Finding the angle between two tangent vectors

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the cosine of the angle between the tangent vectors of two space curves defined by parametric equations at their intersection point (1, 0, 2). The subject area includes vector calculus and the analysis of curves in three-dimensional space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating the parametric equations to find tangent vectors. There is uncertainty regarding the correctness of the differentiation process and the resulting tangent vectors.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for the tangent vectors and are seeking confirmation of their results. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the tangent vectors and how to proceed with finding the angle between them.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the amount of guidance they can receive. There is an emphasis on understanding the differentiation process and the properties of tangent vectors.

navalava
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Homework Statement


Consider the two space curves
r1(t) = <cos(t − 1), t^2 − 1, 2t^4>
r2(s) = <1 + ln s, s^2 − 2s + 1, 2s^2>,
where t and s are two independent real parameters.
Find the cosine of the angle between the tangent vectors of the two curves at the intersection point
(1, 0, 2).

Please show me steps..thank you!


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I set cos(t-1)=1 and got t=1.
In the same manner, I got s=1.
But I'm not sure how to get r'(1)...I'd appreciate any help on this!
 
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You find a tangent vector to a curve by differentiating the curve, don't you?
 
Yeah, I differentiated it and got r'(1)=<0.841,0,0> and |r'(1)|=0.841, which seems like an odd number...I wanted to confirm that I did it right.
I also got r2'(1)=<1,0,4> and |r2'(1)|=sq.root17.
Is this right? And I just set them over each other to get the tangent vector right?
 
0.841=sin(1). Seems ok so far. You set them 'over each other' to get two unit tangent vectors. Then what?
 

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