How to Find the Length of a Parametric Path?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the length of a parametric path defined by the equations (2 cos t - cos 2t, 2 sin t - sin 2t) over the interval 0 ≤ t ≤ π/2. The user has derived an expression involving the antiderivative of √(1 - cos t) and reached the result of 2√2. The key transformation involves recognizing that √(1 - cos t) can be expressed as √2 sin(t/2), which simplifies the integration process necessary for finding the path length.

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Homework Statement


Find the length of the path over (2 cos t - cos 2t, 2 sin t - sin 2t) 0<=t<=(pi/2)


Homework Equations


sin^(2) x = (1-cos 2x)/2


The Attempt at a Solution


I have worked my way thru the problem and I have arrived at 2 (sq root 2) antiderivative (sq root (1-cos t)), but I'm not sure how this coverts into the relevant equation above? Thanks in advance!
 
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stau40 said:

Homework Statement


Find the length of the path over (2 cos t - cos 2t, 2 sin t - sin 2t) 0<=t<=(pi/2)


Homework Equations


sin^(2) x = (1-cos 2x)/2


The Attempt at a Solution


I have worked my way thru the problem and I have arrived at 2 (sq root 2) antiderivative (sq root (1-cos t)), but I'm not sure how this coverts into the relevant equation above? Thanks in advance!

[tex]\sqrt{1 - cos(t)} = \sqrt{\frac{2(1 - cos(t))}{2}}=\sqrt{2sin^2(\frac{t}{2})}=\sqrt{2}sin(\frac{t}{2})[/tex]
 

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