Arc Length 3-D: Find Length Between (8,4,0) & (24,36,4log(3))

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the arc length of a curve defined by the parametric function f{r}(t) = (8t, 4t^2, 4log(t)) for t > 0, specifically between the points (8, 4, 0) and (24, 36, 4log(3)).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the derivative and the magnitude of the derivative for the arc length integral. There is a focus on the interpretation of the logarithmic function used in the curve definition, with questions about whether it refers to the natural logarithm or a different base. One participant expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their computed arc length.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's calculations and assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding potential misunderstandings about the logarithmic function, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correctness of the original poster's approach or the computed length.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the definition of the logarithmic function in the context of the problem, as well as concerns about the complexity of the integral involved in finding the arc length.

mknut389
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Homework Statement



Consider the path f{r}(t) = (8t, 4t^2, 4log(t) ) defined for t > 0.
Find the length of the curve between the points (8, 4, 0) and (24, 36, 4log(3)).

Homework Equations



[tex]\int[/tex]|r' (t)|dt

The Attempt at a Solution



r(t)=(8t, 4t^2, 4log(t))
r'(t)=(8, 8t, 4/(ln(10)t))
|r' (t)|=[tex]\sqrt{8^2+(8t)^2+(1.737177927/t)^2}[/tex]
|r' (t)|=[tex]\sqrt{64+64t^2+3.01778715219/t^2}[/tex]

At Point (8,4,0) t=1 and at Point (24, 36, 4log(3)) t=3
Therefore the integral is from 1 to 3

from here, the integral of [tex]\int[/tex][tex]\sqrt{64+64t^2+3.01778715219/t^2}[/tex]
is to complex to do by hand, so with MATLAB and TI-89 I am getting an answer of 36.106527, which according to the assignment is wrong. Am I going about this problem wrong? what should I do?
 
Last edited:
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Are you sure that by log(t) it's not referring to base e logarithm? Some books use log and ln as the same thing. Also, you have a 1/x when you should have a 1/t in the third coordinate
 
I am sure it is log(t) and not ln(t). That would make it a bit easier... Thanks for the variable mistake catch... I fixed it...
 
I get 36.10652942031572. I don't think you are doing anything fundamentally wrong. Why are you sure it's not ln(x)?
 

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