Intersection of a Curve and a Surface

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The curve r(t) = ti + 2tj + t^2 intersects the surface z = x^2 + y^2 - 100 at the points (5, 10, 25) and (-5, -10, 25). The intersection is determined by substituting r(t) into the surface equation, leading to the equation -4t^2 = -100, which simplifies to t = ±5. Both points satisfy the surface equation, confirming their validity as intersection points. The discussion highlights confusion over grading, suggesting that errors in the initial approach may have contributed to receiving no credit. Understanding the correct method for solving such problems is emphasized.
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1. At what points does the curve r(t)=ti+2tj+t2k intersect the surface z = x2+y2-100? Give the coordinates of the points.

2. Given equations above.

3. r(t)=<t, 2t, t2>
z = x2+y2-100
(t2) = (t)2+(2t)-100
-4t2 = -100
t = sqrt(25) = +/- 5

when t = 5, (5, 10, 25)
when t = -5 (-5, -10, 25)

This was a problem on a test, and when I got it back my teacher gave me zero credit. So, I don't think I know how to do this sort of problem but I'm coming up with a blank when I try to solve it a different way.
 
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major_maths said:
1. At what points does the curve r(t)=ti+2tj+t2k intersect the surface z = x2+y2-100? Give the coordinates of the points.

2. Given equations above.

3. r(t)=<t, 2t, t2>
z = x2+y2-100
(t2) = (t)2+(2t)-100
Should be
t2 = (t)2+(2t)2[/color]-100

major_maths said:
-4t2 = -100
t = sqrt(25) = +/- 5
sqrt(25) means the principal square root of 25, which is 5.
Your equation above should be t = +/-sqrt(25) = +/- 5
major_maths said:
when t = 5, (5, 10, 25)
when t = -5 (-5, -10, 25)
I get the same points. Maybe your instructor marked off because of the errors I pointed out. It might be worthwhile to ask your instructor why you got no credit for the problem.

r(5) = <5, 10, 25> and (5, 10, 25) is a point on the surface (which happens to be a paraboloid).
r(-5) = <-5, -10, 25) and (-5, -10, 25) is another point on the surface.


major_maths said:
This was a problem on a test, and when I got it back my teacher gave me zero credit. So, I don't think I know how to do this sort of problem but I'm coming up with a blank when I try to solve it a different way.
 
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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