#4 CEEMEC30 – ENGINEERING

MECHANICS

FLEX Course Material

Recite the concept of
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

centroid of a body.
Locate the centroid of
common geometric shapes.
Locate the centroid of
composite figures.

CENTROID

Marvin M. Bartido, RCE

2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

 Table of Contents

Center of Gravity
Centroid
Importance of Centroids and Moment of Inertia
Centroid Determined by Integration
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Centroids of Common Geometric Figures

Centroids of Composite Figures
Theorems of Pappus

2
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

CENTER OF GRAVITY

Center of gravity is the point through which the action line of the
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

weight always passes.

CENTROID
The centroid of area is defined as the point corresponding to the
center of gravity of a plate of infinitesimal thickness. The term
“centroid” rather than “center of gravity” is used when referring to
areas because such figures do not have weight.
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Importance of Centroids and Moment of

Inertia
In subsequent work on strength of materials, the student will find the
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

location of the centroid of an area of great importance. For example,

he will learn that in order to produce uniform stress distribution, the
loads must be placed so that the line of action of their resultant
coincides with the centroid of the cross section of the member. The
position of the centroid of an area is also important for determining
the location of the neutral axis in the bending of beams, for in strength
of materials it is shown that the neutral axis (line of zero stress) passes
through the centroid of the cross section of the beam.
An axis passing through the centroid of an area is known as the
centroidal axis. The next chapter, which deals with moments of inertia,
will make clear the great importance of the position of centroidal axes
of areas. Many other instances of their importance will come to the
student’s attention in his engineering studies.
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

CENTROID DETERMINED BY INTEGRATION

We recall that integration is the process of summing up infinitesimal

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

quantities. If the area of an element had been expressed as the

differential dA, the equations for determining the centroid of an area
would become:
𝑏
𝐴 𝑥ҧ = න 𝑥 𝑑𝐴
𝑎
𝑏
𝐴 𝑦ത = න 𝑦 𝑑𝐴
𝑎

𝑏 𝑏
𝐴𝑥ҧ = ‫𝐴𝑑 𝑥 𝑎׬‬ 𝐴𝑦ത = ‫𝐴𝑑 𝑦 𝑎׬‬
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏𝑦
‫𝑥 𝐴𝑑 𝑎׬‬ҧ = ‫𝐴𝑑 𝑥 𝑎׬‬ ‫𝑦 𝐴𝑑 𝑎׬‬ത = ‫𝑎׬‬ 2
𝑑𝐴
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏𝑦
‫𝑥 𝑥𝑑 𝑦 𝑎׬‬ҧ = ‫𝑥𝑑𝑦 𝑥 𝑎׬‬ ‫𝑦 𝑥𝑑 𝑦 𝑎׬‬ത = ‫ 𝑎׬‬2 𝑦𝑑𝑥
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑦2
‫𝑥 𝑥𝑑 )𝑥(𝑓 𝑎׬‬ҧ = ‫𝑥𝑑)𝑥(𝑓 𝑥 𝑎׬‬ ‫𝑦 𝑥𝑑 𝑦 𝑎׬‬ത = ‫ 𝑎׬‬2 𝑑𝑥
𝑏 𝑏 𝑓(𝑥) 2
‫𝑦 𝑥𝑑 )𝑥(𝑓 𝑎׬‬ത = ‫ 𝑎׬‬2 𝑑𝑥
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. Determine the coordinates of the centroid of a triangle with base b

and height h.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
coordinates of the
centroid

Solution:
Find y=f(x)
By point-slope form
𝑦2 −𝑦1 𝑦−𝑦1
=
𝑥2 −𝑥1 𝑥−𝑥1
ℎ−0 𝑦−0
= 𝑏
𝑏−0 𝑥−0
ℎ 𝐴𝑥ҧ = ‫𝐴𝑑 𝑥 𝑎׬‬
𝑦= 𝑥 𝑏 𝑏
𝑏
‫𝑥 𝐴𝑑 𝑎׬‬ҧ = ‫𝐴𝑑 𝑥 𝑎׬‬
𝑏 𝑏
or by similar triangle ‫𝑥 𝑥𝑑 𝑦 𝑎׬‬ҧ = ‫𝑥𝑑𝑦 𝑥 𝑎׬‬
𝑏ℎ 𝑏ℎ
ℎ
=
𝑦 ‫𝑎׬‬ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥ҧ = ‫𝑥 𝑎׬‬ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑏 𝑏
𝑏 𝑥 𝑏 ℎ 𝑏ℎ
𝑦=
ℎ
𝑥 ‫𝑥𝑑 𝑥 𝑏 𝑎׬‬ 𝑥ҧ = ‫ 𝑥 𝑏 𝑎׬‬2 𝑑𝑥
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏
ℎ 𝑥2 ℎ 𝑥3
∙ቃ ∙ 𝑥ҧ = ∙ ቃ
𝑏 2 𝑏 3
0 0
ℎ 𝑏2 ℎ 𝑏3
∙ ∙ 𝑥ҧ = ∙
𝑏 2 𝑏 3
ℎ𝑏 ℎ𝑏2 2
∙ 𝑥ҧ =
2 3 ℎ𝑏
2
𝑥ҧ = 𝑏
3
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝑏
𝐴𝑦ത = ‫𝐴𝑑 𝑦 𝑎׬‬
ℎ𝑏 𝑏𝑦
𝑦ത = ‫𝑎׬‬ 𝑑𝐴
2 2
ℎ𝑏 𝑏𝑦
𝑦ത = ‫ 𝑎׬‬2 𝑦𝑑𝑥
2
ℎ𝑏 𝑏 𝑦2
𝑦ത = ‫ 𝑎׬‬2 𝑑𝑥
2
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

ℎ𝑏 𝑏1 ℎ 2
𝑦ത = ‫ 𝑎׬‬2 𝑏 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2
ℎ𝑏 𝑏 1 ℎ2 2
𝑦ത = ‫ 𝑎׬‬2 𝑏2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2
ℎ𝑏 1 ℎ2 𝑥 3
𝑏
𝑦ത = ∙ ∙ ቃ
2 2 𝑏2 3
0
ℎ𝑏 1 ℎ2 𝑏3
𝑦ത = ∙ 2 ∙
2 2 𝑏 3
ℎ𝑏 𝑏ℎ2 2
𝑦ത =
2 6 ℎ𝑏
1
𝑦ത = ℎ
3

7
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. Locate the centroid with respect to the origin of the area bounded
𝑥2
by the curves 𝑦 = 1 − and the x-axis.
4

Find: 𝑏
𝐴𝑦ത = ‫𝐴𝑑 𝑦 𝑎׬‬
centroid 2 2 𝑦
‫׬‬−2 𝑑𝐴 𝑦ത = ‫׬‬−2 2
𝑑𝐴
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

2 2 𝑦
Solution: 2 ‫׬‬0 𝑦𝑑𝑥 𝑦ത = 2 ‫׬‬0 𝑦𝑑𝑥
2
𝑥2 2 2 𝑦2
Graph the curve 𝑦 = 1 − 2 ‫׬‬0 𝑦𝑑𝑥 𝑦ത = 2 ‫׬‬0 𝑑𝑥
4 2
2 𝑥2
x -2 -1 0 1 2 2 ‫׬‬0 1 − 𝑑𝑥 𝑦ത =
4
2
2 1 𝑥2
y 0 ¾ 1 ¾ 0 2 ‫׬‬0 1− 𝑑𝑥
2 4
2 𝑥2
2 ‫׬‬0 1 − 𝑑𝑥 𝑦ത =
4
2 𝑥2 𝑥4
‫׬‬0 1 − + 𝑑𝑥
2 16
1 𝑥3
2 1 𝑥3
2 𝑥− ∙ 𝑦ത = ቂ𝑥 − ∙ +
4 3 2 3
0
1 𝑥5
2
∙ ቃ
16 5
0
1 23 1 23
2 2− ∙ 𝑦ത = ቂ2 − ∙ +
4 3 2 3
1 25
∙ ቃ
16 5
8 16
𝑦ത =
3 5
2
𝑦ത =
𝑥ҧ = 0 5
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

CENTROIDS OF COMMON GEOMETRIC FIGURES

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

𝑏 ℎ 𝑏ℎ
2 2

1 1 1
𝑏 ℎ 𝑏ℎ
3 3 2

0 0 𝜋𝑟 2
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

4𝑟 𝑟 1 2
𝜋𝑟
3𝜋 2

4𝑟 4𝑟 1 2
𝜋𝑟
3𝜋 3𝜋 4
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

CENTROIDS OF COMMON GEOMETRIC FIGURES

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

2𝑟 𝑟 𝜋𝑟
𝜋

2𝑟 2𝑟 1
𝜋𝑟
𝜋 𝜋 2
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

CENTROIDS OF COMPOSITE FIGURES

If the given area can be divided into parts, each centroid of which is
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

known, the moment of the total area will be the sum of the moments
of area of its parts. (Applying Varignon’s Theorem)
Note: The sign of the moment arm of the area should follow the sign
convention depending on its position with respect to x or y-axis.
The centroid of the composite figure is determined by applying the
following equations:
𝐴𝑥ҧ = Σ𝑎𝑥
𝐴𝑦ത = Σ𝑎𝑦
A similar process may be applied to lines. The given line may be
divided into finite segments whose centroids are known, and the
following equations may be used
𝐿𝑥ҧ = Σ𝑙𝑥
𝐿𝑦ത = Σ𝑙𝑦
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. A slender homogeneous wire of uniform cross section is bent into

the shape shown in the figure. Determine the coordinates of the
centroid.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
coordinates of the centroid
Solution:

Line Length (l ) x y

6 -4 3

2𝑟 2(4)
𝜋𝑟 =
0 𝜋 𝜋
= 4𝜋 8
=
𝜋

4 sin 30°
4 + 4 cos 30°
8 =2
= 7.46410

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐿
= 26.56637
𝐿 𝑥ҧ = σ( 𝑙𝑥)
26.56637𝑥ҧ = 6 −4 + 4𝜋 0 + 8(7.46410)
𝑥ҧ = 1.34429 𝑖𝑛

𝐿 𝑦ത = σ( 𝑙𝑦)
8
26.56637𝑦ത = 6 3 + 4𝜋 + 8(2)
𝜋
𝑦ത = 2.48434 𝑖𝑛
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. Determine the centroid of the shaded area shown.

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
centroid

Figure Area (a ) x y

3x4
2 3/2
= 12

2 1
1 (4) 3 + (4)
(4)(4) 3 3
2 8 13
=8 = =
3 3

1 4(2) 3+2
𝜋(2)2 4+ =5
2 3𝜋
= 2𝜋 = 4.84883

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴
= 26.28319
𝐴 𝑥ҧ = σ(𝑎𝑥)
26.28319𝑥ҧ = 12 2 + 8 8Τ3 + 2𝜋(4.84883)
𝑥ҧ = 2.88395 𝑓𝑡

𝐴 𝑦ത = σ( 𝑎𝑦)
26.28319𝑦ത = 12 3Τ2 + 8 13Τ
3 + 2𝜋(5)
𝑦ത = 3.19910 𝑓𝑡
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

3. The dimensions of the T-section of a cast-iron beam are shown in

the figure. How far is the centroid of the area above the base?
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
Distance of the centroid of the area from the base (𝑦)
ത
Solution:

Figure Area (a ) y

1x8 1 + 8ൗ2
=8 =5

1x6
1/2
=6

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴
= 14

𝐴 𝑦ത = σ( 𝑎𝑦)
14𝑦ത = 8 5 + 6(1Τ2)
𝑦ത = 3.07143 𝑖𝑛
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

4. Locate the centroid of the shaded area shown in the figure.

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
centroid
Solution:

Figure Area (a ) x y

1 1 2
(6)(6) (6) 6
2 3 3
= 18 =2 =4

1 2 2
(6)(6) 6 + (6) (6)
2 3 3
= 18 = 10 =4

1
1 1 6 + (6)
(6)(12) (12) 3
2 3 =8
= 36 =4

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴
= 72
𝐴 𝑥ҧ = σ( 𝑎𝑥)
72𝑥ҧ = 18 2 + 18 10 + 36(4)
𝑥ҧ = 5 𝑖𝑛

𝐴 𝑦ത = σ( 𝑎𝑦)
72𝑦ത = 18 4 + 18 4 + 36(8)
𝑦ത = 6 𝑖𝑛
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

5. Find the coordinates of the centroid of the shaded area shown in the
figure.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
coordinates of the centroid of the shaded area
Solution:

Figure Area (a ) x y

18 12
12(18)
= 216 2 2
=9 =6

1 4(4)
− 𝜋 4 2 4 12 −
2 3𝜋
= −8𝜋 = 10.30235

4(6)
1 4(6) 12 −
− 𝜋 6 2 18 − 3𝜋
4 3𝜋 = 9.45352
= −9𝜋 = 15.45352

2 1
1 12 + (6) (6)
− (6)(6) 3 3
2 = 16 =2
= -18

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴
= 144.59292
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝐴 𝑥ҧ = σ( 𝑎𝑥)
144.59292𝑥ҧ = 216 9 − 8𝜋 4 − 9𝜋 15.45352 − 18(16)
𝑥ҧ = 7.73572 𝑖𝑛

𝐴 𝑦ത = σ( 𝑎𝑦)
144.59292𝑦ത = 216 6 − 8𝜋 10.30235 − 9𝜋 9.45352 − 18(2)
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

𝑦ത = 5.07481 𝑖𝑛

18
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

6. Locate the centroid of the shaded area in the figure created by

cutting a semicircle of diameter r from a quarter circle of radius r.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
centroid of the shaded area
Solution:

Figure Area (a ) x y

1 2 4𝑟 4𝑟
𝜋𝑟
4 3𝜋 3𝜋

1 𝑟 2 4
𝑟
− 𝜋 2
𝑟
2 2 3𝜋
1 2𝑟 2
= − 𝜋𝑟 2 =
8 3𝜋

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴
1
= 𝜋𝑟 2
8
𝐴 𝑥ҧ = σ( 𝑎𝑥)
1 1 4𝑟 1 2𝑟
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑥ҧ = 𝜋𝑟 2 − 𝜋𝑟 2
8 4 3𝜋 8 3𝜋
1 1 1
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑥ҧ = 𝑟 3 − 𝑟 3
8 3 12
1 1 8
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑥ҧ = 𝑟 3
8 4 𝜋𝑟 2
2𝑟
𝑥ҧ = = 0.63662 𝑟
𝜋
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝐴 𝑦ത = σ( 𝑎𝑦)
1 1 4𝑟 1 𝑟
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑦ത = 𝜋𝑟 2 − 𝜋𝑟 2
8 4 3𝜋 8 2
1 1 1
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑦ത = 𝑟 3 − 𝜋𝑟 3
8 3 16
1 8
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑦ത = 0.13698 𝑟 3
8 𝜋𝑟 2
𝑦ത = 0.34882 𝑟
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

20
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

7. Locate the centroid of the shaded area in the figure.

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
centroid of the shaded area
Solution:

Figure Area (a ) x y

6
9x6 4.5 − 4
= 54 2 = 0.5
=3

1
𝜋 5 2 4(5) 4(5)
4 6+
3𝜋 3𝜋
25𝜋 = 8.12207
= = 2.12207
4

5
4x5 6+
2 -2
= 20
= 8.5

1 1
− (9)(7.5) 7.5
2 3 -1
= −33.75 = 2.5

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴
= 59.88495
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝐴 𝑥ҧ = σ( 𝑎𝑥)
25𝜋
59.88495𝑥ҧ = 54 3 + 8.12207 + 20 8.5 − 33.75(2.5)
4
𝑥ҧ = 6.79806 𝑐𝑚

𝐴 𝑦ത = σ( 𝑎𝑦)
25𝜋
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

59.88495𝑦ത = 54 0.5 + 2.12207 + 20 −2 − 33.75(−1)

4
𝑦ത = 1.04228 𝑐𝑚

22
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

THEOREMS OF PAPPUS

Pappus developed two simple theorems for determining the surface

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

area or volume generated by revolving a plane curve or a plane area

about a non-intersecting axis lying in the plane.

Pappus’ First Theorem

The first theorem states that the surface area is the product of the
length of the generating curve multiplied by the distance travelled by
its centroid.
𝐴 = 𝐿𝑥ϴ ҧ or 𝐴 = 𝐿𝑦ϴത

Pappus’ Second Theorem

The second theorem states that the volume is the product of the area
of the figure multiplied by the length of path described by the centroid
of the area.
𝑉 = 𝐴𝑥ϴ ҧ or 𝑉 = 𝐴𝑦ϴത
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. Compute the surface area of the cone generated by revolving the

line in the figure about the y axis.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
surface area

Solution:
𝐴 𝑇𝑂𝑇𝐴𝐿 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2
For line AD
For line AB

𝐴2 = 𝐿𝑥𝜃
ҧ
𝐴1 = 𝐿𝑥𝜃
ҧ 𝐴2 = 6(1.5)(2𝜋)
𝐴1 = 4(1)(2𝜋) 𝐴2 = 18𝜋
𝐴1 = 8𝜋
𝐴 𝑇𝑂𝑇𝐴𝐿 = 8𝜋 + 18𝜋
𝐴 𝑇𝑂𝑇𝐴𝐿 = 26𝜋 𝑠𝑞. 𝑖𝑛.
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. Compute the volume generated by rotating the area through one

revolution about the y-axis.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
Volume

Solution:
From SP7:
𝑥ҧ = 6.79806 𝑐𝑚
𝐴 = 59.88495 𝑠𝑞. 𝑐𝑚

𝑉 = 𝐴𝑥𝜃
ҧ
𝑉 = 59.88495(6.79806)(2𝜋)
𝑉 = 2557.89 𝑐𝑢. 𝑐𝑚
 PRACTICE PROBLEMS

Practice Problems
The problems here are intended for practice in solving problems.
Corresponding answers are indicated. You do not need to submit it.

1. Determine the location (𝑥,ҧ 𝑦)

ത of the centroid C of the area.
(Answers: 𝑥ҧ = 1.57 𝑖𝑛, 𝑦ത = 1.57 𝑖𝑛)
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

2. Determine the location 𝑦ത of the centroid C for a beam having the

cross-sectional area shown. The beam is symmetric with respect to
the y axis. (Answers: 𝑦ത = 2 𝑖𝑛)

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 PRACTICE PROBLEMS

3. Locate the centroid of the shaded area. (Answers: 𝑥ҧ = 7.50 𝑖𝑛, 𝑦ത =

5.08 𝑖𝑛)
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

4. Determine the x- and y-coordinates of the centroid of the shaded

area. (Answers: 𝑥ҧ = 4.56 𝑖𝑛, 𝑦ത = 3.14 𝑖𝑛)

5. Determine the y-coordinate of the centroid of the shaded area.

(Answers: 𝑦ത = 95.6 𝑚𝑚)

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 ASSESSMENT TASK

CM Assessment Task No. 4

Write the problem. Show your complete solution and box your final
answer.

1. Determine the location of centroid with respect to the given axes.

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

2. Find the centroid of the area bounded by y = x3, x = 2 and the x-

axis.

3. Determine the centroid of the quarter circle shown whose

radius is r. (Use integration)

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 ASSESSMENT TASK

4. Locate the centroid of the shaded area in the figure.

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

5. Referring to the figure in problem 4, compute the volume

generated by rotating the area through one revolution about the x-
axis.

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 REFERENCES

Singer, Ferdinand. Engineering Mechanics (2nd edition).

Harper and Brothers Publisher.
Hibbeler, R.C. 2018. Engineering Mechanics: Statics 13th
Edition. New Jersey, Pearson Prentice Hall Pearson
Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River.
Meriam, J.L. and Kraige, L.G. 2012. Engineering Mechanics
Statics (7th edition). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

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