Let R be the region bounded by the following curves. Find the volume of the solid generated when R is revolved about the given axis.
y=1 / 4√1 − x^2,y=0,x=0, and x=12; about the x-axis

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the region R bounded by the curves: \(y = \frac{1}{4} \sqrt{1 - x^2}\), \(y = 0\), \(x = 0\), and \(x = \frac{1}{2}\).
2. Since the region is revolved about the x-axis, use the disk method to find the volume. The volume of the solid is given by the integral \(V = \pi \int_a^b [f(x)]^2 \, dx\), where \(f(x)\) is the radius of the disk at position \(x\).
3. Here, the radius of each disk is the function \(y = \frac{1}{4} \sqrt{1 - x^2}\), so the volume integral becomes \(V = \pi \int_0^{\frac{1}{2}} \left( \frac{1}{4} \sqrt{1 - x^2} \right)^2 \, dx\).
4. Simplify the integrand inside the integral: \(\left( \frac{1}{4} \sqrt{1 - x^2} \right)^2 = \frac{1}{16} (1 - x^2)\), so the integral is \(V = \pi \int_0^{\frac{1}{2}} \frac{1}{16} (1 - x^2) \, dx\).
5. Evaluate the integral \(\int_0^{\frac{1}{2}} (1 - x^2) \, dx\) and multiply the result by \(\frac{\pi}{16}\) to find the volume of the solid.

Key Concepts

Volume of Solids of Revolution

This concept involves finding the volume of a 3D solid formed by rotating a 2D region around an axis. The volume can be computed using methods like the disk/washer or shell method, depending on the axis of rotation and the shape of the region.

Disk Method

The disk method calculates volume by slicing the solid perpendicular to the axis of rotation into thin disks. Each disk's volume is approximated by π(radius)^2 × thickness, where the radius is the distance from the axis to the curve. Integrating these volumes over the interval gives the total volume.

Definite Integration with Function Boundaries

Definite integration is used to sum infinitely many infinitesimal volumes. The limits of integration correspond to the bounds of the region (here, x=0 to x=1/2). The integrand is derived from the function describing the curve, which in this case is y = (1/4)√(1−x²).