What Is the Correct Parametrization for the Intersection of Two Surfaces?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a vector function that represents the curve of intersection between the surfaces defined by the equations z² = x² + y² and the plane z = 1 + y. Participants are exploring the implications of these equations and their geometric interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various parametrizations for the intersection curve, with one suggesting r(t) = and questioning its validity. Others note that the shape described by z² = x² + y² is a cone and suggest that the intersection with the plane will yield a parabola. There are inquiries about how to derive a vector equation from the given surfaces.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections regarding the parametrization. Some have pointed out potential errors in the initial attempts and are exploring alternative approaches to arrive at a valid vector function. There is an acknowledgment that multiple parametrizations can exist for the same curve.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the geometric properties of the surfaces involved.

Weave
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Homework Statement


Find a vector function that represents the curve of the intersection of two surfaces.



Homework Equations


[tex]z^2=x^2+y^2[/tex] with plane [tex]z=1+y[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


So shouldn't it be
[tex]r(t)=<cos(t), sin(t), 1+sin(t)>[/tex]
since x=cos(t), y=sin(t), and z= 1+sin(t)?
The book gives a wacky answer
 
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What kind of a shape do you think
[tex]z^2=x^2+y^2[/tex]
is?
 
I know [tex]z^2=x^2+y^2[/tex] is a cone.
 
Can anyone help me, I have got probably an hour
 
:rolleyes::cry::cry::cry:
 
The shape you parametrized is an elipse, but the intersection of the double-cone with side slope 1, and a plane with slope 1 is going to be a parabola.
 
So how would I go about coming to a vector equation?
 
Weave said:
So how would I go about coming to a vector equation?

Since you already have:
[tex]z=1+y[/tex]
I'd substitute, simplify, and see what happens:

[tex]z^2=x^2+y^2[/tex]
[tex](1+y)^2=x^2+y^2[/tex]
...

Which should work out reasonably well.
 
Weave said:
...
So shouldn't it be
[tex]r(t)=<cos(t), sin(t), 1+sin(t)>[/tex]
since x=cos(t), y=sin(t), and z= 1+sin(t)?
The book gives a wacky answer

There are more than one way to parameterize a curve, so your answer and the books answer needn't agree.
[edit:]
But I note an error. Since you've chosen [itex]x=cos(t), y=sin(t)[/itex] then [itex]x^2+y^2=1[/itex] you've implicitly added then another constraint and you cannot satisfy [itex]z^2 = x^2+y^2[/itex]. Rather try [itex]x = z\cdot\cos(t)[/itex] and [itex]y=z\cdot\sin(t)[/itex]

[end edit:]
With regard to vectorizing you have already done that:
[tex]\mathbf{r}(t)=<x(t), y(t), z(t)> = x(t)\hat{\imath}+y(t)\hat{\jmath} + z(t)\hat{k}[/tex]
These are just two ways of writing the same vector. The basis is:
[tex]\langle 1,0,0\rangle=\hat{\imath}[/tex]
[tex]\langle 0,1,0\rangle = \hat{\jmath}[/tex]
[tex]\langle 0,0,1\rangle = \hat{k}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Weave said:

Homework Statement


Find a vector function that represents the curve of the intersection of two surfaces.



Homework Equations


[tex]z^2=x^2+y^2[/tex] with plane [tex]z=1+y[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


So shouldn't it be
[tex]r(t)=<cos(t), sin(t), 1+sin(t)>[/tex]
since x=cos(t), y=sin(t), and z= 1+sin(t)?
The book gives a wacky answer

Since z= 1+ y, z^2= (1+y)^2= 1+ 2y+ y^2= x^2+ y^2. Cancelling the y^2 on each side, 1+ 2y= x^2 or y= (x^2- 1)/2. Taking x itself to be the parameter, we have x= t (of course, y= (t^2- 1)/2, z= 1+ y= 1+ (t^2- 1)/2
 

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