Verifying a Calculation of Curvature

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on verifying the calculation of curvature using the formula k(t) = |T'(t)|/|r'(t)|. The user calculated the curvature as 1/t and questioned whether it should be a constant value. Responses confirm that having a variable t in the curvature is acceptable, as it indicates that curvature can change along the curve. This variability suggests that the curve is not a circle, which would have a constant curvature. The procedure followed for finding the unit tangent and normal vectors is also deemed correct.
mr_coffee
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Hello everyone, I think i did this problem right, but I want to make sure sure. The directions are as fallows:
(a) find the unit tagent and unit normal vectors T(t) and N(t).
(b) Use Formula 9 to find curvature.
Note: formula 9 is the one i have on my paper: k(t) = |T'(t)|/|r'(t)|;
my curvature came out as 1/t, is it okay that it still has the variable t in it or was it supppose to be a real number? it is a function of t so I'm assuming its okay. here is the problem and work, if its too hard to read tell me and i'll try to rescan it, the work from the other side is showing through alittle :eek:
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1275/kurve6kg.jpg
Thanks!
 
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I haven't cranked through it myself, but your procedure looks fine.

mr_coffee said:
Note: formula 9 is the one i have on my paper: k(t) = |T'(t)|/|r'(t)|;
my curvature came out as 1/t, is it okay that it still has the variable t in it or was it supppose to be a real number?

It's OK. The fact that the curvature depends on the parameter is simply an indication of the fact that the curvature varies as you move along the curve. In other words, it simply indicates that you are not dealing with a circle (which has constant curvature).
 
cool thanks!
 
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