Reparameterizing a curve in path length parameter

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The discussion focuses on reparameterizing an inverted cycloid curve in its natural parameter using the path length. The parameterization is defined with the equations for x(t) and y(t), and the path length is calculated using the integral of the velocity's modulus. There is a debate about whether the arbitrary starting point t0 can be chosen as π for simplification, or if it must remain at 0 since the parameter t starts there. It is noted that while both choices yield valid parametrizations, they result in different intervals for the path length. Ultimately, the choice of t0 affects the expression but does not invalidate the parameterization.
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Given the parameterization of an inverted cycloid:
$$x(t)=r(t-\sin t)$$
$$y(t)=r(1+\cos t)$$
where $$t \in [0, 2\pi]$$.
I am asked to parameterize the curve in its natural parameter. To do it:
$$s=\int_{t_0}^{t} ||\vec{x}'(t*)||dt*$$
The modulus of the squared velocity is:
$$||\vec{x}'(t*)||=2r\sin(t/2)$$
Therefore, the integral is:
$$s=\int_{t_0}^{t} 2r\sin(t/2)dt*=-4r\cos(t/2)|_{t_0}^{t}=-4r(cos(t/2)-cos(t_0/2))$$
My doubt is, I can take any arbitrary value for the parameter $$t_0$$ for example $$t_0=\pi$$ which would simplify the expression or does it have to be $$t_0=0$$ since the parameter $$t$$ starts on 0.
Thank you very much for all the help.
 
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Both will be parametrizations of the curve in a parameter that is path length along the curve. You will get a different interval for the parameter depending on your choice though as they will be path lengths from different points on the curve.

The ##t_0 = 0## choice does not seem half bad to me either to be honest. Note that ##\cos(0) - \cos(t/2) = 1 - \cos(t/2) = 2 \frac{1-\cos(t/2)}2 = 2 \sin^2(t/4)##.
 

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