Initial value problem-application (multivariable calculus)

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The discussion focuses on solving an initial value problem in multivariable calculus, specifically regarding the integration of velocity to find position. The user is confused about determining the constants C1, C2, and C3 from the initial conditions. By integrating the velocity function and applying the initial conditions at t=0, the constants are found to be C1=0, C2=0, and C3=1, leading to the velocity vector v(t) = -sin(t) i + cos(t) j + k. Further integration of the velocity function yields the position vector r(t) = cos(t) i + sin(t) j + t k, confirming the solution process for the initial value problem. Understanding these steps is crucial for mastering similar problems in the final exam.
mmont012
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Homework Statement


This is a solution to a problem that was on a quiz, and I am confused about how to do it. Especially lines
two (<0,1,1>=v(0)=<C1, 1+C2, C3> --> C1=0, C2=0, C3=1 and
five (<1,0,0>=r(0)=<1+ K1, K2, K3> -->K1=0, K2=0, K3=0
How do you do these steps? Can someone walk me through this process?
upload_2015-12-9_20-42-35.png


I'm studying for my final, and I KNOW that this will be one there.

Thank you in advance!
 
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Since ##v(t) = \int -\cos t \hat i -\sin t \hat j dt, ## you get ##v(t) = -\sin t \hat i + \cos t \hat j + \vec C ##.
Note that C can be any constant vector.
Plug in t = 0 and compare with your v(0) term to solve for vector C.
##v(0) = -\sin 0 \hat i + \cos 0 \hat j + \vec C = 0 \hat i + 1 \hat j + \vec C = \hat j + \hat k ##
This gives you ##\vec C = \hat k ##. Put this back into your equation for v(t) and you get ##v(t) = -\sin t \hat i + \cos t \hat j + \hat k ##.
Next, you integrate velocity to get position.
##r(t) = \int -\sin t \hat i + \cos t \hat j + \hat k dt = \cos t \hat i + \sin t \hat j + t \hat k + \vec K. ##
Where, again, vector K is any constant vector.
As before, put in t = 0 and compare with initial position ## \hat i ## to solve for the constant vector K.
##r(0) = \hat i = \cos 0 \hat i + \sin 0 \hat j + 0 \hat k + \vec K =1 \hat i + 0 \hat j + 0 \hat k + \vec K . ##
This shows you that vector K is the zero vector, so you can write r(t) as
##r(t) = \cos t \hat i + \sin t \hat j + t \hat k . ##
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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