Unit tangent vector to a curve at a point

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the unit tangent vector T(t) to a given curve r(t) at a specific parameter value. The curve is defined as r(t) = with t = 1.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the derivative of the curve and subsequently its magnitude to find the unit tangent vector. They express uncertainty about their derivative calculation, particularly regarding the term 1/(3t).

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the derivative of the term 1/(3t) and discussing the appropriate application of differentiation rules, including the power rule and chain rule. There is a productive exchange of ideas, with some participants providing corrections and explanations to assist the original poster.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster is revisiting calculus concepts after a break, which may affect their confidence in applying differentiation techniques.

memish
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Homework Statement



Find the unit tangent vector T(t) to the curve r(t) at the point with the given value of the parameter, t.
r(t)=<e^(2t), t^(-2), 1/(3t)>
t=1

Homework Equations



none

The Attempt at a Solution


So first I took the derevative to get r'(t) which I got to be <2*e^(2x), -2t^(-3), -3t^(-2)> and plugged in the paramter, 1, so I got <2(e^2), -2,-3> and then I think I should divide that by its own magnitude, which I got to be the square root of (4(e^4) + 13)

Buttt that's not working and I am not sure which part I went wrong on
help?

THANKS
 
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The derivative of 1/(3t) is -(1/3)*t^(-2). Not -3t^(-2).
 
Ohhh ok... can you kinda explain that? Isn't 1/(3t) basically (3t)^(-1) and then you can use the power rule?
 
ohhhh i have to use quotient rule?!
 
ahhh yay i got it thanks! picking up calc againafter the summer sucks...
 
memish said:
Ohhh ok... can you kinda explain that? Isn't 1/(3t) basically (3t)^(-1) and then you can use the power rule?

Ok. d/dt (3t)^(-1)=(-1)*(3t)^(-2)*(d/dt (3t)). The last part comes from the chain rule. I think that's what your are forgetting. That's -3/(3t)^2=(-1)/(3t^2).
 
Yes, but then you need to use the chain rule
\frac{d}{dt} (3t)^{-1} = -1*(3t)^{-2}*\frac{d}{dt}(3t) = -1*(3t)^{-2}*3
 

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