Unit Preview
This lesson marks the start of the final unit in the course, Unit 6: Applications of Integration. The driving question of this unit is: How can we calculate the volume enclosed by a surface? We know the answer in some cases (e.g., the volume enclosed by a box, or a cylinder) but don’t have a way to calculate that volume for a general surface. Developing methods for doing this in various contexts will occupy the bulk of this unit. Along the way, we’ll also explore how to calculate the length of an arc, the surface area of a surface, and applications of integration to real-world problems of interest.
Lesson Preview
In this lesson we’ll lay the groundwork for investigating volumes. We’ll start that volumes investigation in the next lesson by learning how to calculate the volumes of solids whose bases are two-dimensional closed regions (e.g., a circle, a triangle, a blob). That means we need to learn how to calculate the area of such regions. That’s what we’ll learn how to do in this lesson. In Module 1 we’ll learn how to do this when the curves are functions of x (which yields a region bounded by two vertical lines). Then, in Module 2 we’ll learn how to do this when the curves are functions of y (which yields a region bounded by two horizontal lines).
The lesson notes below contain a learning plan with three stages -- Learn, Reflect, and Practice -- and guidance for what to do within each stage. Some tips for you as you work through this resource, and those that it points to:
I recommend using Cornell Notes (or a modification of it; see this video starting at the 1:05 mark) to take notes on the lesson and the videos. This note-taking method balances detail with big-picture thinking to help you summarize and retain what you are learning. See this other video for additional note-taking techniques you might want to experiment with.
If you are currently enrolled in this course with me, submit the written reflections Google Form I have emailed you after working through the lesson notes and videos. Some tips:
Submit substantive, but concise, answers to each question; you will be doing the future you a big favor by taking time now to accurately and succinctly summarize what you have learned from the lesson.
Send yourself a copy of your reflections; they will come in handy later when you start preparing for quizzes and other assessments.
If you are not currently enrolled in this course with me, those written reflections ask three reflective questions designed to help you retain what you've learned and pinpoint any remaining areas of confusion. Those questions are:
Please summarize the main mathematical takeaways from the lesson notes.
What was the most interesting part of what you learned, and why?
What, if anything, do you still find confusing?
Work through the practice problems suggested below to see how much of this lesson you've understood.