Second derivative with parametric equations

In summary, the author discusses the relationship between the first derivative and the parametric equations of a curve, and emphasizes the requirement that the derivative of the parameter must not be zero. However, in example 4, the author simplifies the derivative and divides by the parameter, which would only be valid if the parameter were not zero. This seems to contradict the previous assumption, but the author later shows that the second derivative is zero at the origin, indicating that the parameter is approaching zero but not actually equaling zero. This is consistent with the initial requirement and is further explained through the use of L'Hopital's rule.
  • #1
PFuser1232
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http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/ParaTangent.aspx

On this page the author makes it very clear that:

$$\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\frac{dy}{dt}}{\frac{dx}{dt}}$$

provided ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##.

In example 4, ##\frac{dx}{dt} = -2t##, which is zero when ##t## is zero. In simplifying ##\frac{dy}{dx}## the author even divides the numerator and denominator by ##t## which is only possible if ##t \neq 0##.
This is all consistent with the requirement ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##.
The author then obtains an expression for the second derivative in terms of ##t##, plugs in zero, and finds out that the second derivative is zero at ##t = 0##.
How is this consistent with the assumption that ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##? What's going on here?
 
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  • #3
MohammedRady said:
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/ParaTangent.aspx

On this page the author makes it very clear that:

$$\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\frac{dy}{dt}}{\frac{dx}{dt}}$$

provided ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##.

In example 4, ##\frac{dx}{dt} = -2t##, which is zero when ##t## is zero. In simplifying ##\frac{dy}{dx}## the author even divides the numerator and denominator by ##t## which is only possible if ##t \neq 0##.
This is all consistent with the requirement ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##.
The author then obtains an expression for the second derivative in terms of ##t##, plugs in zero, and finds out that the second derivative is zero at ##t = 0##.
How is this consistent with the assumption that ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##? What's going on here?
He doesn't actually "plug in" zero. Toward the bottom of the example he shows this work:
$$\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{-\frac 1 2 (35t^4 + 15t^2) }{-2t} = \frac 1 4 (3t^3 + 15t)$$
The expression in the middle is undefined if t = 0, but as t approaches zero, the value of this expression approaches zero as well. The 2nd and 3rd expressions are exactly the same except at a single point -- the origin. He could have elaborated on this fact a bit more.

The graph he shows doesn't make it clear that there is a "hole" at (0, 0). At this point both dy/dx and d2y/dx2 are undefined.
 
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1. What is the second derivative with parametric equations?

The second derivative with parametric equations is a mathematical concept used to describe the rate of change of a parameterized curve. It represents the curvature of the curve at a specific point, and can be used to determine the concavity and inflection points of the curve.

2. How is the second derivative calculated with parametric equations?

The second derivative with parametric equations is calculated by taking the derivative of the first derivative, which is known as the first derivative of the curve's slope. This process is similar to taking the second derivative of a function, but with respect to the parameter instead of the independent variable.

3. What is the significance of the second derivative with parametric equations?

The second derivative with parametric equations is important because it provides information about the curvature and behavior of a parameterized curve. It can be used to determine the points of inflection, where the curve changes from concave up to concave down or vice versa, and to analyze the behavior of the curve near these points.

4. Can the second derivative be negative with parametric equations?

Yes, the second derivative can be negative with parametric equations. This indicates that the curve is concave down at a specific point, which means the slope of the curve is decreasing. A negative second derivative can also indicate a point of inflection on the curve.

5. How is the second derivative used in real-world applications?

The second derivative with parametric equations has many real-world applications, particularly in physics and engineering. It can be used to analyze the motion of objects, such as projectiles or satellites, and to determine the optimal path for a given situation. It is also used in optimizing functions and modeling complex systems.

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