Faculty of Science

Unit 2: Applications of Integration

MATH 1241
Calculus II
Table of Contents
Unit 2: Applications of Integration
Introduction ................................................................................................................. U2-1
Section 6.1: Areas between Curves .......................................................................... U2-2
Section 6.2: Volumes .................................................................................................. U2-7
Section 6.3: Volumes by Cylindrical Shells ........................................................ U2-15
Section 6.4: Work ...................................................................................................... U2-19
Section 6.5: Average Value of a Function............................................................. U2-25
MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-1

Unit 2: Applications of Integration

6.1 Areas between Curves
6.2 Volumes
6.3 Volumes by Cylindrical Shells
6.4 Work
6.5 Average Value of a Function

Introduction
Unit 2 is primarily concerned with selected applications of integration. The
applications of integration that we study in this unit are the areas between curves,
volumes, work, and the average value of a function.

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U2-2 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Section 6.1: Areas between Curves

Objective
When you finish this section, you should be able to:
• Use a definite integral to calculate areas between curves.

Study Plan
1. Read Section 6.1 of SVC. Take the time to do this carefully.
2. Read the Study Hints and Discussion.
3. Do as many odd-numbered problems as you need to do in order to meet the
objectives of this section. The answers to the odd-numbered problems are given
at the back of your textbook and complete solutions are provided in the Student
Solutions Manual.

Study Hints and Discussion

In Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4 of Unit 1, we defined and calculated the area of a region
bounded above by a curve, below by the x-axis, and, if necessary, one or two vertical
lines, x = a and x = b as shown here in Diagram 6.1.1.

Diagram 6.1.1

In this section, we extend our ability to compute areas to include many more
regions, by considering areas between two curves. In the simplest case, we
consider two curves, y = f ( x) and y = g( x) between the vertical lines x = a and
x = b , with f ( x) ≥ g( x) on  a , b  as shown in Diagram 6.1.2.

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 MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-3

Diagram 6.1.2

If we wish to determine the area of the region S , we start by letting A = area of

region S, and B = area of region T.
Now, from our study of area under a curve, we know that
⌠b ⌠b

=


f x dx ( ) A+B
= and g x dx

( ) B.
⌡ a ⌡ a

Since f ( x) ≥ g( x) on  a , b  , the area of the region S is:

⌠ b ⌠ b ⌠ b

 f ( x) dx −  g ( x ) dx =  f ( x ) − g ( x )  dx
  
⌡ a ⌡ a ⌡ a
= ( A + B) − B
= A.
Therefore, the area between the two curves f (x) and g(x), where

f ( x) ≥ g( x) on  a , b  is :

⌠ b


 f ( x ) − g ( x )  dx.

⌡ a

This method also applies to any pair of curves y = f (x) and y = g(x) where
f ( x) ≥ g( x) on [a, b]. There is no restriction that g(x) ≥ 0 or that f (x) ≥ 0 on [a, b] in
order to find the area of the region R between two curves using this method (see
Diagram 6.1.3).

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U2-4 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

g
Diagram 6.1.3

⌠ b
The area of the region R is 

 f ( x ) − g ( x )  dx.

⌡ a

Example 1
Find the area between the curves y= 1 + x 2 and y = x on the interval [1, 3].

Solution:

Diagram 6.1.4

We first determine that 1 + x 2 > x on [1, 3] (see Diagram 6.1.4) so that if A is the area
of the region R , then

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MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-5

⌠3
A=  (1 + x 2 ) − x  dx

  
⌡1
3
x3 x 2 
=x + − 
3 2 1
 9  1 1
= 3 + 9 −  − 1 + − 
 2  3 2
20
= .
3
Example 2
Find the area between the two curves y= x − 1 and y= 1 − x 2 on [0, 2].
Solution:
First, we make a sketch of the two curves (see Diagram 6.1.5).

Diagram 6.1.5

The diagram shows that 1 − 𝑥𝑥 2 ≥ 𝑥𝑥 − 1 on [0, 1] but 𝑥𝑥 − 1 ≥ 1 − 𝑥𝑥 2 on [1, 2].

The total area between the two curves is

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U2-6 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

⌠1 ⌠ 2


 ( )   
(  )
 1 − x 2 − ( x − 1)  dx +  ( x − 1) − 1 − x 2  dx
⌡0 ⌡1

⌠1 ⌠ 2
=   2 − x − x 2  dx +   x 2 + x − 2  dx

     
⌡0 ⌡1

1 2
 x2 x3   x3 x2 
= 2x − −  +  + − 2x
 2 3 0  3 2 1

 1 1   8 4  1 1 
=  2 − −  +  + − 4  −  + − 2  
 2 3   3 2  3 2 
= 3.

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MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-7

Section 6.2: Volumes

Objective
When you finish this section, you should be able to:
• Calculate volumes of solids using the method of cross-sections and by the
method of disks and washers.

Study Plan
1. Read Section 6.2 of SVC. Take the time to do this carefully.
2. Read the Study Hints and Discussion.
3. Do as many odd-numbered problems as you need to do in order to meet the
objectives of this section. The answers to the odd-numbered problems are given
at the back of your textbook and complete solutions are provided in the Student
Solutions Manual.

Study Hints and Discussion

In this section, we learn how to find the volume of a solid. On pp. 439–446 in 8th
edition or pp. 447–448 in 9th edition, there are a number of examples of solids and
explanations of how we can derive a formula to find the volumes of these solids. In
particular, if we start with a region R as shown in Diagram 6.2.1.a and revolve the
region about the x-axis, we get a solid of revolution (see Diagram 6.2.1.b).

Diagram 6.2.1.a

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U2-8 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Diagram 6.2.1.b

The basic formula for the volume of a solid of revolution (see Definition of Volume
on p. 439) is
b
V = ∫ A( x)dx
a

where A( x) is the cross-sectional area of the solid. In Diagram 6.2.1.b, we see that
the cross-section area is

A (=
x ) π=
y 2 π  f ( x )  .
2

So, for the solid of revolution, the formula for the volume is
⌠b
 f ( x )  dx.
2
V= 
 π

⌡ a

This is called the disk method because of the disk generated by revolving the
rectangle about the axis of revolution.

Example 1

y x 3=
Find the volume generated by revolving the region bounded by= , x 0,=
x 2
about the x-axis (see Diagram 6.2.2).

Solution:

The region R in Diagram 6.2.2 is revolved about the x-axis to form a solid of
revolution as shown in Diagram 6.2.3.

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MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-9

Diagram 6.2.2 Diagram 6.2.3

⌠ 2
( )
2
V =  π x 3 dx

⌡ 0
2
⌠ 2
π x7 
= 
= π x6 dx 

⌡ 0 7 0
π
=  27 − 07 
7 
128π
= .
7
In the next example, we rotate a region R about the y-axis and find the volume of
the resulting solid.

Example 2
Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region R bounded by
𝑦𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥𝑥 2 , 𝑥𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦𝑦 = 0 about the y-axis (see Diagram 6.2.4).

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 U2-10 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Solution:
The region R in Diagram 6.2.4 is revolved about the y-axis to produce the solid
shown in Diagram 6.2.5.

Diagram 6.2.4

Diagram 6.2.5

The cross-sections are disks, which are perpendicular to the y-axis. The cross-
y) π =
sectional area is A(= x 2 π (1 − y ). Therefore, the volume of the solid is given by
1
V = ∫ π x 2 dy
0

∫ π (1 − y ) dy
1
=
0
1
 y2 
= π y − 
 2 0
 1 
= π  1 −  − 0 
 2 
π
= .
2

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MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-11

We can also take a region R that is defined as the area between two curves, rotate it
about the x-axis (or y-axis), and calculate the volume of the solid generated. Read
Examples 4, 5, and 6 on pp. 442–444 in 8th edition or pp. 451–453 in 9th edition. We
give another example below.

Example 3

Find the volume generated by revolving the region bounded by the curves
1 1
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 3
2 2

a. about the x-axis.

b. about the y-axis.

Solution:

First, we make a sketch of the region R bounded by the curves

1 1
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 3 (see Diagram 6.2.6.a).
2 2

1
2

Diagram 6.2.6.a

The solids generated by revolving the region R about the x-axis and y-axis are shown
in Diagrams 6.2.7 and 6.2.8, respectively.

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 U2-12 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Diagram 6.2.7

a. The volume of the solid generated by revolving the region R about the x-axis
is given by
1 2 1 2
⌠
1  ⌠
1 
=V π   x  dx − π   x3  dx
 2   2 
⌡ 0 ⌡ 0
⌠1
1 2 1 6 
= π   4 x − 4 x  dx

⌡ 0
1
π 1 3 1 7
= x − x
4  3 7  0
π 1 1 
= −
4  3 7 
π 4 π
= =   .
4  21  21

1
2 1
y= x
2 1 3
y= x
2

Diagram 6.2.6.b

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MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-13

1
2

Diagram 6.2.8

b. Since the washers are perpendicular to the y-axis, first we need to

1 1 3
=solve y = x and y x for x.
2 2
1 1 3
=y = x y x
2 2
1

( 2y )
3
3
=2 y x=2y x =
so x .

The volume of the solid generated by revolving the region R about the y-axis
is given by
⌠ 12 ⌠ 1

  2
2 
2
 32 32 2
V= π
  ( 2 y ) 3 − (2y)
 dy = π 

 2 y − 4 y  dy
⌡ 0 ⌡ 0  
1
 23  3 53  4 3  2   2 5
3 
3  1  3 41
= π  2  y  − y=  π  2    −   − 0
 3

  5  3  0 5   2  3  2  
 
 3 3 − 3 4  1  3 1  3 1  2π
2 5

= π  2 −   = π  ( 2−1 ) − = π  − = .
5 3  8  5 6 10 6  15
In the next example, we calculate the volume of a solid that is not a solid of
revolution. We find the volume using the basic formula for volume, which is derived
using the area of the cross-sections.

Example 4
Consider the solid in Diagram 6.2.9 where y = x 2 and the cross-sections
perpendicular to the y-axis are squares. What is the volume of the solid?

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U2-14 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Diagram 6.2.9

Solution:
The volume of the solid is given by the integral
⌠1
V =  A ( y ) dy.

⌡ 0

To find A( y ) , we see from Diagram 6.2.9 that the length of the side of each square is
2x, so its area is ( 2 x=
) 4=
2
x 2 4 y , so
1
V = ∫ 4 ydy
0
1
4 
=  y2 
 2 0
= 2 ( 1 − 0 ) = 2.

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 MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-15

Section 6.3: Volumes by Cylindrical Shells

Objective
When you finish this section, you should be able to:
• Calculate volumes, using the method of cylindrical shells.

Study Plan
1. Read Section 6.3 of SVC. Take the time to do this carefully.
2. Read the Study Hints and Discussion.
3. Do as many odd-numbered problems as you need to do in order to meet the
objectives of this section. The answers to the odd-numbered problems are given
at the back of your textbook and complete solutions are provided in the Student
Solutions Manual.

Study Hints and Discussion

A second method for calculating volumes is the method of cylindrical shells. This
method can often be used when the methods of the previous section are very
difficult, or impossible, to use. On pp. 449–451 in 8th editiona and pp. 460–461 in 9th
edition, the formula for the method of cylindrical shells is developed (see Box 2 on p.
451 in 8th edtion and p. 461 in 9th edition).
⌠ b
=V 
 2π x f ( x ) dx (0 ≤ a < b) .

⌡ a

We present here three examples of computing the volume, using the method of
cylindrical shells.

Example 1
Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the
curves 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 3 − 𝑥𝑥 4 and 𝑦𝑦 = 0 about the y-axis (see Diagram 6.3.1).

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U2-16 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Diagram 6.3.1

Solution:
⌠ 2
V = 2π  xy dx

⌡0
⌠ 2
= 2π  x  2 x 3 − x 4  dx

⌡ 0
⌠ 2
= 2π   2 x 4 − x 5  dx
  
⌡ 0
2
2 x6 
= 2π  x 5 − 
5 6 0
2 26 
= 2π  ( 2 ) −  − 2π ( 0 )
5

5 6
64π
=
15

Example 2
Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the
1
curves 𝑦𝑦 = 2 , 𝑥𝑥 = 1, 𝑥𝑥 = 3 , and 𝑦𝑦 = 0 about the y-axis (see Diagram 6.3.2).
𝑥𝑥

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 MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-17

Diagram 6.3.2

Solution:
⌠ 3
V = 2π  xy dx

⌡1
⌠ 3
 1 
= 2π  x   dx

⌡1  x2 
⌠ 3
1
= 2π  dx

⌡1 x
3

= 2π ln x 
1

= 2π ln 3 − ln 1=
 2π ln 3 ≈ 6.90

Example 3

Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the
curves 𝑦𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥𝑥 2 , 𝑦𝑦 = 0 , and 𝑥𝑥 = 0 about the line 𝑦𝑦 = −1 (see Diagram 6.3.3).

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 U2-18 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Diagram 6.3.3

Solution:
In this example, the sides of the shells are parallel to the x-axis. Also, the radius of
the shells is 1 + y and the height of the shells is =
x 2 − y . Therefore,
⌠ 2 ⌠ 2
V= 2π 

(1 + y ) x dy= 2π 

(1 + y ) 2 − ydy .
⌡ 0 ⌡ 0

Let u =
2−y u=
0 when y =
2
du =
−dy u=
2 when y =
0

Then y= 2 − u and we get

1
0
−2π ∫ ( 3 − u ) u
V= 2
( du )
2

2
1 3

=+2π ∫  3u 2 − u 2  du
0
 
2
 3 2 5 
= 2π  2u 2 − u 2 
 5 0
 
 8  24 2π
= 2π  4 2 − 2 = .
 5  5

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MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-19

Section 6.4: Work

Objective
When you finish this section, you should be able to:
• Find the amount of work done in moving an object that is subject to a variable
force as it moves.

Study Plan
1. Read Section 6.4 of SVC. Take the time to do this carefully.
2. Read the Study Hints and Discussion.
3. Do as many odd-numbered problems as you need to do in order to meet the
objectives of this section. The answers to the odd-numbered problems are given
at the back of your textbook and complete solutions are provided in the Student
Solutions Manual.

Study Hints and Discussion

In the simple case where a constant force F is applied to move an object a distance d,
the work (W) done in moving the object is given by
W = Fd (work=force × distance).
Using the International System of Units (SI) metric system, the force F (in newtons
[N]) is equal to mass (in kg) × g (m/sec2) where g is the acceleration of gravity (g =
9.8 m/sec2). Therefore, the work done in joules (J) is given by
W = Fd
= mgd
= 9.8 md joules ( J ).

In the United States system, the chosen fundamental unit of force is the pound.
Therefore, if F is a constant force, measured in pounds, and d (in feet) is the distance
travelled, then the work W (in foot-pounds or ft-lb) is given by
W = Fd ft-lb.

Example 1
a. How much work is done in lowering a 2.5 kg weight a distance of 1.3 metres?
b. How much work is done in lifting a 12 lb weight a distance of 20 feet?

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U2-20 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Solution:
a. The units are in the SI metric system, so we have m = 2.5 kg and d = 1.3 m.
W = Fd
= mgd
= (2.5)(9.8)(1.3)
= 31.85 J.
b. The units are in the U.S. system, so we have
W = Fd = (12)(20) = 240 ft-lb.

What happens in the case where the force F is a variable? We can calculate the work
W done in moving an object from position x = a to position x = b along the x-axis
subject to a variable force, or force function, f(x), by evaluating the integral (see p.
456 in 8th edition or p. 468 in 9th edition of SVC),
⌠b
W =  f ( x ) dx.

⌡ a

Example 2
A particle moves along the x-axis by a force f ( x ) = x 2 + x + 1 pounds when the
particle is a distance of x feet from the origin. What is the work done in moving the
particle from the origin to a distance of 4 feet?

Solution:
In this case, we have a = 0, b = 4, and f ( x ) = x 2 + x + 1. Therefore,

∫ (x + x + 1) dx
4
2
W
=
0

x3 x 2 4

= + +x
3 2 0

4 4
3 2
 100
=  + + 4  − 0= ft-lb.
 3 2  3

Example 3
A particle, which is a distance of x metres from the origin, is subject to a variable
πx
force of f ( x=
) 80 + 20 sin newtons. Find the amount of work done in moving
2
=
the particle from x 0= to x 2.

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MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-21

Solution:
πx
We are using SI metric units in this example, so f ( x=
) 80 + 20 sin N.
2
Therefore,
2  πx
W
= ∫ 0 80 + 20 sin 2  dx
 
2
2 πx
= 80 x − 20   cos 
π  2 0
 40   40 
= 80 ( 2 ) − cos π  − 80 ( 0 ) − cos 0 
 π   π 
40  40 
= 160 − ( −1) − 0 − ( 1) 
π  π 
80
= 160 + = 185.46 J.
π
Another example of a variable force occurs in Hooke’s Law, which states that the
force required to hold a spring stretched a distance x units from its natural length is
a positive constant times x , that is f ( x ) = kx for some constant k > 0 (see Example 3
on p. 457 in 8th edition or pp. 468-469 in 9th edition).

Example 4
A spring with a natural length of 0.5 m requires a force of 50 N to hold it stretched to
a total length of 1.5 m. How much work is required to stretch this spring from its
natural length to a length of 2 m?

Diagram 6.4.1

Solution:
According to Hooke’s Law, f ( x) = kx . In this case, we have the spring stretched to a
length of 1.5 m, which is a distance of 1 m beyond its natural length (see Diagram
(1) k=
6.4.1). Therefore, f= (1) 50, so= k 50 and f ( x ) = 50 x. To stretch a spring to a
length of 2 m requires that it be stretched a distance of 1.5m beyond its natural
length (see Diagram 6.4.1). The work done is given by

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 U2-22 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

1.5
W = ∫ 50 xdx
0

= 25 x 21.5
0

= 25 (1.5)2 − 0 2 
= 56.25 J.
A further example is the work required to empty a tank by pumping all the liquid
out through the top of the tank. In Example 5 on pp. 457–458 in 8th edition or p. 470
in 9th edition, we learn that the total work done is calculated by measuring the
distance that each “slice of liquid” is lifted to remove it through the top. We give
another example here on the amount of work done to empty a tank.

Example 5
A cylindrical tank on its side 4.5 m long and with a diameter of 2 m is buried a depth of
1 m below the ground (see Diagram 6.4.2). If the tank is half full of oil with a density of
800 kg/m3, find the work done in pumping all of the oil in the tank to the surface.

Solution:
First we need to find the volume of each layer of oil and then calculate the force
required to overcome the force of gravity and raise each oil layer to the surface. We
will follow the method used in Example 5 on pp. 457–458 in 8th edition or p. 470 in
9th edition by introducing a vertical coordinate in the downward direction. At a
depth of x metres, the width of the oil layer is 2 1 − x 2 (see Diagram 6.4.2) and the
mass of the layer of oil is
mass = density × volume

= ( 800 )( 4.5 ) 2 1 − x 2 ∆x
= 7200 1 − x 2 ∆x kg.

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 MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-23

Diagram 6.4.2

The force required to raise this layer, which must overcome the force of gravity, is
F = mg
= ( 9.8 ) 7200 1 − x 2 ∆x
= 70 560 1 − x 2 ∆x N.

The (approximate) distance travelled by each layer of oil (see Diagram 6.4.2) is (2 + x)
m, so the work done in raising each layer of oil from the tank is

W 70 560 1 − x 2 ( 2 + x ) ∆x
=

The total work, W, done in pumping the oil from the tank is

70 560 ( 2 + x ) 1 − x 2 dx
1
W
= ∫ 0

= 70 560  ∫ 2 1 − x 2 dx + ∫ x 1 − x 2 dx  .
1 1

 0 0 
1
Now ∫ 0
1 − x 2 dx is the area of the quarter-circle of radius 1 (see Diagram 6.4.3), and
so its value is π/4. Therefore,

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U2-24 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

1 1
π ( 1=
)
2
 π
∫0
1 − x 2=
dx
4  4
 π  1 2 3
1

=
  4  23
(
W 70 560  2   −   1 − x 2 ) 2 

 0

π 1 
= 70 560  − ( 0 − 1) 
2 3 
π 1 
= 70 560  =+  70 560 1.904
=  134 346.24 J.
 2 3

Diagram 6.4.3

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 MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-25

Section 6.5: Average Value of a Function

Objectives
When you finish this section, you should be able to:
• Calculate the average value of a function on a given interval.
• Use the Mean Value Theorem for integrals to solve average value problems.

Study Plan
1. Read Section 6.5 of SVC. Take the time to do this carefully.
2. Read the Study Hints and Discussion.
3. Do as many odd-numbered problems as you need to do in order to meet the objectives
of this section. The answers to the odd-numbered problems are given at the back of
your textbook and complete solutions are provided in the Student Solutions Manual.

Study Hints and Discussion

In this section, we extend the notion of an average of n numbers to the average value
of a function f defined on an interval [a, b]. We denote the average value of f by fave .
On p. 461 in 8th edition or p. 473 in 9th edtion of SVC, the details for the derivation of
the formula for fave are given.
b
1 ⌠
fave = f ( x ) dx
b − a ⌡ a

Example 1
Find the average value of the function f ( x)= 2 − x 3 on the interval [–2, 1].
Solution:
Setting a = –2 and b = 1, we have

1 1
=fave ∫  2 − x 3 dx
1 − ( −2) −2  
1
1 x4 
=  2 x − 
3 4  −2
1  1  16  
=  2 −  −  −4 −  
3  4  4 
13
= .
4

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U2-26 Unit 2: Applications of Integration

Example 2
Given the function f ( x)= x + x 2 on the interval [1, 3], find the value c in [1, 3] as
given by the Mean Value Theorem for integrals.

Solution:

∫ (x + x =
) dx
3
We require c such that 2
f ( c ) [3=
− 1] 2 f ( c ) .
1

On the left-hand side, we have

3
x 2 x3 
( x + x ) dx =+
3
∫
2
1 2 3 1
 32 33   1 1  
=  +  −  +  
 2 3   2 3  
9  1 1
=  + 9 − −
2  2 3
8 1
= +9−
2 3
1 38
= 13 − = .
3 3
On the right-hand side, we have

c ) 2 ( c + c2 ) .
2 f (=

Equating the two sides, we get

38
2c 2
2c += so 6c 2 + 6c −=
38 0 or 3c 2 + 3c −
= 19 0.
3

−3 ± 9 − 4(3)( −19)
c=
6
−3 ± 237
=
6
1 237
= − ±
2 6
−3 ± 9 − 4(3)( −19) −3 ± 237 237 .
Hence c= = =− 1 ±
6 6 2 6

1 237
Since − − is not in the interval [1, 3], we have
2 6

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MATH 1241: Calculus II U2-27

1 237
c=− + =2.07.
2 6

A Note on Assignment 2
You should now complete Assignment 2. Submit the assignment to your
Open Learning Faculty Member. Keep a copy of your assignment—it will be
useful if you wish to discuss your work with them.

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