Multivariable Arc Length Problem: Weird Form with Parameterization

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a multivariable arc length problem involving parameterization of a curve. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the simplification of an expression derived from the arc length formula, particularly in part (c) of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to parameterize the curve and calculate the differential arc length, ds, but questions the form of the final expression. Other participants suggest reviewing the formula used for ds and express agreement on the need to verify the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in checking the correctness of the formula for ds and discussing the implications of the parameterization. There is a collaborative effort to clarify the original poster's reasoning and identify potential errors without reaching a consensus on the resolution.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a calculus book as a reference for the formula, indicating that participants are considering authoritative sources to validate their reasoning. The original poster's confusion about the problem's requirements suggests that there may be additional constraints or expectations not fully articulated.

The Head
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Homework Statement
See Attachment
Relevant Equations
ds=sqrt(dx^2+dy^2+dz^2)
Arc Length = integral on C of ds
Problem: See Attachment. Parts (a) & (b) are clear, but my confusion arises in (c)-- I feel like there is a much simpler form. While technically my answer is correct, there must be something I'm missing.

I parameterized the curve C=(t, e^2t, e^2t) and got c'(t)=(1,2e^2t,2e^2t), which should be correct since I got the answer for (b). I said ds=sqrt(||c'(t)||)

So ds=sqrt(1+4e^2t+4e^4t) =sqrt((1+2e^2t)^2)=1 + 2e^2t. The limits are from t=0 to t=x_0.

Integral(1+2e^2t) dt = t+e^2t, and I'll evaluate at the limits to get:

x_0 + e^(2x_0) - 1. So if x_0=ln(W+1)^(1/3), then e^(2x_0)= (W+1)^2/3. But still, why ask for it in this crazy form? Or is it just a silly excuse to
Screen Shot 2020-08-02 at 8.30.07 PM.png
 
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The Head said:
So ds=sqrt(1+4e^2t+4e^4t) =sqrt((1+2e^2t)^2)=1 + 2e^2t.
Stop right there, check your formula, my clac book says that

$$ds = \sqrt{\left( \tfrac{dx}{dt}\right) ^2 +\left( \tfrac{dy}{dt}\right) ^2 +\left( \tfrac{dz}{dt}\right) ^2 } \, dt$$
 
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benorin said:
Stop right there, check your formula, my clac book says that

$$ds = \sqrt{\left( \tfrac{dx}{dt}\right) ^2 +\left( \tfrac{dy}{dt}\right) ^2 +\left( \tfrac{dz}{dt}\right) ^2 } \, dt$$

I agree on the formula, but not sure where I went wrong. Since it's arc length and the path is parameterized as c(t)= (t, 2e^t, e^(2t)) and c'(t)= (1, 2e^(t), 2e^(2t)) = (dx/dt, dy/dt, dz/dt). So squaring all terms and summing up gives: 1 + 4e^(2t) + 4e^(4t). So then I took the square root, simplified to 1+2e^2t, and then tacked on the dt. Where did I go wrong?
 
benorin said:
Stop right there, check your formula, my clac book says that

##ds = \sqrt{\left( \tfrac{dx}{dt}\right) ^2 +\left( \tfrac{dy}{dt}\right) ^2 +\left( \tfrac{dz}{dt}\right) ^2 } \, dt##
The above is equivalent to ##ds = \sqrt{dx^2 + dy^2 + dz^2}##
 

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