What is the length of (-4pi sin(t), 4pi cos(t), 1) in trigonometry?

[hanelliot]

Homework Statement

x = (-4\pisin\pit, 4\picos\pit, 1)
what is the length of x?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, I do realize that length of something is calculated by sqrt(x^2 + y^2) etc.
However, when I plug in the numbers above, I get sqrt(16\pi^3 + 1), but the answer is sqrt[1 + (4\pi)^2)]. If anyone can show me step by step (trig is my weak point), I'd really appreciate it. I'm guessing (sin^2\pit + cos^2\pit) = 1, instead of \pi? If so, why?

 

[HallsofIvy]

You should have learned long ago that sin^2(x)+ cos^2(x)= 1 for all x, even if x= \pi t!

 

[Mark44]

Homework Statement

x = (-4\pisin\pit, 4\picos\pit, 1)
what is the length of x?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, I do realize that length of something is calculated by sqrt(x^2 + y^2) etc.
However, when I plug in the numbers above, I get sqrt(16\pi^3 + 1), but the answer is sqrt[1 + (4\pi)^2)]. If anyone can show me step by step (trig is my weak point), I'd really appreciate it. I'm guessing (sin^2\pit + cos^2\pit) = 1, instead of \pi? If so, why?

Yes, sin²A + cos²A = 1 for any A. This is the only trig in this problem. The rest is algebra, which also seems to be a weak point.

How did you get sqrt(16\pi³ + 1)? Show what you did to get this and we can set you straight.

 

[HallsofIvy]

I do hope you are NOT arguing that you can take a "\pi out of the function and saying that:

"sin^2(\pi t)+ cos^2(\pi t)= (\pi sin^2(t))^2+ (\pi cos^2(t))^2= \pi^2".

sin(at) is NOT equal to a sin(t) and cos(at) is NOT equal to a cos(t)!

 

[hanelliot]

lol yeah, been away from math for a long time so did forget it. don't worry about 16pi^3, it was done quickly and obv wrong.