Parametrization of Witch of Agnesi

  • Thread starter Thread starter PWiz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Parametrization
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the parametrization of the Witch of Agnesi, specifically addressing the derivation of the position vector in two dimensions. The user initially calculated the position vector as ##γ(θ) = (\frac{2asin(θ)}{1-cos(θ)},a-cos(θ))## but found a discrepancy with the correct answer, ##γ(θ) = (2a## ##cot(θ), a(1-cos(2θ))##. The error was identified as a misunderstanding of the angle substitution, where the user's ##θ## corresponds to ##2θ## in the solution manual, necessitating the application of trigonometric identities for accurate parametrization.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities and properties
  • Familiarity with parametric equations in two dimensions
  • Knowledge of the Witch of Agnesi and its mathematical significance
  • Basic skills in vector representation and manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Witch of Agnesi using parametric equations
  • Learn about trigonometric identities relevant to angle transformations
  • Explore the implications of parametrization in calculus and geometry
  • Review examples of parametrization in other mathematical contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, geometry enthusiasts, and anyone interested in advanced mathematical concepts related to parametrization and trigonometry.

PWiz
Messages
695
Reaction score
117

Homework Statement



upload_2015-2-15_17-11-41.png


The question is completely described in the photo.

Homework Equations


Trigonometric translation properties

The Attempt at a Solution


The problem is in two dimensions, so I'm ignoring the z coordinates. For a circle centered at (0,a), the position vector of P is ##(a## ##sin(θ),a-a## ##cos(θ))## (by taking into consideration what theta is in this problem) since ##a## ##cos(\frac{3π}{2}+θ)=a## ##sin(θ)## and ##a+a## ##sin(\frac{3π}{2}+θ)=a-a## ##cos(θ)## .
Therefore, the y coordinates of R should be ##a-a## ##cos(θ)## . R's x coordinate equals to the x coordinate of Q, which is given by ##x=\frac{2a}{m}## , where ##m=\frac{1-cos(θ)}{sin(θ)}## .
So my answer is ##γ(θ) = (\frac{2asin(θ)}{1-cos(θ)},a-cos(θ))##. However, the correct answer is ##γ(θ) = (2a## ##cot(θ), a(1-cos(2θ))##. Where did I go wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What you are calling ##\theta##, your solution manual calls ##2\theta##. Make this substitution and use some trigonometric identities and you will get the same. This is of course only a different parametrisation. You are also missing an a multiplying the cos in your y coordinate.
 
Oops, I made a typo at the end there. And yes, if it is as you say, then my answer would be correct, although why my book refers to ##\theta## as ##2\theta## is beyond me. Thank you.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
8K