Parametric Equations of Tangent Line

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the parametric equations of the tangent line to a surface defined by the equation z = 2x^2 + 5y^2 + 2 at the point P(2, 1, 15), specifically when the surface is intersected by the plane x = 2. Participants are exploring the implications of the equations and the correct interpretation of variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question the presence of z on both sides of the equation and whether it indicates a typo. Others discuss the correct form of the tangent line and the implications of the slope derived from the equations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering various interpretations and approaches to derive the tangent line's parametric equations. There is recognition of potential errors in earlier assumptions, and some participants are suggesting the use of point-slope form for clarity. Multiple interpretations of the tangent line's equations are being explored without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the correct equations and the definitions of variables, particularly concerning the gradient and its application in determining the tangent line. The discussion reflects a need for clarification on the setup and assumptions made in the problem.

njo
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


z = 2x^2 + 5y^2 +2
C is cut by the plane x = 2
Find parametric eqns of the line tangent to C @ P(2, 1, 15)

Homework Equations


z = 5y^2 + 10
dz/dx = 10y
dz/dx (1) = 10

The Attempt at a Solution


z = 10y + 15
y = t + 1

if the slope is 10/1 then delta z = 10 and delta y = 1. Therefore those values are multiples in front of t for the z and y parametric eqns respectively. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
njo said:

Homework Statement


z = 2x^2 + 5y^2 +z
Why does z appear on both sides? Is the equation actually w = 2x^2 + 5y^2 + z? Or is the last z a typo?
njo said:
C is cut by the plane x = 2
Find parametric eqns of the line tangent to C @ P(2, 1, 15)

Homework Equations


z = 5y^2 + 10
dz/dx = 10y
dz/dx (1) = 10

The Attempt at a Solution


z = 10y + 15
y = t + 1

if the slope is 10/1 then delta z = 10 and delta y = 1. Therefore those values are multiples in front of t for the z and y parametric eqns respectively. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance.
 
z = 2x^2 + 5y^2 +2

That's the equation. Typo.
 
njo said:
z = 5y^2 + 10
dz/dx = 10y
That would be dz/dy, not dz/dx.

The tangent line is a line in ##\mathbb{R}^3##. Parametric equations would be of the form x = f(t), y = g(t), z = h(t). Since the tangent line is in the plane z = 2, x will be just 2.
 
dz/dy = 10y

z = 10y + 15
y = t + 1
x = 2

Is this correct?
 
njo said:
dz/dy = 10y

z = 10y + 15
y = t + 1
x = 2

Is this correct?
The equations for y and z should be in terms of a parameter. Typically, t is used.
 
Oops, I know better than that.

z = 10t + 15
y = t + 1
x = 2
 
njo said:
Oops, I know better than that.

z = 10t + 15
y = t + 1
x = 2
That's not what I get. The trace of the surface ##z = 2x^2 + 5y^2 + 2## in the plane x = 2 is ##z = 5y^2 + 10##, a parabola. The slope of the tangent line to this parabola at the point (2, 1, 15) is 10, which you have, but I get a different equation for the tangent line. Use the point-slope form of the equation of the line, with m = 10, and the point (1, 15) -- (y, z) coordinates.
 
You want to find the tangent line as the intersection of plane ## P_1 |\ x = 2 ## and plane ## P_2 |\ a x + by + cz + d = 0 ##,
where ## (a,b,c) = \text{grad }F(2,1,15) ##, ##F(x,y,z) = 2x^2 + 5y^2 -z + 2 ##, and ##d## determined by the fact that ##(2,1,15)## belongs to ##P_2##. In cartesian coordinates, I get that the tangent line is ## 10y - z + 5 = 0 ##.
 
  • #10
So I find the gradient of w = 2x^2 + 5y^2 - z + 2 which would be <4x, 10y, -1>. I substitute P into the gradient? and that's how I get the coefficient in front of the parameter?
 
  • #11
geoffrey159 said:
I get that the tangent line is ## 10y - z + 5 = 0 ##.
That's what I get as well.
 
  • #12
The tangent line is z = 10y+5 therefore the parametric equations of this line are:
y = t +1
z = 10t + 15
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K