brightsky's Noob-tastic Question Thread

[brightsky]

I've got a few questions:

(1) How does one derive a general formula for the surface area of an oblique cylinder?
(2) How about an oblique cone?

[brightsky]

Also, I was wondering if anyone can explain this application of the Cavalieri principle:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalieri%27s_principle#Spheres

Many thanks! [Solved - thanks gossamer!]

[brightsky]

Trivial thing, but when asked to express an answer in form, say, a + b ln(c), are we able to write something like 3 - 2 ln(4), or do we have to write 3 + (-2ln(4))?

Similarly, when asked to express answer in form y = (x-x1)(x-x2)(x-x3), are we able to write y = (x - 2)(x-3)^2 or do we have to write y = (x-2)(x-3)(x-3)?

[jane1234]

1. I think 3 - 2ln(4) is fine.

2. I'd write it as y= (x-2)(x-3)(x-3) because thats the form they want, not y = (x-x1)(x-x2)^2