MHB Parametric representation of a line

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The discussion focuses on deriving a new parametric representation of a line segment using arc length from the curve r(t) = (t+1, 0.5(1-t), 0) for t in the range of -1 to 1. The user has successfully calculated the arc length, which is s(t) = (1/2)√5(t+1), but seeks guidance on how to proceed. A response suggests finding the inverse function of the arc length, t(s), and substituting it back into the original parametric equation. The user expresses gratitude and indicates they can now continue with the problem.
brunette15
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I am give the following curve r(t) = (t+1,0.5(1-t),0) where t ranges from -1 to 1. I am now trying to derive a new parametric representation of this line segment using the arc length as the parametric variable.

I have integrated r'(t) from -1 to 1 and found that the length of the segment ranges from 0 to 5^0.5 however am unsure where to go from here.

Can anyone please help me finish off this problem? :)
 
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brunette15 said:
I am give the following curve r(t) = (t+1,0.5(1-t),0) where t ranges from -1 to 1. I am now trying to derive a new parametric representation of this line segment using the arc length as the parametric variable.

I have integrated r'(t) from -1 to 1 and found that the length of the segment ranges from 0 to 5^0.5 however am unsure where to go from here.

Can anyone please help me finish off this problem? :)

Hey brunette15! ;)

You have correctly calculated the full arc length, but let's get the arc length up to some arbitrary $t$.
That arc length is given by:
$$s(t) = \int_{-1}^t \|\mathbf r'(t)\| \,dt = \int_{-1}^t \|(1,-0.5,0)\| \,dt
= \int_{-1}^t \frac 12 \sqrt 5 \,dt =\frac 12 \sqrt 5(t+1)$$Now let $\mathbf{\tilde r}(s)$ be the new parametric representation of this line segment using the arc length as the parametric variable.
Then:
$$\mathbf{\tilde r}(s) = \mathbf{r}(t(s))$$
where $t(s)$ is the inverse function of the arc length $s(t)$.How about finding the inverse of $s(t)$ and substituting it in $\mathbf r(t)$? (Wondering)
 
I like Serena said:
Hey brunette15! ;)

You have correctly calculated the full arc length, but let's get the arc length up to some arbitrary $t$.
That arc length is given by:
$$s(t) = \int_{-1}^t \|\mathbf r'(t)\| \,dt = \int_{-1}^t \|(1,-0.5,0)\| \,dt
= \int_{-1}^t \frac 12 \sqrt 5 \,dt =\frac 12 \sqrt 5(t+1)$$Now let $\mathbf{\tilde r}(s)$ be the new parametric representation of this line segment using the arc length as the parametric variable.
Then:
$$\mathbf{\tilde r}(s) = \mathbf{r}(t(s))$$
where $t(s)$ is the inverse function of the arc length $s(t)$.How about finding the inverse of $s(t)$ and substituting it in $\mathbf r(t)$? (Wondering)

Thankyou so much! I know how to figure it out from here :D
 

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