Skip to content
← All questions

How is the volume under a curved surface approximated using rectangular prisms in the double integral setup?

The volume is approximated by uniformly partitioning the base region into small rectangular grids and constructing vertical rectangular prisms on each cell. The height of each prism corresponds to the surface value at a sample point, and the sum of these prism volumes forms a rough approximation of the true volume.

Conditions

  • The base region is a closed planar region D.
  • The surface is smooth and upward-bulging.
  • The grid partitions are uniform.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Plot a smooth surface over a rectangular base region D.
  2. Uniformly partition the base region D into tiny rectangular grids.
  3. Extrude upwards from each micro-grid to generate slender rectangular prisms.
  4. Use the corresponding surface height as the altitude of each prism.
  5. Sum the volumes of these prisms to form a rough approximation of the true volume.

Example

The script states: 'To compute the volume of the space between this surface and region D, we uniformly partition the base region D into numerous tiny rectangular grids. Next, upon each micro-grid, we extrude upwards to generate a series of slender rectangular prisms, using the corresponding surface height as their altitude.'

Common misconceptions

  • Believing that the prisms must have a constant height across the entire region.
  • Thinking that the approximation is exact without taking the limit of the partition mesh size.

Watch the explanation

Connected concepts

Explore next

Related questions

Know when to use it

↗
Find a method

↗
Understand why

↗
Find a method

↗
Understand why

↗

Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.