How do I find the length of an arc curve from (1,1) to (2,2sqrt2)?

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the length of an arc curve using integration and substitution. The formula for finding the length is given and the steps for solving the problem are explained. The final solution involves using substitution to simplify the integration.
  • #1
oooride
34
0
Okay I'm understanding this for the most part but am having trouble with what I believe is an algebra step.


Find the length of an arc curve y=x^(3/2) from (1,1) to (2,2sqrt2)
For second part I need to do it in terms of x.

Okay..

Rewritten,

x = g(y) = y^(2/3)
___________________

So,

L= int{ctod} sqrt(1 + [g'(y)]^2) dy

= int{1 to 2sqrt2} sqrt(1 + [2/3*y^(-1/3)]^2) dy

= int{1 to 2sqrt2} sqrt(1 + [4/9*y^(-2/3)] dy

___________________
Because,

g'(y)= 2/3*y^(-1/3)

[g'(y)]^2 = 4/9*y^(-2/3)
___________________

Now,
For inside the square root

1 + [g'(y)^2] = 1 + 4/9*y^(-2/3) = 1 + 4/9y^(2/3)

= 9y^(2/3) + 4 / 9y^(2/3)

___________________

Back to the Formula,

L = int{1 to 2sqrt2) sqrt(9y^(2/3)+ 4 / 9y^(2/3))

= int {1 to 2sqrt2} (1/3)(1/y^(1/3)) sqrt(9y^(2/3) + 4) dy
___________________

Where and how do you get (1/3)(1/y^(1/3)) from the statement before?

I know I have to use substitution but I'm confused on that step...
 
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  • #2
There is no substitution.

[tex]
\int^1_{2\sqrt{2}}\sqrt{\frac{9y^{2/3}+4}{9y^{2/3}}}\,dy
[/tex]
[tex]
\int^1_{2\sqrt{2}}\frac{\sqrt{9y^{2/3}+4}}{\sqrt{9y^{2/3}}}\,dy
[/tex]
[tex]
\int^1_{2\sqrt{2}}\frac{\sqrt{9y^{2/3}+4}}{3y^{1/3}}}\,dy
[/tex]
[tex]
\int^1_{2\sqrt{2}}\frac{1}{3}y^{-1/3}\sqrt{9y^{2/3}+4}\,dy
[/tex]

Let's hope I got all the LaTeX right...

cookiemonster
 
  • #3
Oh okay... I see it now thanks! :)
 

FAQ: How do I find the length of an arc curve from (1,1) to (2,2sqrt2)?

What is the definition of "length of a plane curve"?

The length of a plane curve is the distance between two points on the curve, measured along the curve itself.

How is the length of a plane curve calculated?

The length of a plane curve can be calculated using calculus, specifically by taking the integral of the square root of the sum of the squares of the derivatives of the curve's x and y coordinates.

Can the length of a plane curve be infinite?

Yes, the length of a plane curve can be infinite if the curve is not smooth and has sharp turns or cusps. In this case, the length can be calculated by taking the limit as the width of the measuring intervals approaches zero.

Does the length of a plane curve depend on the chosen coordinate system?

No, the length of a plane curve is independent of the chosen coordinate system. It is a geometric property of the curve itself.

How is the length of a plane curve different from the arc length?

The length of a plane curve is the distance between two points on the curve, while the arc length is the distance along the curve traced by a moving object. The arc length may be longer than the length of the curve if the object moves in a zigzag pattern, for example.

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