Osculating Circle Homework: Solving for Curvature Limit

Thread starter Adeel Ahmad
Start date Nov 8, 2016
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Calculus 3 Circle Curvature

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The discussion focuses on solving for the curvature limit in the context of oscillating circles. The curvature equation used is |f''| / [1-(f')^2]^(3/2), with a limit being taken to -1. There is confusion regarding the limit process, as the calculated result is |-1| / (13)^(3/2), which does not match the expected answer of 2. Clarification is sought on the necessity of taking the limit of the curvature and the steps leading to the discrepancy in results. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the curvature's behavior at specific points in the function.

Nov 8, 2016

Adeel Ahmad

Homework Statement

I know I would use the curvature equation |f''| / [1-(f')^2]^3/2 and then take the limit of that to -1. I just don't understand why I have to take the limit of the curvature and when I take the limit of the curvature I get |-1| / (13)^3/2 when the answer should be 2.

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Nov 8, 2016

Adeel Ahmad

This is my work:

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