Disk Method: This method is useful when the axis of rotation is part of the boundary of the plane area.

1. Make a sketch showing the area involved, a representative strip perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and the approximating rectangle. 2. Write the volume of the disc (or cylinder) generated when the approximating rectangle is revolved about the axis of rotation, and sum for the n rectangles. 3. Assume the number of rectangles to be indefinitely increased, and apply the fundamental theorem. Washer Method: This method is useful when the axis of rotation is not a part of the boundary of the plane area. 1. Same a step 1 of the disc method. 2. Extend the sides of the approximating rectangle ABCD to meet the axis of rotation in E and F. When the approximating rectangle is revolved about the axis of rotation, a washer is formed whose volume is the difference between the volumes generated by revolving the rectangles EABF and ECDF about the axis. Write the difference of the two volumes, and proceed as in step 2 of the disc method. 3. Assume the number of rectangles to be indefinitely increased, and apply the fundamental theorem. Shell Method: 1. Make a sketch showing the area involved, a representative strip parallel to the axis of rotation, and the approximating rectangle. 2. Write the volume (v = mean circumference x height x thickness) of the cylindrical shell generated when the approximating rectangle is revolved about the axis of rotation, and sum for the n rectangles. 3. Assume the number of rectangles to be indefinitely increased, and apply the fundamental theorem.