Paper Cup Calculations

I.

Setting up Graph
1. On the sheet of graph paper provided, set up your coordinate axis. You will want them far to
the left side.
2. This graph paper is set up so every four squares = 1 cm. Mark off tick marks along each axis
using this as a basis.
II.
Paper cup
a. Obtain a disposable paper cup. Fill it with water and use a liquid measuring cup to
record the number of ounces the cup holds. Record this.
b. Cut the paper cup in half length wise; it should look like this:

III.

c. Orient the graph so that the x axis is going through the center lengthwise. Try to orient it
so that the beginning and end points can be marked at convenient points on the graph.
Label the coordinates of the end points.
d. Flatten each half of the paper cup and use simple geometry to find the area of each
piece then total the two together to get total surface area.
Calculations
a. Using the coordinates (x1, y1) and (x2,y2) Draw in the line between them. Calculate the
equation from y-y1=m(x-x1) and get into y=mx+b form.
b. Use the equation of the curve to find the volume of the solid of revolution, the arc
length and the surface area of revolution. Remember to use your points to set the
limits.
c. Using the conversion 1 cm3=0.0338140227 ounces convert the volume of the solid of
revolution into ounces.
d. Compute the error in the difference between the measured ounces and the calculated
ounces. Write an explanation to account for any differences.
e. Find the error between the calculated surface area and actual surface area. Write an
explanation to account for any differences.