Calculating the Tangent to a Parametric Curve at a Given Point

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The discussion revolves around calculating the tangent to a parametric curve defined by x=6cos(2t) and y=t^(5/2) at t=π/4. A participant initially calculated the tangent line as y=-0.145x+0.547 but received feedback indicating the answer was incorrect. The confusion stems from the proper interpretation of the equation for y, which was clarified to be y=t^(5/2). Participants emphasized the importance of showing all work to identify errors in the calculations. Accurate notation and clear communication of mathematical expressions are crucial for resolving such problems.
53Mark53
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Homework Statement



Consider the parametric curve given by:

x=6cos(2t),

y=t5/2.

Calculate the equation of the tangent to this curve at the point given by t=π/4, in the form y=mx+c.

The tangent is given by y=

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
the answer that I got was y=-0.145x+0.547 but it says that it is wrong

I did this by subbing in the value of t for x and y and also the differential of x and y and then calculating the slope

but I am not sure what I have done wrong
 
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53Mark53 said:

Homework Statement



Consider the parametric curve given by:

x=6cos(2t),

y=t5/2.

Calculate the equation of the tangent to this curve at the point given by t=π/4, in the form y=mx+c.

The tangent is given by y=

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
the answer that I got was y=-0.145x+0.547 but it says that it is wrong

I did this by subbing in the value of t for x and y and also the differential of x and y and then calculating the slope

but I am not sure what I have done wrong

How can we know what you did wrong if you do not show your work?
 
53Mark53 said:

Homework Statement



Consider the parametric curve given by:

x=6cos(2t),

y=t5/2.

Calculate the equation of the tangent to this curve at the point given by t=π/4, in the form y=mx+c.

The tangent is given by y=

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
the answer that I got was y=-0.145x+0.547 but it says that it is wrong

I did this by subbing in the value of t for x and y and also the differential of x and y and then calculating the slope

but I am not sure what I have done wrong

Do you mean ##y = (5/2)t##, ##y = t^{5/2}##, ##y = t^5/2 = \frac{1}{2} t^5##, or what? Use parenthesis, like this: y = (5/2)t or y = t*(5/2) or y = t^(5/2) or y =(t^5)/2, or whatever is appropriate.
 
Ray Vickson said:
Do you mean ##y = (5/2)t##, ##y = t^{5/2}##, ##y = t^5/2 = \frac{1}{2} t^5##, or what? Use parenthesis, like this: y = (5/2)t or y = t*(5/2) or y = t^(5/2) or y =(t^5)/2, or whatever is appropriate.

sorry the question didnt copy properly it should say t^(5/2)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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