The parallel axis theorem provides a useful way to calculate the moment of inertia i about an arbitrary axis. the theorem states that i = icm + mh2, where icm is the moment of inertia of the object relative to an axis that passes through the center of mass and is parallel to the axis of interest, m is the total mass of the object, and h is the perpendicular distance between the two axes. use this theorem and information to determine the moment of inertia (kg·m2) of a solid cylinder of mass m = 7.20 kg and radius r = 2.80 m relative to an axis that lies on the surface of the cylinder and is perpendicular to the circular ends.