Parametric Equations and slope

Therefore, the points you find will all lie on the same curve.In summary, the given problem asks to find all the points on the curve defined by the parametric equations x=4cost and y=4sint that have a slope of 1/2. The first step in solving this problem is finding the derivative dy/dx, which is -cot(t). Setting this equal to 1/2 and solving for t will give us the values of t corresponding to the points on the curve with the desired slope. These points will all lie on the same curve, as the given parametric equations define a single curve.
  • #1
reconrusty
9
0

Homework Statement


Find all the points on the following curves that have the given slope:

x=4cost
y=4sint
slope=1/2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Im not to sure what to do with this question.. I found dy/dx to be -cot(t) but I am not sure if that is even needed for this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated !
 
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  • #2
reconrusty said:

Homework Statement


Find all the points on the following curves that have the given slope:

x=4cost
y=4sint
slope=1/2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Im not to sure what to do with this question.. I found dy/dx to be -cot(t) but I am not sure if that is even needed for this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated !
That's a good start. Now just set -cot(t) = 1/2 and solve for t.

BTW, your parametric equations represent one curve, not multiple curves.
 

1. What are parametric equations?

Parametric equations are a set of equations that describe the x and y coordinates of a point in terms of a third variable, usually denoted as t. This allows for a more flexible representation of a curve or surface compared to traditional rectangular equations.

2. How do you graph parametric equations?

To graph parametric equations, you can plot several points by substituting different values of t into the equations. Then, connect the points to create a smooth curve or surface. You can also use a graphing calculator or software to graph parametric equations.

3. What is the slope of a parametric curve?

The slope of a parametric curve at a given point is determined by the derivative of the x and y equations with respect to t, commonly denoted as dx/dt and dy/dt. These derivatives represent the rates of change of x and y with respect to t, which can be interpreted as the slope of the tangent line at that point.

4. How do you find the slope of a parametric curve?

To find the slope of a parametric curve at a given point, you can use the derivatives of the x and y equations with respect to t. Simply plug in the value of t for the point you want to find the slope at, and evaluate the derivatives to calculate the slope. Alternatively, you can use the slope formula (y2-y1)/(x2-x1) with the coordinates of two points on the curve.

5. How are parametric equations used in real-life applications?

Parametric equations are used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and computer graphics to model and analyze curves and surfaces. For example, they can be used to represent the path of a projectile, the motion of a pendulum, or the shape of a roller coaster track. They are also used in computer graphics to create realistic 3D images and animations.

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