How Is the Tangent Function Applied in Calculating Curvature?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of the tangent function in calculating curvature, specifically in the context of a proof found on Wolfram MathWorld. The user clarifies their understanding of steps 1 through 7, particularly the equation \tan \phi=\frac{y'}{x'} from step 7, and seeks assistance in applying this to the derivative \frac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d} t}\tan \phi=\sec^{2}\phi\frac{\mathrm{d} \phi}{\mathrm{d} t} in steps 8 and 9. Additionally, the user questions the relationship between the curvature defined as k=\frac{d\phi}{ds} and the curvature defined by the radius of the osculating circle, k=\frac{1}{R}.

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Hello

I need help understanding this proof: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Curvature.html"

I understand everything from step 1 to step 7. However I don't understand how the result of step 7 is applied in step 8 and in step 9.

I understand that
[tex]\tan \phi=\frac{y'}{x'}[/tex] (step 7)
and that
[tex]\frac{\mathrm{d} }{\mathrm{d} t}\tan \phi=\sec^{2}\phi\frac{\mathrm{d} \phi}{\mathrm{d} t}[/tex] (step 8)

But I don't understand how [tex]\tan \phi=\frac{y'}{x'}[/tex] is applied to [tex]\frac{\mathrm{d} }{\mathrm{d} t}\tan \phi=\sec^{2}\phi\frac{\mathrm{d} \phi}{\mathrm{d} t}[/tex] to get [tex]\frac{x'y''-y'x''}{x'^{2}}[/tex]

Same for step 9
Can anyone help me?
 
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Ok, i now fully understand the proof.
I have another question though

The link defines [tex]k=\frac{d\phi}{ds}[/tex].

We also know that it can also be defined by the inverse of the radius of the osculating circle.

However the first proof does not talk about circles and radii at all. How can we relate the first proof that defines [tex]k=\frac{d\phi}{ds}[/tex]. to [tex]k=\frac{1}{R}[/tex]?

Thank you
 
You define the "osculating circle" as the circle whose center lies on the normal to the curve and whose radius is equal to 1/k, 1 over the curvature.
 

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