How do I find the Euclidean Coordinate Functions of a parametrized curve?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the Euclidean coordinate functions for the parametrized curve α(t) = (cos(t), t^2, 0). The key equations derived are x = cos(t), y = t^2, and z = 0. The relationship between t and y can be expressed as t = ±√y, leading to the conclusion that x = cos(√y) due to the even nature of the cosine function, where cos(-θ) = cos(θ).

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  • Understanding of parametrized curves in three-dimensional space
  • Knowledge of Cartesian coordinates and their relationships
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically the cosine function
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills for solving equations
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I've been given a curve α parametrized by t :

α (t) = (cos(t), t^2, 0)

How would I go about finding the euclidean coordinate functions for this curve? I know how to find euclidean coord. fns. for a vector field, but I am a bit confused here.

(Sorry about the formatting)
 
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I'm not certain what you mean by "Euclidean Coordinates". Perhaps you mean what I would call "Cartesian Coordinates"- a direct relation of x and y. The equations you have are x= cos(t), y= t^2, z= 0. The second equation can be written $t= \pm\sqrt{y}$ so we get two equations, $t= \sqrt{y}$ and $t= -\sqrt{y}$ and then $x= cos(\sqrt{y})$ and $x= cos(-\sqrt{y})$.

But since cosine is an "even function", $cos(-\theta)= cos(\theta)$, those both give $x= cos(\sqrt{y})$.
 

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