How do you tell when to use method of rings as opposed to method of cylinders?

Question

jamesj · Answer

For evaluating area and volume integrals?

anonymous · Answer

Yes

jamesj · Answer

Well, one is for areas and one for volumes.

anonymous · Answer

Is that the only difference?

jamesj · Answer

Yes.  But the real answer for all these questions about method in integration, is "use the thing that easiest".

Now, the only way you can develop an intuition about what is easiest is to work quite a number of examples ... and rework them. 

I know that's probably not the answer you're looking for, but it's the honest truth of the situation.

jamesj · Answer

Learning mathematics is like learning everything else: a language, how to cook, playing tennis.  You need to try things again and again until you can do it with ease.

anonymous · Answer

Gotcha! Thanks, James. But my finals today, so we'll see how I do

jamesj · Answer

ha.  Good luck then!  But if you've time, the best thing you can do is rework a couple of examples from your course with a blank piece of paper.