Parameteric Curves: Partial Diff, Tangent Line?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of parameterized curves, differentiation, and tangent lines in the context of vector functions in three-dimensional space. Participants explore the relationships between parameterization, partial differentiation, and the equations of tangent lines, along with the implications of different representations of curves and surfaces.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that differentiating a parameterized curve r(t) is analogous to performing partial differentiation with respect to x, y, and z.
  • Others argue that the derivative r'(t) yields the components (dx/dt, dy/dt, dz/dt) rather than the partial derivatives (dr/dx, dr/dy, dr/dz).
  • A participant suggests that the tangent line can be expressed in terms of the derivatives at a specific point, leading to a vector equation involving a parameter t.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of r(x,y,z) and whether it can represent a curve or if it leads to discrete points, with some participants questioning the validity of certain representations.
  • One participant inquires about the implications of having three parameters and whether it corresponds to a volume, while also questioning the nature of equations like r = x² + y² + z².
  • Another participant seeks clarification on how to parameterize a vector and whether their proposed parameterization is correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between parameterization and partial differentiation, leading to unresolved questions about the nature of curves and surfaces. There is no consensus on whether certain representations can be classified as curves or if they lead to discrete points.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific interpretations of parameterization and differentiation, which may not be universally agreed upon. The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of curves and surfaces that are not explicitly resolved.

quietrain
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lets say i have a parameterized curve r(t)

if i do r'(t), is it the same as if i were to do a partial differentiation of d/dx d/dy d/dz ?

so i get r'(x,y,z) = (dr/dx, dr/dy, dr/dz) ?

that means these all discribe the tangent line to the curve right?

thanks
 
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quietrain said:
lets say i have a parameterized curve r(t)
I presume that you mean that r(t)= (x(t), y(t), z(t)).

if i do r'(t), is it the same as if i were to do a partial differentiation of d/dx d/dy d/dz ?

so i get r'(x,y,z) = (dr/dx, dr/dy, dr/dz) ?
No. You get, instead, (dx/dt, dy/dt, dz/dt).

that means these all discribe the tangent line to the curve right?
it means that the tangent line, at [itex](x(t_0), y(t_0), z(t_0))= (x_0, y_0, z_0)[/itex] is given by [itex]((dx/dt)(t_0)t+ x_0, (dy/dt(t_0)t+ y_0, (dz/dt)(t_0)t+ z_0)[/tex]<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> thanks </div> </div> </blockquote>[/itex]
 
HallsofIvy said:
it means that the tangent line, at [itex](x(t_0), y(t_0), z(t_0))= (x_0, y_0, z_0)[/itex] is given by [itex]((dx/dt)(t_0)t+ x_0, (dy/dt(t_0)t+ y_0, (dz/dt)(t_0)t+ z_0)[/tex][/itex]
[itex] <br /> oh so it is like an equation of the line right? r<sub>x</sub> = x + tv where v is a vector parallel to the x-direction ? so in this case it is the dx/dt? <br /> also, i meant that if i have r(x,y,z) = (x<sup>2</sup>,y<sup>2</sup>,z<sup>2</sup>) , and i do <a href="https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/partial-differentiation-without-tears/" class="link link--internal">partial differentiation</a>, to get r'(x,y,z) = (2x,2y,2z) , then this is the tangent line equation right? <br /> <br /> so if i parameterize r(x(t),y(t),z(t)) , and do r'(t), i get the equation you wrote above right? which is the tangent line equation parameterized.<br /> <br /> so are they the same? just that one is parameterized one is not?[/itex]
 
quietrain said:
oh so it is like an equation of the line right? rx = x + tv where v is a vector parallel to the x-direction ? so in this case it is the dx/dt?
Yes, every vector can be written as a sum of vectors parallel to the axes.



also, i meant that if i have r(x,y,z) = (x2,y2,z2)
I have no idea at all what that means. Are (a, b, c) the x,y,z coordinates or not? If so, then you are saying that [itex]x= x^2[/itex], [itex]y= y^2[/itex], [itex]z= z^2[/itex] so that your set is not a curve at all but is 8 discrete points.

, and i do partial differentiation, to get r'(x,y,z) = (2x,2y,2z) , then this is the tangent line equation right?
NO.

so if i parameterize r(x(t),y(t),z(t)) , and do r'(t), i get the equation you wrote above right? which is the tangent line equation parameterized.
I don't know what you mean by that. Are you still saying that [itex]r(x,y,z)= (x^2, y^2, z^2)[/itex]? As I said before, points satifying that do NOT form a curve and it cannot be parameterized.

so are they the same? just that one is parameterized one is not?
A vector (or point) function in an xyz-coordinate system is always (x, y, z) by definition of "xyz-coordinate system". You have to have x, y, and z functions of some other variables in order to have a set. For example, if they are functions of one parameter, (x(t), y(t), z(t)), this is a one dimensional figure, a curve. If they are functions of two parameters, (x(u,v), y(u,v), z(u,v)) then it is a two dimensional figure, a surface. To write something like "r(x, y, z)= (f(x), g(y), h(z)) would mean that you are requiring the points (x,y,z) to satisfy x= f(x), y= g(y), z= h(z) which, typically, will reduce to a finite number of points.
 
HallsofIvy said:
A vector (or point) function in an xyz-coordinate system is always (x, y, z) by definition of "xyz-coordinate system". You have to have x, y, and z functions of some other variables in order to have a set. For example, if they are functions of one parameter, (x(t), y(t), z(t)), this is a one dimensional figure, a curve. If they are functions of two parameters, (x(u,v), y(u,v), z(u,v)) then it is a two dimensional figure, a surface. To write something like "r(x, y, z)= (f(x), g(y), h(z)) would mean that you are requiring the points (x,y,z) to satisfy x= f(x), y= g(y), z= h(z) which, typically, will reduce to a finite number of points.

oh... i see... so what about a straight line?

so 3 parameters = volume?

what if i write it this way r = x2+y2+z2? does this make sense? is this a curve or surface or? so if i do partial diff on this one, do i get the tangent line?btw: if i want to parameterize a vector (1,0,1), is it (t,0,t)?
 

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