Problem involving tangent vector, normal vector, binormal vector and curvature

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The discussion revolves around calculating the curvature, unit tangent vector, principal normal vector, and binormal vector for the given parametric equation r(t)=cos(t)i+sin(t)j+sin(2t)k at t=0, as well as the tangential and normal components of acceleration at t=π/4. The user expresses frustration with the complexity of the derivatives and the resulting expressions, feeling overwhelmed after several hours of work. Despite the challenges, they received confirmation from their professor that they were on the right track. There is an acknowledgment that the derivative of the tangent vector is particularly complicated but not impossible to solve. The user ultimately feels relieved after submitting their work, indicating progress despite initial difficulties.
nilesthebrave
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Homework Statement

r(t)=cos(t)i+sin(t)j+sin(2t)k

Find the curvature κ, the unit tangent vector T, the principal normal vector N and the binormal vector B at t=0. Find the tangential and normal components of the acceleration at t=∏/4

Homework Equations


T(t)=r'(t)/|r'(t)|

N(t)=T'(t)/|T't|

B(t)=T(t)xN(t)

κ=|(dT/ds|=|T'(t)|/|r'(t)|=|r'(t)xr''(t)|/|r'(t)|^3

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried every formula and attempted using double angle formulas and keep getting extremely messy and expressions that are getting too big and unwieldy to make sense. I've looked through my book repeatedly and tried using wolfram alpha and every resource I could think of and cannot find anything that covers how to handle only one trig function having a coefficient like that.

So I'm at a loss and after spending 4 hours on this I'm just frustrated to the point of burn out and just need help getting started or seeing what I'm missing to make this work. Part of me is hoping that it's a typo while the other part will rage.

So I don't know, I'm going to go cry in a corner now, thank you.
 
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Yes, the derivative of T is a bit complicated but that is the only complicated part and it is only that- complicated, not impossible. I don't understand why you have not at least shown the work you have done. What did you get for T? What did you get for \kappa?
 
Yes, I e-mailed my professor later after posting this and asked him if I was on the right track, to which he said yes.

I just felt I was doing something wrong since the expression just kept exploding and I've begun to associate that with me making a careless mistake somewhere. I'd tell you what I got but I had to turn it in this morning, but I think it all turned out. Thanks for the help though. :smile:
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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