EJMT Abstract

We consider the problem of determining the minimum surface area of solids obtained when the graph of a function or more general parametric curve is revolved about oblique lines. We develop a solution procedure that utilizes results from a previous study that considered the same problem for horizontal lines. We describe a refinement of the solution procedure that can be used to simplify the solution. We discuss several issues that must be considered for the question of revolving about oblique lines. We provide several plots and figures to illustrate these issues and to whet the appetite of students who my wish to explore them.