# Parametrize a cylinder

1. Dec 5, 2008

### hils0005

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Parametrize the part of the cylinder 4y^2 + z^2 = 36 between the planes x= -3 and x=7

3. The attempt at a solution
Parametric equations:
x=x
y=4 + 6cos(theta)
z=6sin(theta)

in vector form
$$\widehat{}r$$= x$$\widehat{}i$$ + (4 + 6cos(theta))$$\widehat{}j$$ + 6sin(theta)$$\widehat{}k$$

-3 $$\leq$$ x $$\leq$$ 7

I really don't know if I'm completing correctly, any direction would be appreciated. Thanks!

2. Dec 5, 2008

### Pere Callahan

These y,z do NOT satisfy 4y^2+z^2=36. Moreover, you cannot speak of a radius here, as the crosssection of the cylinder is not a circle.

3. Dec 5, 2008

### hils0005

the cross sections of the cylinder perpendicular to the x axis are circles y^2 + z^2=6^2 correct?
then this would be given parametrically as y=6cos(theta) and z=6sin(theta) right?

4. Dec 5, 2008

### Pere Callahan

This is correct, but in your original problem the y^2 is multiplied by a factor 4.
If you let y'=2y, then you have

y'^2+z^2=36 and so

y'=6 cos(theta)
z =6 sin(theta)

Now use y=y'/2 and you're done.

5. Dec 5, 2008

### hils0005

Thanks I did not know what to do with factor of 4

so would this be correct???
x=x
y=3cos(theta)
z=6sin(theta)

in vector form
$$\widehat{}r$$= x$$\widehat{}i$$ + 3cos(theta)$$\widehat{}j$$ + 6sin(theta)$$\widehat{}k$$

-3 $$\leq$$ x $$\leq$$ 7

do i need to say anything about theta going from 0 to 2pi?