Tangent/normal/area for this Circle

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical properties of a parametrized circle defined by the equations x = a cos(θ) and y = b sin(θ). The participants clarify that the curve represents an ellipse rather than a circle unless a equals b. To find the tangent and normal lines, one must differentiate the parametrized equations with respect to θ, resulting in the tangent vector t = (-a sin(θ), a cos(θ)) and the normal vector n = (-a cos(θ), -a sin(θ))/|n|. The identity cos²(θ) + sin²(θ) = 1 confirms the relationship between the parameters but does not establish the curve as a circle unless a equals b.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parametrized equations in geometry
  • Knowledge of differentiation techniques
  • Familiarity with the unit circle and trigonometric identities
  • Basic concepts of ellipses and their equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the differentiation of parametrized curves in calculus
  • Learn about the properties and equations of ellipses
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of tangent and normal lines
  • Investigate the implications of the identity cos²(θ) + sin²(θ) = 1 in different contexts
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the properties of curves, particularly in relation to tangents, normals, and the distinction between circles and ellipses.

DavioSenBoo
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I'm not whether this is the right place, but I saw geometry, n differentiation n thought, hmm, my question kinda involves both. If its in the wrong place, sorry...

Anyways...Got this curve given as

:biggrin: = theta for the sake of typing, hehe.

x = a cos :biggrin: y = b sin :biggrin:

I established it's a circle, because cos^2 :biggrin: +sin^2 :biggrin: =1

and subbing that in what sin :biggrin: and cos :biggrin: equal gives (x/a)^2 + (y/b)^2 = 1

Which is in the form for an equation for a circle? I'm not entirely sure on all this 2 be honest so if I'm goin wrong, feel free 2 point it out.

I want to find the tangent, the normal n the area of the circle. I've tried numerous ways but can't get the right answer.
 
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"I established it's a circle, because cos^2 +sin^2 =1"

How does this identity establish the given curve as a circle?
It is an ellipse!
The tangent is found by differentiating x and y with respect to
 
You have made a mistake because the parametrised circle is given as:
c(theta)=(a*cos(theta),a*sin(theta). (u have to take a=b)
so to obtain its tangent we need to differentiate c w.r.t. theta, giving
t=(-a*sin(theta),a*cos(theta)).
to obtain its normal we again differentiate t, giving
n=(-a*cos(theta),-a*sin(theta))/mag(n);
hope that satisfies u..
 

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