Parameterized tangent line to a parameterized curve

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Cauchy1789
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Homework Statement



I seem to remember that a parameterized a(t) curve in [tex]\mathbb{R}^3[/tex] that one can construct the tangent from the slope of a'(t) and the curve itself.

such that the tangent line L = a(t) + s * a'(t) to a. This is supposedly a straight line in [tex]\mathbb{R}^3[/tex].
To make a long question. What theorem allows me to construct the tangent in such a way? confused:
 
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Cauchy1789 said:
I seem to remember that a parameterized a(t) curve in [tex]\mathbb{R}^3[/tex] that one can construct the tangent from the slope of a'(t) and the curve itself.

such that the tangent line L = a(t) + s * a'(t) to a. This is supposedly a straight line in [tex]\mathbb{R}^3[/tex].
To make a long question. What theorem allows me to construct the tangent in such a way? confused:

Hi Cauchy1789! :smile:

It's the theorem that says that the slope of the tangent euqals the derivative …

so, for fixed t, L(s) = s * a'(t) + constant …

and the constant has to be a(t) because L(0) = a(t). :wink: