Arc length and parametric function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the arc length of a parametric function defined by x=(e^-t)(cos t) and y=(e^-t)(sin t) over the interval from 0 to π. The original poster expresses uncertainty regarding the setup of the integral and the simplification process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the arc length integral and simplifies the expression, raising questions about the correctness of their approach and whether the integral can be solved. Other participants engage in light conversation unrelated to the mathematical problem.

Discussion Status

The original poster initially expresses doubt about their solution but later claims to have resolved the issue with the simplification of the square root. However, the conversation shifts to informal exchanges, indicating a lack of focus on the mathematical problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a potential mistake in their calculations, suggesting that they are working under the assumption that the problem should not be overly complex. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the final integral setup.

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I'm having trouble with the following:

The problem is to find the arc length of the following parametric function:

x=(e^-t)(cos t), y=(e^-t)(sin t) from 0 to [tex]\pi[/tex]

I found that
[tex]\frac{\partial y}{\partial t} = e^{-t}(\cos{t}-\sin{t})[/tex],
[tex]\frac{\partial x}{\partial t} = -e^{-t}(\sin{t}+\cos{t})[/tex]

Then setting up the integral:
[tex]\int_{0}^{\pi} \sqrt{(-e^{-t}(\sin{t}+\cos{t}))^2+(e^{-t}(\cos{t}-\sin{t}))^2} dt[/tex]

I then simplified the square root to;
[tex]e^{-2t}(-4\cos{t}\sin{t}))=e^{-2t}*{-2\sin{2t}}[/tex]

This makes the integral:
[tex]\int_{0}^{\pi} e^{-t}\sqrt{-2\sin{2t} dt[/tex]

Can this integral even be solved?
I don't think this problem was ment to be that difficult, so I think I made a mistake somewhere, but I can figure what.
Thanks!
Tom
 
Last edited:
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I figured it out.

The square root simplifies to 2e^(-2t), I just drop a sign.

Nevermind!
 
Good job Tom.. How's the fishin' over in Noank?:smile:
 
Last edited:
Well I'm really big into fishing, but from what I hear its good...
Are you from around here?
 

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