Parametrize intersection of a plane and paraboloid

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around parametrizing the intersection of a paraboloid defined by the equation z = x² + y² and a plane given by 3x - 7y + z = 4. Participants are exploring the mathematical relationships and transformations needed to express this intersection in parametric form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to substitute the expression for z from the paraboloid into the plane equation, leading to a reformulation that suggests a circular intersection. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculations and the interpretation of the resulting equations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing feedback on each other's attempts. There is a recognition of errors in calculations, and some guidance has been offered regarding the parametrization process. The conversation indicates a collaborative effort to clarify the steps needed to find the correct parametric equations.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the calculations and the correct interpretation of the intersection's geometric properties. The participants are also navigating the constraints of the problem, such as the specified range for the parameter t.

re12
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Parametrize the intersection of
the paraboloid z = x2 + y2
and the plane 3x -7y + z = 4
between 0 [tex]\leq[/tex] t [tex]\geq[/tex] 2*pi

When t = 0, x will be greatest on the curve.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I never really know how to do these kinds of problem. I am more familiar with parametrizing straight lines. Here is what I have done so far

I substitute the z in the plane equation with the paraboloid

3x - 7y + x2 + y2 = 4
x2 + 3x + (3/2)2 + y2 -7y + (7/2)2 = 37/2
(x + 3/2) 2 + (y - 7/2)2 = 37/2

which is a circle centered at (-3/2 , 7/2) with radius 37/2

So to parametrize x, I did

x = [tex]\sqrt{37/2}[/tex] - (3/2) at t = 0 so
x = ([tex]\sqrt{37/2}[/tex] - 3/2) * cos(t)

This may be wrong, but I am not sure. Please let me know if I am on the right track and how can I continue with this problem. The y and z components seem to be more complicated.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
re12 said:
3x - 7y + x2 + y2 = 4
x2 + 3x + (3/2)2 + y2 -7y + (7/2)2 = 29/2

What happened to the 4?:wink:

So to parametrize x, I did

x = [tex]\sqrt{29/2}[/tex] - (3/2) at t = 0 so
x = ([tex]\sqrt{29/2}[/tex] - 3/2) * cos(t)

Close, to find x, you start at the center (-3/2) and add some fraction of the radius...that means you have x=-3/2+f(t)*radius, and so you want x=-3/2+cos(t)*radius not cos(t)*(-3/2+radius)...make sense?
 
I added (3/2)2 and (7/2)2 to both side so it will be greater than 4. I think I put in the wrong numbers when I use my calculator. It should be 37/2 instead of 29/2
And that explanation made a lot of sense heh.

So I ended up with
x = -3/2 + ([tex]\sqrt{37/2}[/tex]*cos(t)
y = 7/2 + ([tex]\sqrt{37/2}[/tex]*sint(t)

Can anyone lead me on the right track to finding z? Thanks
 
z=x^2+y^2 :wink:
 
Love it whenever a problem that looks complicated has simple solution. heh thanks =)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K