AP CALCULUS AB

CHAPTER 6 NOTES
SECTION (6.1):
AREA BETWEEN CURVES

Area of a Region Between Two Curves

If f and g are continuous on [a, b] and g(x) f(x) for all x in [a, b], then the area of the region bounded by
the graphs of f and g and the vertical lines x = a and x = b is
Area =

( ) ( )

When your function is in terms of x:

( ) ( ) = Top Bottom

When your function is in terms of y:

( ) ( ) = Right Left

right
left

Problem-Solving Process

(1) Graph the functions you are given. Shade the area between them.

(2) Calculate the intercepts of the two graphs by setting the functions equal to each other. (Do this if you are
not given the intercepts, or if the intercepts are unclear visually.)
(3) Determine whether you are using Top Bottom or Right Left.

(4) Use the information from (1) (3) to set up the area formula and evaluate the integral.

Page 1

AP CALCULUS AB

CHAPTER 6 NOTES

SECTION (6.2):
VOLUME: THE DISK METHOD & THE WASHER METHOD

Introduction

Finding the volume of a three-dimensional solid can be done using definite integrals.

Finding the volumes of solids of revolution is used commonly in engineering and manufacturing.

Solid of Revolution: Solid formed when revolved around a line.

Disk: Simplest solid formed by revolving a rectangle around a line.

Axis of Revolution: Line youre revolving around.

The Disk Method

Horizontal Axis of Revolution:

Vertical Axis of Revolution:

( )

( ) = Top Bottom

( )

( ) = Right Left

(1) Graph the functions you are given. Shade the area between them.

(2) Calculate the intercepts of the two graphs by setting the functions equal to each other. (Do this if you are
not given the intercepts, or if the intercepts are unclear visually.)
(3) Determine the axis of revolution. Do this by placing a rectangle perpendicular to the axis or revolution.
(4) Set up R(x) or R(y).

(5) Use the information from (1) (4) to set up the area formula and evaluate the integral.

Page 2

The Washer Method

The Washer Method almost the same as the Disk Method.

The only things that change are the formulas. Note that r is the
radius of the hole.

Horizontal:

Vertical:

( )

( )

( )

( ( ))

Solids with Known Cross Sections

If you know the cross section of a solid, you can use an easier formula to find volume.

Volumes for Solids with Known Cross Sections:

Common cross sections are squares, rectangles, triangles, semicircles, and trapezoids.
Area A(x) Taken Perpendicular to the x-Axis:

( )

IN OTHER WORDS:

EXAMPLE:

Area A(y) Taken Perpendicular to the y-Axis:

( )

Volume is the integral of the area of the cross section.

Find the volume of the solid whose base is bounded by the circle x 2 + y 2 = 4 and whose cross
section perpendicular to the x-axis are squares.
1. Graph the Function. Label its parts.

= 4
2. Write the Area Formula. Identify any variables.
Area of a Square = s 2 ; We need to know s.

3. Find a Function for the Unknown Variable(s).

Side = Top Bottom = 4

4. Set Up and Evaluate the Volume Integral.

=

( )

2 4

128
3

Page 3

= 24