Find a parametrization of the following level curves

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    Parametrization
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding parametrizations for specific level curves, including the parabola \(y=x^2\) and hyperbolic and elliptical curves defined by \(y^2-x^2=1\) and \(\frac{x^2}{4}+\frac{y^2}{9}=1\). Participants explore the correctness of proposed parametrizations and the conditions under which they hold.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes \(r(t)=(t^2,t^4)\) as a parametrization of the parabola \(y=x^2\) and seeks confirmation of its correctness.
  • Another participant questions the completeness of the parametrization, emphasizing the need for a parameter \(t\) that can represent all points on the parabola, not just one direction.
  • It is suggested that for \(x \geq 0\), setting \(t=\sqrt{x}\) could satisfy the parametrization condition.
  • Participants propose parametrizations for the level curves: \(r(t)=(\cosh t, \sinh t)\) for \(y^2-x^2=1\) and \(r(t)=(2 \sin t, 3 \cos t)\) for \(\frac{x^2}{4}+\frac{y^2}{9}=1\), but note that these need to be verified in both directions.
  • Concerns are raised about the domain restrictions of the inverse hyperbolic functions used in the parametrization for \(y^2-x^2=1\), particularly that it does not cover the left half of the curve.
  • Participants discuss the implications of these restrictions and how they affect the validity of the parametrizations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the completeness and correctness of the proposed parametrizations. There is no consensus on whether the parametrizations adequately cover all points of the curves, particularly regarding the restrictions on the domain of the parameters.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for a complete mapping of points on the curves by the parametrizations, as well as the implications of domain restrictions on the validity of the parametrizations.

  • #31
I like Serena said:
It does.
That's why it's surjective but not injective. (Mmm)

Ah I see... (Nod)

I like Serena said:
As you said, $3 \cos t$ gets each of the values in $(-3,3)$ twice.
Once where $\sin t$ is positive and once where it is negative, which corresponds exactly to the $\pm$. (Thinking)

Could you explain it further to me? (Thinking)
 
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  • #32
evinda said:
Ah I see... (Nod)
Could you explain it further to me? (Thinking)

For each $(x,y)$ in the curve, we can pick $t=\operatorname {atan2}(\frac y 3, \frac x 2)$.
See atan2 on wiki.

As a result we have $x=2\cos t$ and $y=3\sin t$, satisfying the implication.
Therefore every point in $\frac {x^2}{4} + \frac{y^2}{9}=1$ is also in $(2\cos t, 3\sin t)$. (Whew)
 
  • #33
I like Serena said:
For each $(x,y)$ in the curve, we can pick $t=\operatorname {atan2}(\frac y 3, \frac x 2)$.
See atan2 on wiki.

As a result we have $x=2\cos t$ and $y=3\sin t$, satisfying the implication.
Therefore every point in $\frac {x^2}{4} + \frac{y^2}{9}=1$ is also in $(2\cos t, 3\sin t)$. (Whew)

How can we explain it without the use of [m] atan2 [/m] ? (Thinking)
 
  • #34
evinda said:
How can we explain it without the use of [m] atan2 [/m] ? (Thinking)

Pick $t$ such that $\cos t = \frac {x/2}{\sqrt{(x/2)^2+(y/3)^2}}$ and $\sin t = \frac {y/3}{\sqrt{(x/2)^2+(y/3)^2}}$.
:eek:

Or else recognize that $\frac {x^2}{4} + \frac {y^2}{9}=1$ represents the ellipse with semi-axes $2$ and $3$.
And that $(2\cos t, 3\sin t)$ also represents the ellipse with semi-axes $2$ and $3$. (Thinking)
 

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