# Homework Help: Confused with Space Curves

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1. Sep 27, 2016

### dlacombe13

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Match the parametric equations with the graphs.
In this case, I am stuck on this equation:
x = cos t
y = sin t
z = 1/(1+t^2)

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
So far I have:
x^2 + y^2 = cos ^2 t + sin ^2 t = 1
I know this is a circle in the xy-plane, and thus this yields a vertical, circular cylinder. I understand that there will be some form of helix going counter-clockwise around the cylinder. However, I do not understand how exactly to "graph" this using the parameter t. I know what the graph is and looks like, but I can't understand why it looks the way it does. I am having a hard time grasping this section in total.

2. Sep 27, 2016

### andrewkirk

Think of an infinitely long, infinitely thin slinky spring whose top is in the plane $z=1$, centred on the point (0,0,1). As you follow the spring down, in the negative direction of the $z$ axis, the coils get closer and closer to one another so that it approaches but never quite touches the plane $z=0$.