Differential geometry : Tangent vector & reparameterization

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of tangent vectors and reparameterization in the context of differential geometry, specifically focusing on the arc-length function. Participants are exploring how to reparameterize a given tangent vector using arc-length and verify if it is unit-speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the tangent vector and express uncertainty about its correctness. There are inquiries about the use of the arc-length function for reparameterization and the implications of integrating correctly. Some participants question the preservation of certain components in their calculations and the meaning of specific terms like "csgn."

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and questioning each other's reasoning. Some have offered guidance on the arc-length function, while others are exploring different interpretations of the tangent vector and its properties. There is a mix of attempts to compute arc-length and clarify definitions, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints such as the lack of a defined range for the parameter and the need for more detailed work in their attempts. There are also references to specific software terminology that may not be universally understood.

Schwarzschild90
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Homework Statement


Problem statement uploaded as image.

Homework Equations


Arc-length function
eq0014M.gif

The Attempt at a Solution


Tangent vector:
r=-sinh(t), cosh(t), 3

Now, I just need to reparameterize it using arclength and verify my work is unit-speed. Will someone give me a hint? Should I use the arc-length function to accomplish this.
 

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Schwarzschild90 said:

Homework Statement


Problem statement uploaded as image.

Homework Equations


Arc-length function
eq0014M.gif

The Attempt at a Solution


Tangent vector:
r=-sinh(t), cosh(t), 3

Now, I just need to reparameterize it using arclength and verify my work is unit-speed. Will someone give me a hint? Should I use the arc-length function to accomplish this.

What is preventing you from trying it for yourself?
 
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It's that I have no means of checking the solution, so before I invest in it, I would like to know if my method is correct (assuming that I integrate correctly).
 
Schwarzschild90 said:

Homework Statement


Problem statement uploaded as image.

Homework Equations


Arc-length function
eq0014M.gif

The Attempt at a Solution


Tangent vector:
r=-sinh(t), cosh(t), 3
This isn't the tangent vector.
Schwarzschild90 said:
Now, I just need to reparameterize it using arclength and verify my work is unit-speed. Will someone give me a hint? Should I use the arc-length function to accomplish this.
In future posts, please show more of your work. What you have here just barely qualifies as a problem attempt.
 
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Tangent vector
upload_2015-12-13_18-41-41.png


Now, compute the norm of the tangent vector:
upload_2015-12-13_18-55-58.png

Using this, make the following substitution
upload_2015-12-13_19-1-35.png
 
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How do I compute the arclength, without knowing the range? For example [0 <= t <= 2pi]

Another shot at the arc length of the tangent vector

\sqrt{(9+9*sinh(t)^2+16*cosh(t)^2)}dt =^*<br /> 25 cosh^2(t) = <br /> 25 sinh^2(t)+25<br />

* Using a trigonometric identity

PS: csgn is code used specifically by maple. It' not necessarily a mathematical function
 
Last edited:
Schwarzschild90 said:
How do I compute the arclength, without knowing the range? For example [0 <= t <= 2pi]
The arc length function in your relevant equations gives the arc length in terms of a parameter t.
Schwarzschild90 said:
Another shot at the arc length of the tangent vector

\sqrt{(9+9*sinh(t)^2+16*cosh(t)^2)}dt =^*<br /> 25 cosh^2(t) =<br /> 25 sinh^2(t)+25<br />
The last expression above is not helpful, but the one before it is helpful. What happened to the square root?
Schwarzschild90 said:
* Using a trigonometric identity

PS: csgn is code used specifically by maple. It' not necessarily a mathematical function
Do you know what it means, though? I've never seen it, but I don't use Maple.
 
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Right, the square root should've been preserved, in the above equation. Here it is, in all of its glory:

\sqrt{25cosh^2(t)}
So, is this equation the reparameterization of the tangent vector?

csgn(x) is the sign function of real AND complex numbers; where csgn = complex signum.
 
  • #10
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  • #11
upload_2015-12-13_20-51-51.png

Plot of the 25cosh^2(t) function; the norm of the tangent vector
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Schwarzschild90 said:
View attachment 93321
Plot of the 25cosh^2(t) function

This is not relevant. The question is what cosh(t) looks like, not its square. You should not even need to do an actual plot; just picture it in your mind.
 
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  • #13
upload_2015-12-13_21-9-33.png


Plot of 5 \sqrt{cosh(t)}

I can picture it in my mind. What am I supposed to "see"?
 
Last edited:
  • #14
I get this for the parameterization by arclength of the tangent vector
int(5*sqrt(cosh(t)^2), t = 0 .. 1) = 5 sinh(1)
 
  • #15
Schwarzschild90 said:
I get this for the parameterization by arclength of the tangent vector
int(5*sqrt(cosh(t)^2), t = 0 .. 1) = 5 sinh(1)
This is not a parameterization -- it's a number.

As I said before...
Mark44 said:
The arc length function in your relevant equations gives the arc length in terms of a parameter t.
IOW, ##\int_0^t 5 \sqrt{\cosh^2(w)} dw##
 
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