Find the center of the circle of curvature

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the center of the circle of curvature for the curve defined by the equation y = x² at the point (1, 1). The curvature (κ) is calculated as κ(1) = 2√5 / 25, leading to a radius of curvature (r) of 25 / (2√5). The equation of the normal line at the point is derived as y - 1 = -0.5(x - 1). The center of the circle of curvature is determined to be at the coordinates (x + 4)² + (y - 7/2)² = 125/4.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of curvature and radius of curvature in calculus.
  • Familiarity with the equation of a normal line to a curve.
  • Proficiency in using the distance formula in coordinate geometry.
  • Basic knowledge of quadratic functions and their graphs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of curvature for different types of curves.
  • Learn how to derive the equation of a normal line for various functions.
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of the circle of curvature.
  • Investigate applications of curvature in physics and engineering.
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Sho Kano
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Homework Statement


For the curve with equation y={ x }^{ 2 } at the point (1, 1) find the curvature, the radius of curvature, the equation of the normal line, the center of the circle of curvature, and the circle of curvature.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


\kappa \left( 1 \right) =\frac { 2\sqrt { 5 } }{ 25 } \\ r=\frac { 1 }{ \kappa } =\frac { 25 }{ 2\sqrt { 5 } } \\ y-1=\frac { -1 }{ 2 } \left( x-1 \right) I have no idea how to find the center, I've tried the distance formula, and even a vector approach
 
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The centre of the radius of curvature must be on the line that is perpendicular to the tangent to the curve at (1,1), the equation of which you can calculate. Having done that, what info do you already have that tells you how far along that line the centre of curvature is?
 
andrewkirk said:
The centre of the radius of curvature must be on the line that is perpendicular to the tangent to the curve at (1,1), the equation of which you can calculate. Having done that, what info do you already have that tells you how far along that line the centre of curvature is?
Well, I have the line which goes straight through the center, and I also have the radius (how far I should go), but need an x and a y value
 
What is the equation of the line?
Does it go through (1,1)?
What are the coordinates of the point on that line that is distance r from (1,1), in the direction towards the inside of the curve?
 
The equation of the line is y-1=-0.5(x-1), and it goes through the point (1,1). The distance formula says r=\frac { 25 }{ 2\sqrt { 5 } } =\sqrt { { (1-{ x }_{ 0 }) }^{ 2 }+{ (1-y_{ 0 }) }^{ 2 } }, but there's an x and a y.
 
You have two equations, and two unknowns ##x_0## and ##y_0##.
 
andrewkirk said:
You have two equations, and two unknowns ##x_0## and ##y_0##.
Got it, it's (x+4)^2 + (y-7/2)^2 = 125/4.
Thanks
 

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