Choosing a technique for solids of revolution

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Is there a heuristic to choose between the disk method and the washer method? To take the simplest example $y=x$ can be revolved around the $y$ axis using $R=x$ or $r=x$ and $R=$ a constant $C$.

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If in doubt, try both far enough to see which one is easier. I doubt there is any simple rule of thumb.

In any case, trying out both for a collection of cases will help you get a feel when each technique is more appropriate. Maybe you even come up with the requested criteria yourself ;-)