How Is the Tangent Function Applied in Calculating Curvature?

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In summary: This is used in the second proof, where the derivative of tan(phi) is rewritten as the derivative of tan(phi) times the derivative of phi with respect to s, where s is arc length along the curve.In summary, the conversation discusses a proof about curvature and the understanding of steps 1-7. The individual has trouble understanding how the result from step 7 is applied in steps 8 and 9. They also question the relationship between k=\frac{d\phi}{ds} and k=\frac{1}{R}. The concept of an osculating circle is introduced and used in the second proof to relate the two definitions of k.
  • #1
fishingspree2
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Hello

I need help understanding this proof: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Curvature.html"

I understand everything from step 1 to step 7. However I don't understand how the result of step 7 is applied in step 8 and in step 9.

I understand that
[tex]\tan \phi=\frac{y'}{x'}[/tex] (step 7)
and that
[tex]\frac{\mathrm{d} }{\mathrm{d} t}\tan \phi=\sec^{2}\phi\frac{\mathrm{d} \phi}{\mathrm{d} t}[/tex] (step 8)

But I don't understand how [tex]\tan \phi=\frac{y'}{x'}[/tex] is applied to [tex]\frac{\mathrm{d} }{\mathrm{d} t}\tan \phi=\sec^{2}\phi\frac{\mathrm{d} \phi}{\mathrm{d} t}[/tex] to get [tex]\frac{x'y''-y'x''}{x'^{2}}[/tex]

Same for step 9
Can anyone help me?
 
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  • #2
Ok, i now fully understand the proof.
I have another question though

The link defines [tex]k=\frac{d\phi}{ds}[/tex].

We also know that it can also be defined by the inverse of the radius of the osculating circle.

However the first proof does not talk about circles and radii at all. How can we relate the first proof that defines [tex]k=\frac{d\phi}{ds}[/tex]. to [tex]k=\frac{1}{R}[/tex]?

Thank you
 
  • #3
You define the "osculating circle" as the circle whose center lies on the normal to the curve and whose radius is equal to 1/k, 1 over the curvature.
 

FAQ: How Is the Tangent Function Applied in Calculating Curvature?

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