Find the center of the circle of curvature

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the center of the circle of curvature for the curve defined by the equation y = x² at the point (1, 1). Participants are exploring concepts related to curvature, radius of curvature, and the geometric properties of the curve.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the center of curvature and the tangent line at the given point. There are attempts to use the distance formula and vector approaches to determine the center's coordinates. Questions are raised about the equation of the line perpendicular to the tangent and how to find the coordinates at a specific distance along that line.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the geometric relationships involved, particularly about the perpendicular line and the distance to the center of curvature. Participants are actively working through the equations and relationships but have not reached a consensus on the final coordinates.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of needing specific coordinates for the center of curvature, and participants are navigating the constraints of having two equations with two unknowns. The discussion reflects the complexity of the problem without providing a definitive solution.

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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