Find the curvature of the generating curve.

[jinksys]

Homework Statement

A surface is formed by revolving y=x^(8/5) / 4 between [0,5] about the y-axis. Find the curvature of the generating curve. Graph the function of the generating curve.

This is a question from a mathematica project. The book we are using is Stewart Multivariable Calculus 6E. I can't seem to find "generating curves" in the index of the book, so I am clueless where to look for help.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi jinksys!

I think the generating curve has something to do with the locus of centres of curvature … see eg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focal_surface