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How does the radius of the horizontal cross-section disk depend on the height zz in the solid bounded by z=x2+y2z=x^2+y^2?

The radius rr of the cross-section disk is proportional to the square root of the height zz. Specifically, r=zr = \sqrt{z}. This is derived from the equation of the paraboloid z=x2+y2z = x^2+y^2, which becomes z=r2z = r^2 in polar coordinates.

Conditions

  • The solid is bounded below by the paraboloid z=x2+y2z=x^2+y^2.
  • The cross-section is taken at a fixed height zz.
  • The coordinate system is cylindrical/polar for the cross-section.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Start with the equation of the bounding surface: z=x2+y2z = x^2+y^2.
  2. Convert the Cartesian coordinates xx and yy to polar radius rr: x2+y2=r2x^2+y^2 = r^2.
  3. Substitute this into the surface equation: z=r2z = r^2.
  4. Solve for rr in terms of zz: r=zr = \sqrt{z} (taking the positive root since radius is non-negative).
  5. Observe that as zz increases from 0 to 4, rr increases from 0 to 2.

Example

The script states: 'revealing that each cross-section is a disk whose radius depends on the current height zz.' and 'the radius rr goes from 00 to z\sqrt{z}.'

Common misconceptions

  • Believing the radius is equal to zz (r=zr=z).
  • Thinking the radius is constant.
  • Confusing the diameter with the radius.

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