Did I Calculate the Length of the Parametric Curve Correctly?

In summary: Yes, that is correct! You can simplify it further by writing it as $2\left(1+\left(1+t^2\right)^{3/2}\right)$, but the way you have it is also correct. Great job! In summary, the length of the curve can be found by using the formula $L=\int_{\alpha}^{\beta} \ \sqrt{(\frac{dx}{dt})^2+(\frac{dy}{dt})^2}dt$, where the derivatives of $x$ and $y$ with respect to $t$ are substituted. The final result is $3[\frac{2(1+t^2)^{3/2}}{3}]^
  • #1
ineedhelpnow
651
0
#1 find the length of the curve $x=3t^2$, $y=2t^3$, $0\le t \le 3$

$L=\int_{\alpha}^{\beta} \ \sqrt{(\frac{dx}{dt})^2+(\frac{dy}{dt})^2}dt$$\frac{dx}{dt}=6t$

$\frac{dy}{dt}=6t^2$$L=\int_{0}^{3} \ \sqrt{(6t)^2+(6t^2)^2}dt$
$=\int_{0}^{3} \ \sqrt{6t^2+6t^4}dt$
$=\int_{0}^{3} \ \sqrt{6t^2(1+t^2)}dt$
$=\int_{0}^{3} \ \sqrt{6t^2}dt + \int_{0}^{3} \ \sqrt{1+t^2}dt$$=(\frac{\sqrt{6}*t^2}{2})^3_0 + (\frac{\ln\left({\sqrt{t^2+1}+t}\right)}{2}+\frac{t\sqrt{t^2+1}}{2})^3_0$


did i do it right?
 
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  • #2
No. In the second line of the calculation of $L$ -- $6^2 = 36$, not 6. So you should have

$L = \int_0^3 6\sqrt{t^2 (1 + t^2)} = 6 \int_0^3 t\sqrt{1+t^2}\, dt$.

Then you can use the u-sub $u = 1 + t^2$ to finish the rest.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
oh that makes it way more simpler. thanks
 
  • #4
$6 \int_{0}^{3} \ t\sqrt{1+t^2}dt$

$u=1+t^2$

$du=2t dt$

$dt=\frac{1}{2} du$$6 \int_{0}^{3} \ \frac{t\sqrt{u}}{2t}du$

$3 \int_{0}^{3} \ \sqrt{u}}du$

$3[\frac{2u^{3/2}}{3}]^3_0$

$3[\frac{2(1+t^2)^{3/2}}{3}]^3_0$


is that right?
 
  • #5
ineedhelpnow said:
$6 \int_{0}^{3} \ t\sqrt{1+t^2}dt$

$u=1+t^2$

$du=2t dt$

$dt=\frac{1}{2} du$$6 \int_{0}^{3} \ \frac{t\sqrt{u}}{2t}du$

$3 \int_{0}^{3} \ \sqrt{u}}du$

$3[\frac{2u^{3/2}}{3}]^3_0$

$3[\frac{2(1+t^2)^{3/2}}{3}]^3_0$


is that right?

Yes, although there's no reason to keep those common factors there to make the calculation more difficult, write it as $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 2 \left[ \left( 1 + t^2 \right) ^{\frac{3}{2}} \right] _0^3 \end{align*}$...
 
  • #6
ineedhelpnow said:
$6 \int_{0}^{3} \ t\sqrt{1+t^2}dt$

$u=1+t^2$

$du=2t dt$

$dt=\frac{1}{2} du$$6 \int_{0}^{3} \ \frac{t\sqrt{u}}{2t}du$

$3 \int_{0}^{3} \ \sqrt{u}}du$

$3[\frac{2u^{3/2}}{3}]^3_0$

$3[\frac{2(1+t^2)^{3/2}}{3}]^3_0$


is that right?

I would change the limits too in accordance with the substitution, and then be done with $t$ altogether. :D
 

FAQ: Did I Calculate the Length of the Parametric Curve Correctly?

What are parametric curves in calculus?

Parametric curves in calculus are curves that are defined by a set of equations, known as parametric equations, where the x and y coordinates are expressed in terms of a third parameter, usually t. These curves are useful for describing motion or other physical phenomena.

What is the difference between a parametric curve and a regular curve?

A regular curve is defined by a single equation, whereas a parametric curve is defined by a set of equations that involve a third parameter. This parameter allows for more flexibility in describing the curve and can be used to model more complex shapes and motions.

How do you find the derivative of a parametric curve?

To find the derivative of a parametric curve, you can use the chain rule. First, find the derivatives of the x and y equations with respect to the parameter t. Then, use the chain rule to combine these derivatives to find the derivative of the curve with respect to x or y.

What is the significance of parametric curves in real-world applications?

Parametric curves have many real-world applications, such as in physics, engineering, and computer graphics. They are often used to model the motion of objects, such as projectiles or planets, and can also be used to create computer-generated images and animations.

Can parametric curves be graphed on a traditional x-y coordinate plane?

Yes, parametric curves can be graphed on a traditional x-y coordinate plane. However, the graph may not look like a typical curve since the x and y coordinates are expressed in terms of a third parameter. This can result in curves that intersect themselves or have other unusual features.

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