Prove that a curve lies in a plane

Therefore, the curve with parametrization r(t) lies in a plane.In summary, if a smooth vector valued function r(t) has a nonzero vector n that is perpendicular to r'(t) for all values of t, then the curve with parametrization r(t) lies in a plane. This can be proven by showing that the cross product of n and r'(t) will define a third vector that is parallel to the plane, and since r'(t) does not move off the plane, the curve must also lie in the same plane.
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Homework Statement



let r(t) (a<t<b) be a smooth vector valued function. suppose that the nonzero vector n is perpendicular to r'(t) for all values of t. Prove that the curve with parametrization r(t) lies in a plane

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



i know this has somethign to do with cross product. infact i know that the cross product of n x r'(t) will give me a third vector which will define the plane which r(t) lies in, but I don't know how to show a proof of this.

Thanks for your help or advice
 
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  • #2
r(t) is the curve, r'(t) is how the curve moves, so, if r'(t) is penpendicular to n where n is some normal vector to a plane, then that means no component of the r'(t) vector is pointing "away" from the plane.

so, if it doesn't move off the plane means that tangent vectors at any three distinct time t's to the curve r(t) are coplanar.
 

What does it mean for a curve to lie in a plane?

When we say that a curve lies in a plane, it means that all of the points on the curve can be traced by moving within a single flat surface, or plane. This is similar to drawing a line on a sheet of paper - the entire line exists on the same plane.

How can you prove that a curve lies in a plane?

To prove that a curve lies in a plane, we can use the slope-intercept form of a line, which is y = mx + b. If the curve can be represented by this equation, then we can conclude that it lies in a plane.

What is the equation for a curve that lies in a plane?

The equation for a curve that lies in a plane can be written in the form of y = f(x), where f(x) is a function that maps a value of x to a corresponding value of y. This equation represents the relationship between the x and y coordinates of points on the curve.

Are there any curves that do not lie in a plane?

Yes, there are curves that do not lie in a plane. For example, a curve that wraps around a sphere or a curve that spirals up a cone cannot be contained within a single plane. These curves require three-dimensional space to be fully represented.

Why is it important to know if a curve lies in a plane?

Knowing if a curve lies in a plane is important because it helps us understand the geometry and properties of the curve. It also allows us to use two-dimensional mathematics and techniques to analyze and manipulate the curve, which can be more convenient and applicable in many situations.

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