Skip to content
← All questions

Why is the cross-section method parallel to the yz-plane used for integrating with respect to y first?

Integrating with respect to y first corresponds to summing values along the y-direction for a fixed x. Geometrically, this is equivalent to calculating the area of a slice cut parallel to the yz-plane at that fixed x. The inner integral computes this 2D area (cross-section), and the outer integral sums these areas along the x-axis to build the total volume or integral value. This alignment ensures that the variable held constant in the inner step (x) matches the axis of the outer accumulation.

Conditions

  • The integration order is dy dx (y inner, x outer).
  • The slices are taken perpendicular to the x-axis (parallel to the yz-plane).

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Recognize that the inner integral is with respect to y, meaning x is treated as a constant parameter.
  2. Visualize fixing x at a specific value x₀.
  3. Observe that varying y at fixed x₀ traces a line segment in the y-direction, forming a vertical plane slice parallel to the yz-plane.
  4. Calculate the area of this slice using the inner integral.
  5. Sum these slice areas by integrating with respect to x.

Example

The script states: 'Next, apply slicing parallel to the yz-plane. At any chosen point x=xx=x₀ between [a,b], draw a perpendicular cut through the object... Thus, area A(x₀) equals definite integral over y... The outer integral adds the cross-sections from x=ax=a to x=bx=b.'

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that slicing parallel to the xz-plane is used for dy dx integration.
  • Confusing the axis of the slice normal with the variable of integration.
  • Assuming the slice area is independent of x, whereas A(x)A(x) varies.

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.