How to Expand a Vectorial Function into a Taylor Series?

In summary, to demonstrate the proposition, we can expand the vector function \vec{\alpha}(s+h) in a Taylor series. This can be done by defining a single-dimensional function g(t) = \vec{\alpha}(s+t\vec{x}) and finding its Taylor series. This will then allow us to apply the Frenet equations to the derivatives of \vec{\alpha}(s) in order to get the desired result.
  • #1
elessar_telkontar
16
0
I'm trying to demonstrate the following proposition:

Let [tex]\vec{\alpha}(s)[/tex] be a natural parametrization of an arc C. Then:

[tex]\vec{\alpha}(s+h)=\vec{\alpha}(s)+\left(h-\frac{\kappa^2h^3}{6}\right)\hat{t}+\frac{1}{2}\left(\kappa h^2+\frac{\left(\partial_s\kappa\right)h^3}{3}\right)\hat{n}+\frac{1}{6}\kappa\tau h^3 \hat{b}+O(h^4)[/tex]

where [tex]\kappa[/tex] is the curvature, [tex]\tau[/tex] is the torsion, [tex]\hat{t}[/tex] is the unit tangent vector, [tex]\hat{b}[/tex] is the unit binormal vector and [tex]\hat{n}[/tex] is the unit normal vector.

I understand this is demonstrated by expanding [tex]\vec{\alpha}(s+h)[/tex] in Taylor series. However, I don't know how to expand a vectorial function in Taylor series. Obviously, after expanding it's only matter of applying the Frenet ecuations to the derivatives of [tex]\vec{\alpha}(s)[/tex]. Then please help me saying:

HOW TO EXPAND THE VECTORIAL FUNCTION IN ORDEN TO GET THE RESULT?.
 
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  • #2
Please try to help me!
 
  • #3
[tex]
f(\vec{a} + \vec{x}) = f(\vec{a}) + (\vec{x} \cdot \nabla)f(\vec{a}) + \frac{1}{2} (\vec{x} \cdot \nabla)^2f(\vec{a}) + \cdots
[/tex]


One way of seeing this is to slice it down into a single-dimensional Taylor series. For example, after selecting [itex]\vec{a}[/itex] and [itex]\vec{x}[/itex], you can define [itex]g(t) = f(\vec{a} + t \vec{x})[/itex] which is a function of t alone, and find its Taylor series.
 

1. What is differential geometry?

Differential geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of curves and surfaces in three-dimensional space using the techniques of calculus and linear algebra. It is used to understand the geometric properties of these objects and their relationship to other mathematical concepts.

2. What are some applications of differential geometry?

Differential geometry has many applications in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. It is used to describe the shape of objects, analyze the behavior of physical systems, and develop algorithms for computer simulations.

3. What is the difference between differential geometry and Euclidean geometry?

Differential geometry is a more advanced and abstract form of geometry compared to Euclidean geometry. While Euclidean geometry deals with flat, two-dimensional shapes, differential geometry deals with curved, three-dimensional shapes. It also uses calculus to study the properties of these shapes, while Euclidean geometry primarily uses geometric constructions and proofs.

4. What are some important concepts in differential geometry?

Some important concepts in differential geometry include curvature, geodesics, and the Gaussian and mean curvature of a surface. These concepts are used to describe the shape and properties of curves and surfaces in three-dimensional space.

5. How is differential geometry related to other branches of mathematics?

Differential geometry is closely related to other branches of mathematics such as topology, algebraic geometry, and differential equations. It also has connections to physics, particularly in the study of relativity and general relativity.

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