Arc length of vector-valued function; am I starting right?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the arc length function of a vector-valued function defined by R(t) = <(1/2)t^2, (4/3)t^(3/2), 2*sqrt(3)t>. Participants are examining the correct application of the arc length formula and the integration process involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to confirm their understanding of the arc length formula and whether their integration setup is correct. They express a desire for validation before proceeding with the integral.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide encouragement and confirm that the original poster's work is on the right track. There is an ongoing exploration of integration techniques, including a suggestion for trigonometric substitution. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the integration steps, as mistakes have been noted in the attempts shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is an acknowledgment of potential mistakes in the integration process that are being discussed.

RogerDodgr
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Homework Statement


Given: R(t)= <(1/2)t^2, (4/3)t^(3/2), 2*sqrt(3)t>
Find: Arc length function s(t) where t_0 =0

Homework Equations


Is this the correct formula?
∫[0,t] sqrt( derivative^2 + derivative^2 +derivative^2) dt
∫[0,t] sqrt(t^2 + 4t + 12) dt

The Attempt at a Solution



∫[0,t] sqrt(t^2 + 4t + 12) dt

I am not looking for anyone to do my homework, but before I start a messy integral I just want to know if:
A) I am starting correctly, and
B) if their is an easier way to do this (or strategy)

Thanks.
 
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s=\int_a^b|r&#039;(t)|dt

Your work is correct so far! Keep going ... what's your next step?
 
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I apreciate your encouraging tone rocophysics; I was about to quit for the night.

∫[0,t] sqrt(t^2 + 4t + 12) dt
∫[0,t] sqrt((t+2)^2 + 8) dt
u=t+2 du=1
∫[0,t] sqrt((u)^2 + 8) du

then maybe trigonometric substitution.
 
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\int_0^t\sqrt{t^2+4t+12}dt

\int_0^t\sqrt{(t+2)^2+8}dt

Go ahead and do trig sub after this step ...

t+2=\sqrt 8\tan\theta
dt=\sqrt 9\sec^{2}\theta d\theta

But don't forget to change your limits ...
 
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I tried but I know there is at least one mistake somewhere; here's my attempt (each line is numbered 1-14):
http://www.sudokupuzzles.net/IMG_0030.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You forgot about your constant of 8 (line 10), and it should be to both your Integrals, not just one.
 
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