Arc length and parametric function

In summary, the conversation is about finding the arc length of a parametric function and setting up the appropriate integral. The speaker also mentions making a mistake in the simplification process but later corrects it and discusses their interest in fishing.
  • #1
Kb1jij
19
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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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  • #2
I figured it out.

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

Nevermind!
 
  • #3
Good job Tom.. How's the fishin' over in Noank?:smile:
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Well I'm really big into fishing, but from what I hear its good...
Are you from around here?
 

1. What is an arc length?

An arc length is the length of a curve or arc on a graph. It is measured along the curve from one point to another.

2. How is arc length calculated?

To calculate arc length, you can use the formula L = ∫√(1+(dy/dx)^2)dx, where L represents the length of the arc, and dy/dx is the derivative of the parametric function.

3. What is a parametric function?

A parametric function is a mathematical function that describes the coordinates of a point in terms of one or more parameters. It is commonly used to represent curves or other complex shapes.

4. How do parametric functions relate to arc length?

Parametric functions can be used to represent curves, and therefore, they can be used to calculate the arc length of a curve. By taking the derivative of the parametric function and using the arc length formula, the length of the curve can be determined.

5. What are some real-world applications of arc length and parametric functions?

Arc length and parametric functions have various real-world applications, such as in engineering, physics, and computer graphics. For example, they are used to calculate the length of a wire or cable needed for a specific structure, to determine the trajectory of a moving object, or to create realistic 3D models of objects.

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