- #1
tuggler
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Given [tex]t\in I[/tex]the arc length of a regular parametrized curve [tex]\alpha : I \to \mathbb{R}^3[/tex] from the point [tex]t_0[/tex] is by definition [tex]s(t) = \int^t_{t_0}|\alpha'(t)|dt[/tex] where [tex]|\alpha'(t)| = \sqrt{(x'(t))^2+(y'(t))^2+(z'(t))^2}[/tex] is the length of the vector [tex]\alpha'(t).[/tex] Since [tex]\alpha'(t) \ne 0[/tex] the arc length [tex]s[/tex] is a differentiable function of and [tex]ds/dt = |\alpha'(t)|.[/tex]
This is where I get confused.
It can happen that the parameter [tex]t[/tex]is already the arc length measured from some point. In this case, [itex]ds/dt = 1 =|\alpha'(t)|[/tex]. Conversely, if [tex]|\alpha'(t)| = 1[/tex] then [tex]s = \int_{t_0}^t dt = t - t_0.[/tex]
How did they get that it equals 1? I am not sure what they are saying?
This is where I get confused.
It can happen that the parameter [tex]t[/tex]is already the arc length measured from some point. In this case, [itex]ds/dt = 1 =|\alpha'(t)|[/tex]. Conversely, if [tex]|\alpha'(t)| = 1[/tex] then [tex]s = \int_{t_0}^t dt = t - t_0.[/tex]
How did they get that it equals 1? I am not sure what they are saying?