Finding a vector given a tangent vector

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a vector function \( r(t) \) that satisfies the condition \( r(0) = (e^{1}, 0) \) given a tangent vector \( T(t) = (-e^{\cos(t)\sin(t)}, \cos(t)) \), where \( t \) is in the interval \([0, 2\pi]\). Participants are exploring the relationship between the tangent vector and the vector function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants are questioning the validity of the tangent vector \( T(t) \) as a unit vector and its components. Others are attempting to clarify the relationship between \( r(t) \) and \( T(t) \), specifically whether \( r'(t) = T(t) \) is the correct interpretation. There are discussions about integrating to find \( r(t) \) and the need to account for constants in the integration process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the problem statement and exploring various interpretations of the tangent vector. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration of vector components and the need for constants, but no consensus has been reached on the exact approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted potential errors in the original formulation of the tangent vector and are working through assumptions about its components. There is also a mention of the problem being presented in a specific format (Wolfram Mathematica), which may influence the interpretation of the tangent vector.

tsamocki
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Homework Statement



Find a tangent vector r that satisfies r(0)= (e^(1),0) given T(t) = (-e^(cos(t)sin(t)),cos(t)), where t is an element of [0,2π]

Homework Equations



Tangent vector T = r'(t)/(norm(r'(t))

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking that r(t) = ∫r'(t), and that the norm of r(t) = 1; but i am having a hard time identifying a function compatible with the tangent vector that also has a norm of 1. I also attempted to find a value for t that would force the exponential aspect of -e (cos(t)sin(t)) to equal 1, while also allowing cos(t) = 0, but this did not work. Now I'm stuck second guessing myself.

Homework Statement

 
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tsamocki said:

Homework Statement



Find a tangent vector r that satisfies r(0)= (e^(1),0) given T(t) = (-e^(cos(t)sin(t)),cos(t)), where t is an element of [0,2π]

This question doesn't make any sense to me. Your T isn't a unit vector in the first place.
 
Sorry, maybe I've omitted something important: for each (t), the function T provides a tangent vector to an assortment of curves. The curve r exists in this assortment; find r that satisfies r(0) = (e^1, 0).
 
tsamocki said:
Sorry, maybe I've omitted something important: for each (t), the function T provides a tangent vector to an assortment of curves. The curve r exists in this assortment; find r that satisfies r(0) = (e^1, 0).

Are you trying to find a vector function r(t) satisfying r(0) =<e,0> and such that r'(t) = T(t)? Is that it? And if so, are you sure the first component of T isn't suppsed to be [itex]-\sin(t)e^{\cos t}[/itex] instead of what you have written?
 
LCKurtz said:
Are you trying to find a vector function r(t) satisfying r(0) =<e,0> and such that r'(t) = T(t)? Is that it? And if so, are you sure the first component of T isn't suppsed to be [itex]-\sin(t)e^{\cos t}[/itex] instead of what you have written?

Yes i am!

It is given in wolfram mathematica form T(t) = (-exp(cos(t))sin(t), cos(t)); so now that you think about it, i could see it being T(t) = -sin(t)e^(cos(t)), cos(t).

I apologize for my errors.:blushing:
 
tsamocki said:
Yes i am!

It is given in wolfram mathematica form T(t) = (-exp(cos(t))sin(t), cos(t)); so now that you think about it, i could see it being T(t) = -sin(t)e^(cos(t)), cos(t).

I apologize for my errors.:blushing:

And now that the problem is stated clearly, you see how to solve it, right?
 
LCKurtz said:
And now that the problem is stated clearly, you see how to solve it, right?

Would i need to integrate it in order to get a function of 0, r(0) = (e,0)?

rdr = e^(cos(t))+constant, ∫rdr = sin(t)+constant; if t=0, the function turns into the desired form.

Is this on the right track?
 
tsamocki said:
Would i need to integrate it in order to get a function of 0, r(0) = (e,0)?

rdr = e^(cos(t))+constant, ∫rdr = sin(t)+constant; if t=0, the function turns into the desired form.

Is this on the right track?

Don't forget you are integrating a vector -- both components and each component gets its own constant. And your answer for r will be a vector. But, yes, it is that easy.
 

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