE
1 1
y = x12 − x32, 0 ≤ x ≤ 72. Find the length of the curve y2 = x3 from the origin to the
3 3 point where the tangent makes an angle of 45° with the
about the x-axis, where x and y are measured in feet (see x-axis.
figure). Find the surface area of the bulb and use the result This problem was composed by the Committee on the Putnam Prize Competition.
© The Mathematical Association of America. All rights reserved.
to approximate the amount of glass needed to make the bulb.
Assume that the thickness of the glass is 0.015 inch.