Line tangent to a curve (Vector style)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the intersection of the tangent line L to the curve \(\vec{G}(t) = 10\text{Cos}(t)\mathbf{i} + 10\text{Sin}(t)\mathbf{j} + 16t \mathbf{k}\) at the point \((\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}, \frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}, 4\pi)\) with the x-y plane. The derivative \(\vec{G}'(t) = -10\sin(t)\mathbf{i} + 10\cos(t)\mathbf{j} + 16\mathbf{k}\) is calculated, and the tangent line is expressed as \(L = \frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}(1-t)\mathbf{i} + \frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}(1+t)\mathbf{j} + (16t + 4\pi)\mathbf{k}\). The intersection with the x-y plane occurs at the point (1, -1), confirming the correctness of the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus and parametric equations
  • Knowledge of derivatives and their applications in finding tangents
  • Familiarity with the concept of the x-y plane in three-dimensional space
  • Proficiency in trigonometric functions and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of derivatives in vector functions
  • Learn about parametric equations and their geometric interpretations
  • Explore the concept of tangent lines in three-dimensional space
  • Investigate the intersection of lines and planes in vector calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on vector functions and their applications, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of tangent lines in three-dimensional geometry.

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Homework Statement


Let L be the line tangent to the curve \vec{G}(t)=10\text{Cos}(t)\mathbf{i} + 10\text{Sin}(t)\mathbf{j} + 16t \mathbf{k} at the point (\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}, \frac {10}{\sqrt{2}}, 4 \pi)
Find the point at which L intersects the x-y plane.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


So taking the derivative of G gives

\vec{G}'(t)= -10\sin (t)\mathbf{i} + 10\cos (t)\mathbf{j} +16\mathbf{k}

So L should be defined as follows (with t_0=\frac{\pi }{4}):

L=\vec{G}\left(t_0\right)+t\left(\vec{G}'\left(t_0\right)\right)

L=\left\{\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}},\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}},4\pi \right\}+t\left\{\frac{-10}{\sqrt{2}},\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}},16\right\}
L=\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}(1-t)\mathbf{i} + \frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}(1+t)\mathbf{j}\text{ }+(16t+4\pi )\mathbf{k}

So, solving for where the x and y components are both 0:

\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}(1-t) =0
\frac{10}{\sqrt{2}}(1+t)=0

So the line L passes through the x-y plane at the point (1,-1)
does everything I've done here look correct? I'm not sure if I'm going about this the easiest (or correct) way. Thanks for the input!
 
Last edited:
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the x-y plane is defined by z=0 - other than that it looks good to me.
 

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