[SOLVED] Parametric equation of the intersection between surfaces

BilalX

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Given the following surfaces:
S: z = x^2 + y^2
T: z = 1 - y^2

Find a parametric equation of the curve representing the intersection of S and T.

2. Relevant equations

N/A

3. The attempt at a solution

The intersection will be:
x^2 + y^2 = 1 - y^2
x = (1 - 2y^2)^0.5

At this point, I plug in the following parametrization:
y = sin(t)

Which yields:

x = (1 - 2(sin(t))^2)^0.5
y = sin(t)
z = 1-(sin(t))^2 (from the equation for T)

with t = 0..2*Pi.

Judging from a Maple plot this seems to make sense; the curve is a projected ellipse, but due to the x term I have to split it into two separate segments. I'm pretty sure I should be able to use a more elegant solution with a single curve, but I haven't been able to figure it out - any help would be welcome.

Thanks-

HallsofIvy

In a situation like that it is better not to solve for one of the variables.

Instead, change x²+ y²= 1- y² to x²+ 2y²= 1, the equation of an ellipse. Then use the "standard" parameterization of an ellipse: x= cos(t), y= sin(t)/[itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex]. Then, of course, you can have either [itex]z= cos^2(t)+ (1/2)sin^2(t)[/itex] or [itex]z= 1- (1/2)sin^2(t)[/itex].

BilalX

Great, thank you.