Equation of the circumference of an ellipse parametric equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the circumference and area of an ellipse defined by the parametric equations x=3cos(t) and y=sin(t) for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. Participants are exploring the correct setup for the integral representing the circumference and the area enclosed by the ellipse.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to set up the integral for the circumference using the arc length formula for parametric curves. There are discussions about the correct form of the integral and the derivatives involved. Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and the formulas used.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct integral setup for the circumference, with some participants questioning their previous attempts and clarifying the correct parametric equations. Guidance has been offered regarding the proper form of the arc length integral, but no consensus has been reached on the final setup.

Contextual Notes

One participant noted a typo in the original problem regarding the parametric equations, which may affect the setup of the integrals. The discussion also highlights that the problem only requires setting up the integral for the circumference, not solving it.

mickellowery
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Homework Statement


Consider the ellipse given by the parametric equation x=3cos(t) y=sin(t) 0\leqt\leq2\Pi. Set up an integral that gives the circumference of the ellipse. Also find the area enclosed by the ellipse.


Homework Equations


\int\sqrt{1+(dy/dx)^2}dt


The Attempt at a Solution


\int\sqrt{1+(-2/3 cot(t))^2}dt It should also be the integral from 0 to 2\Pi I'm not sure what I did wrong but I know that -2/3 cot(t) is not right.
area: A=2\int1/2 (2/3 tan(t))dt
=\int2/3 tan(t)dt
=-2/3ln(lcos(t)l) evaluated from \Pi to 0
I know that I got something wrong here too, and I assume it is the 2/3 tan(t) but I'm not sure what I did wrong again.
 
Last edited:
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[STRIKE]Your formula for arc length is wrong. It's

<br /> \int \sqrt{1 + (\frac{dy}{dx})^2} \ dx<br />

<br /> = \int \sqrt{1 + (\frac{\frac{dy}{dt}}{\frac{dx}{dt}})^2} \ \frac{dx}{dt}dt<br />[/STRIKE]

EDIT: Pathetic lapse of judgement on my part >_>...ignore this post.
 
Last edited:
Arc length for a parametrized curve can also be written this way:
\int_a^b \sqrt{(\frac{dx}{dt})^2 + (\frac{dy}{dt})^2}dt
 
@Raskolnikov:

<br /> <br /> = \int \sqrt{1 + (\frac{\frac{dy}{dt}}{\frac{dx}{dt}})^2} \ \frac{dx}{dt}dt<br /> <br />

how did you get that and how do you plan to integrate it? :)


But as far as I know the ds element for parametrization: f(x(t),y(t)) = x(t) + y(t) is:

<br /> \int f(x,y) ds = \int f(x(t),y(t)) \sqrt{\left ( \frac{dx}{dt} \right )^2 + \left ( \frac{dy}{dt} \right )^2}dt<br />
 
OK the way I did it I actually used \int\sqrt{1+dy/dt/dx/dt} and that's how I came up with the -\frac{2}{3}cot(t)2 I had -\frac{2}{3}\frac{cos(t)}{sin(t)} and I simplified it to cot(t). Would this even be the right formula to use for the circumference? I thought that arc length would be the right choice as long as I evaluated it from 0 to 2\Pi.
 
mickellowery said:
OK the way I did it I actually used \int\sqrt{1+dy/dt/dx/dt}
This isn't the right formula for arc length. If you simplify Raskolnikov's formula in post 2, you get the one I showed in the next post.
mickellowery said:
and that's how I came up with the -\frac{2}{3}cot(t)2
I had -\frac{2}{3}\frac{cos(t)}{sin(t)} and I simplified it to cot(t). Would this even be the right formula to use for the circumference? I thought that arc length would be the right choice as long as I evaluated it from 0 to 2\Pi.
 
Oh geez I just noticed a typo in the original problem. It should be x=3cos(t) y=2sin(t) not y=sin(t) sorry about that.
 
Alright so with the correct equations would the proper integral for the circumference be:

\int\sqrt{(-3sin(t))^2 +(2cos(t))^2}dt

And then for the area enclosed by the ellipse would I use \int(3cos(t)-2sin(t))2 evaluated from 0 to \Pi?
 
You should simplify the integrand. Also, the limits are from 0 to 2\pi.

Tip: Put all your LaTeX code inside one pair of tex tags.
Instead of this:
\int\sqrt{(-3sin(t))^2 +(2cos(t))^2}

do this:
\int \sqrt{(-3sin(t))^2 +(2cos(t))^2}dt
 
  • #10
You should probably also notice that they only asked you so set up the circumference integral, not solve it. It's an elliptic integral. It's not elementary. But you should be able to solve the area integral.
 

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