Calculating Arc Length for Parametric Equation x = e^t + e^-t and y = 5 - 2t

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the arc length of a parametric equation defined by x = e^t + e^-t and y = 5 - 2t. Participants are exploring the appropriate integral setup for this calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss taking derivatives of the parametric equations and forming the integral for arc length. There are questions about the correctness of the integral setup and how to compute it. Some suggest factoring the expression within the integral.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the integral setup, with some participants attempting to factor the expression. A participant claims to have solved the problem, but no consensus on the method or verification of the solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants express challenges in formatting mathematical expressions, indicating a potential barrier to clear communication of their reasoning.

Calpalned
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Homework Statement


The question involves finding the arc length of the parametric equation x = e^t + e^-t and y = 5 - 2t

Homework Equations


Arc length of a parametric equation ∫√(dy/dt)^2 + (dx/dt)^2 dt limits are from 0<t<3

The Attempt at a Solution


Taking the derivative of both x and y with respect to t and then plugging it later, I get
∫(2 + e^2t + e^-2t )^0.5 dt limits are from 0<t<3

Is this the right integral? If so, how do I compute it?
 
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Calpalned said:

Homework Statement


The question involves finding the arc length of the parametric equation x = e^t + e^-t and y = 5 - 2t

Homework Equations


Arc length of a parametric equation ∫√(dy/dt)^2 + (dx/dt)^2 dt limits are from 0<t<3

The Attempt at a Solution


Taking the derivative of both x and y with respect to t and then plugging it later, I get
∫(2 + e^2t + e^-2t )^0.5 dt limits are from 0<t<3

Is this the right integral? If so, how do I compute it?

Try to factor (2 + e^2t + e^-2t ) into a perfect square.
 
(2 + e^2t + e^-2t ) can be rewritten as e^2t(1) + 3^2t(e6^-4t) + 2(e^2t)(e^-2t) and by factoring
e^2t(1+e^-4t+2e^-2t)
Btw, how do I write equations in math form, because it's difficult type out exponents
 
Calpalned said:
(2 + e^2t + e^-2t ) can be rewritten as e^2t(1) + 3^2t(e6^-4t) + 2(e^2t)(e^-2t) and by factoring
e^2t(1+e^-4t+2e^-2t)
Btw, how do I write equations in math form, because it's difficult type out exponents
Look at the toolbar in the message box. It starts B I U ... and ends with ∑. Pressing the ∑ will give you access to Greek letters and other math symbols. Exponents and subscripts are accessed by pressing the x2 and x2 buttons on the toolbar.
 
Calpalned said:
(2 + e^2t + e^-2t ) can be rewritten as e^2t(1) + 3^2t(e6^-4t) + 2(e^2t)(e^-2t) and by factoring
e^2t(1+e^-4t+2e^-2t)
Btw, how do I write equations in math form, because it's difficult type out exponents

That's not the kind of factorization you need. You want to write it as (a+b)^2. Guess what a and b are.
 
I just solved it! The answer is e^3 - e^-3
 
Thank you so much
 

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