Derivation Related to Paths

1. Dec 8, 2008

MichaelT

I am trying to derivate the equation T(t) = c'(t)/||c'(t)||

||c'(t)|| being the norm of c'(t). ||T(t)||= 1 and I need to solve for T'(t)

I keep getting stuck with some nasty terms. I assume that I need to deal with the norm as the square root of the dot product of c'(t) with itself.

Any help would be much appreciated. I have a feeling there is a simpler way to solve this than the way I have been trying.

2. Dec 8, 2008

tiny-tim

Hi MichaelT!

I don't understand what you're trying to do.

If c(t) is a curve, then c'(t)/||c'(t)|| is the unit vector tangent to the curve … what is the problem?

3. Dec 8, 2008

MichaelT

So T(t) = c'(t)/||c'(t)||. We are asked to find a formula for T'(t) in terms of c.

Sorry, looking back at my original post I realize I was not so clear.

Thank you!

4. Dec 9, 2008

tiny-tim

Hi MichaelT! Thanks for your PM.

As you said:
So let's write it out in full …

||c'(t)|| = √(c'(t).c'(t)) …

use the product rule (it works for vectors just as it does for scalars) to differentiate the inside of the √, and then use the chain rule to differentiate the whole thing.

(btw … no such word as "derivate" … and "derviation" would be completely different from "differentiation" )

5. Dec 10, 2008

MichaelT

Ok, I think I have another way to approach the problem. From subsequent problems I have learned that T'(t) = c"(t)

Therefore, if I can prove that T(t) = c'(t), then I am set. Can you give me any direction on doing that? I've tried with no luck, though I do know it is true!

6. Dec 10, 2008

MichaelT

Oh wait, I was wrong about something. T(t) will only equal c'(t) if it is parametrized by the arc length.

This is what I got, if anyone cares to check (please do!)

T'(t) = [||c'(t)||(c"(t)) - c'(t)(c'(t) dot c"(t))]/||c'(t)||3

7. Dec 10, 2008

tiny-tim

Hi MichaelT!

Aren't you missing a ||c'(t)|| at the beginning?

8. Dec 10, 2008

MichaelT

yeah it looks like I did miss something! Does it look like I am approaching this the right way?

Just re-did the problem, and this is what I got

T'(t) = (c"(t)/||c't||) - [c'(t)/||c'(t)||3] (c'(t) dot c"(t))

9. Dec 11, 2008

tiny-tim

Yes, that is the right way, and the right result this time!