Calculating the line element after a change of coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the line element on the surface \( S^2 \) after a change of coordinates defined by \( \zeta = \frac{x}{z-1} \) and \( \eta = \frac{y}{z-1} \). The user successfully derived the expression \( 1+\zeta^2+\eta^2 = \frac{-2}{z-1} \) but struggles to prove the line element equation \( ds^2|_{S^2} = \frac{d\zeta^2 + d\eta^2}{f(\zeta, \eta)} \). The user attempted to compute \( d\zeta \) and \( d\eta \) but feels they may be overcomplicating the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential geometry concepts, specifically line elements.
  • Familiarity with coordinate transformations in \( \mathbb{R}^3 \).
  • Knowledge of the surface \( S^2 \) and its embedding in three-dimensional space.
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly in evaluating differentials and derivatives.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of line elements in differential geometry.
  • Learn about coordinate transformations and their implications on metric tensors.
  • Explore the concept of embedding surfaces in higher-dimensional spaces.
  • Investigate the use of Jacobians in changing variables in multivariable calculus.
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Students and researchers in mathematics, particularly those focusing on differential geometry, as well as anyone working on problems involving coordinate transformations on surfaces.

Holty
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Consider ##\mathbb{R}^3## in standard Cartesian co-ordinates, and the surface ##S^2## embedded within it defined by ##(x^2+y^2+z^2)|_{S^2}=1##. A particular set of co-ords on ##S^2## are defined by

##\zeta = \frac{x}{z-1}##,
##\eta = \frac{y}{z-1}##.

Express ##1+\zeta^2+\eta^2## in terms of ##z##. By evaluating ##d\zeta## and ##d\eta##, show that the line element on ##S^2## is given by

##ds^2|_{S^2}=(dx^2+dy^2+dz^2)|_{S^2} = \frac{d\zeta^2+d\eta^2}{f(\zeta,\eta)}## (1),

where you should give the form of ##f(\zeta,\eta)##

2. Homework Equations


##1+\zeta^2+\eta^2=\frac{z^2+y^2}{(z-1)^2}+1=\frac{-2}{z-1}##
##d\zeta=\frac{dx}{z-1}-\frac{xdz}{(z-1)^2}## , ##d\eta=\frac{dy}{z-1}-\frac{ydz}{(z-1)^2}##

##d\eta^2 + d\zeta^2= \frac{dx^2}{(z-1)^2} +\frac{x^2dz^2}{(z-1)^4}-\frac{2xdxdz}{(z-1)^3}+\frac{dy^2}{(z-1)^2} +\frac{y^2dz^2}{(z-1)^4}-\frac{2ydydz}{(z-1)^3}## (2)

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
So far I have been able to do the first two parts fine (the first two equations under 'Relevant equations'), the part I'm struggling with is trying to prove equation (1). So far I have tried computing ##d\eta^2+d\zeta^2##, which is equation 2 above, as well as rearranging the differentials and trying ##dx^2+dy^2##, but I feel like this is the wrong approach.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips or can see what to do? I feel like I'm over thinking and over complicating the problem, or they may be something I'm missing.

This is my first post, hopefully I've put it in the right place. And thanks in advance for any help!
 
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I just noticed a typo, it should be ##1+\zeta^2+\eta^2=\frac{x^2+y^2}{(z-1)^2}+1=\frac{-2}{z-1}##. This does not affect the question.
 

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