Surface Area of a Sphere

The area of a disk enclosed by a circle of radius R is Pi*R².
The formula for the circumference of a circle of radius R is 2*Pi*R.
A simple calculus check reveals that the latter is the derivative of the former with respect to R.

Similarly, the volume of a ball enclosed by a sphere of radius R is (4/3)*Pi*R³.
And the formula for the surface area of a sphere of radius R is 4*Pi*R².
And, you can check that the latter is the derivative of the former with respect to R.

Coincidence, or is there a reason?

Presentation Suggestions:
Let your students tell you those geometry formulas if they remember them.

The Math Behind the Fact:
Well, no, it is not a coincidence. For the ball, a small change in radius produces a change in volume of the ball which is equal to the volume of a spherical shell of radius R and thickness (delta R). The spherical shell's volume is thus approximately (surface area of the sphere)*(delta R). But the derivative is approximately the change in ball volume divided by (delta R), which is thus just (surface area of the sphere).

So, if I tell you the 4-dimensional "volume" of the 4-dimensional ball is (1/2)*Pi²*R⁴, what is 3-dimensional volume of its boundary?

See also Volume of a Ball in N Dimensions.

How to Cite this Page:
Su, Francis E., et al. "Surface Area of a Sphere." Math Fun Facts. <http://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts>.

Keywords:    calculus Subjects:    geometry, calculus, analysis Level:    Medium Fun Fact suggested by:   Francis Su Suggestions? Use this form. 3.73 current rating Click to rate this Fun Fact...     *   Awesome! I totally dig it!     *   Fun enough to tell a friend!     *   Mildly interesting     *   Not really noteworthy and see the most popular Facts! Get the Math Fun Facts iPhone App!

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