Intersection of a Curve and a Surface

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SUMMARY

The curve defined by r(t) = ti + 2tj + t²k intersects the surface described by the equation z = x² + y² - 100 at two points: (5, 10, 25) and (-5, -10, 25). The intersection is determined by substituting the parametric equations of the curve into the surface equation, leading to the simplification -4t² = -100, which results in t = ±5. Both points satisfy the surface equation, confirming their validity as intersection points.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parametric equations in three-dimensional space
  • Familiarity with the concept of surfaces defined by equations
  • Knowledge of solving quadratic equations
  • Basic understanding of vector notation and operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of paraboloids and their equations
  • Learn about parametric surfaces and their intersections
  • Explore the use of calculus in analyzing curves and surfaces
  • Practice solving similar intersection problems using different curves and surfaces
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus or multivariable mathematics, educators teaching geometry and algebra, and anyone interested in understanding the intersection of curves and surfaces in three-dimensional space.

major_maths
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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.
 

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