Interval for the Length of an Arc

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    Arc Interval Length
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the length of an arc of a helix defined by parametric equations, specifically addressing the integration interval and the differentiation process involved in calculating the arc length. Participants explore different representations of the helix and clarify their understanding of the mathematical steps required.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the integration interval for the arc length should be from 0 to 2π based on the z-coordinates.
  • Others question the correctness of the proposed functions as helices, particularly noting discrepancies in reaching specific y-values.
  • A participant suggests an alternative parametric representation of the helix, indicating uncertainty about the original points mentioned.
  • There is a discussion about the differentiation process, with some participants asserting that a common factor can be factored out before differentiation, while others challenge this approach.
  • Participants express confusion about the differentiation of terms involving t, with specific examples provided to illustrate the point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct integration interval or the validity of the proposed helix functions. There are competing views on the differentiation process, with some asserting that factoring out is possible and others disagreeing.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the clarity of the original points and the assumptions made about the parametric equations. The mathematical steps involved in differentiation and integration are also not fully resolved.

ineedhelpnow
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find the length of an arc of a helix r(t)=(sint,cost,t) from the point (0,2,0) to (0,5,2pi)

would the interval when integrating be from 0 to 2pi because t in the case is (z=t)? please say yes. please say yes.
 
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ineedhelpnow said:
find the length of an arc of a helix r(t)=(sin2t,cos2t,t) from the point (0,2,0) to (0,5,2pi)

would the interval when integrating be from 0 to 2pi because t in the case is (z=t)? please say yes. please say yes.

Yes.
 

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ineedhelpnow said:
really? is this right?

It would be right... but I'm only just now noticing that your function is not a helix.
How does it get to $y=5$? (Wondering)
 
ok ILS ima let you in on a little secret (i don't really remember the points. all i remember are the z coordinates 0 and 2pi) but it was a helix for sure. it was probably 5 instead of 2. i don't know i can't remember. i don't want to say i made them up but I am going to saaaaay improvised.
 
ineedhelpnow said:
ok ILS ima let you in on a little secret (i don't really remember the points. all i remember are the z coordinates 0 and 2pi)

Okay...
How about $r(t)=\left(\frac{3t}{2\pi}\sin(t),\ 2+\frac{3t}{2\pi}\cos(t),\ t\right)$?
 
what about it?
you would differentiate and pull out a common factor and simplify the sin and cos to 1. and then add the extra 1 and take the square root.
 
ineedhelpnow said:
what about it?
you would differentiate and pull out a common factor and simplify the sin and cos to 1. and then add the extra 1 and take the square root.

Did you really differentiate it?
How about the factor $t$ that is in both the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate (which is an integral part of a helix)?
 
factor it out before you differentiate.
 
  • #10
ineedhelpnow said:
factor it out before you differentiate.

Can you show that?

Edit: Perhaps I should say: you can't.
 
  • #11
why can't it be factored out? :confused:
 
  • #12
ineedhelpnow said:
why can't it be factored out? :confused:

I'm not entirely sure what you mean, but I'm going out on a limb and say: no, it can't be factored out.

What is the derivative of $t \cos t$?
 
  • #13
cos t - t*sin t
 
  • #14
ineedhelpnow said:
cos t - t*sin t

There you go!
No factoring out before the differentiation.
 
  • #15
ineedhelpnow said:
what about it?
you would differentiate and pull out a common factor and simplify the sin and cos to 1. and then add the extra 1 and take the square root.
:D soooo you can just do what i said earlier. by differentiating. pulling out a common factor of 3/2pi and---- oh i see what i did wrong. (Giggle) made a mistake with the differentiating part.
 

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