Proving Constant Angle of Tangent Lines to a Curve with y=0 and z=x

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of proving that the tangent lines to the curve defined by \(\alpha(t) = (3t, 2t^2, 2t^3)\) make a constant angle with the line described by \(y=0\) and \(z=x\). Participants explore the mathematical reasoning behind this claim, focusing on the derivatives and conditions required for the angle to remain constant.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that to show the tangent lines make a constant angle, it is necessary to demonstrate that the derivative of the dot product of the tangent vector \(\alpha'(t)\) and the vector \(v=(1,0,1)\) is zero.
  • Another participant questions the validity of this approach, suggesting that the derivative being zero is not true for all \(t\), indicating a potential misunderstanding of the problem's requirements.
  • A participant mentions the availability of a book that may contain relevant information, but others express uncertainty about its content and whether it clarifies the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the problem, with some questioning the conditions under which the angle can be considered constant. There is no consensus on the correct approach or understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the interpretation of the problem statement and the mathematical steps involved in proving the claim. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the definitions and conditions necessary for establishing a constant angle.

MathematicalPhysicist
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I have this question: Show that the tangent lines to the curve \alpha (t)= (3t,2t^2,2t^3) make a constant angle with the line y=0 and z=x.

Now what I have done is, well obviously we have:
(1)cos(\gamma (t)) = \frac{\alpha '(t) \cdot v}{|v| |\alpha '(t)|} So what I have done is to take the derivative of the RHS in (1) wrt t, where v=(x,0,x).
My reasoning is that if the derivative is zero then the angle is constant.

My problem is that I don't get zero, where did I get it wrong?
:confused::cry:

Thanks.
 
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If we're supposed to show that the tangent vectors of \alpha make a constant angle with the tangent vectors of that line, then it seems to me that what we have to show is that \frac{d}{dt}\big(\alpha'(t)\cdot(1,0,1)\big)=0 for all t. This is obviously not true, so I'm wondering if he might have meant something else. But I don't see how he could have meant something that makes the claim true.
 
Well, I guess you also have a copy of the book right?

Anyway, here's a scan for the others.

question 1.
 

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I don't have a copy of the book, but I don't mind downloading a pdf for purposes like this. I have skimmed the first few pages now. I didn't see any hints that he might have meant something different.
 
For me 'copy' doesn't necessarily mean hard copy.

Thanks, anyway.
 

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