Parametrizing Intersection of Cylinder and Plane

In summary, the conversation discusses parametrizing the different surfaces of a cylinder cut by the x-y plane and a slanted plane above. The bottom surface is parametrized using the function g(r,\theta)=(rcos(\theta),rsin(\theta), 0) and has a unit normal of n=(0,0,-1). The side surface is parametrized using the parameters z and \theta and has a normal of n=(x,y,0). The top surface is parametrized using the parameters x and y and is the slanted plane z=1+x.
  • #1
dbkats
7
0

Homework Statement


Let C be a cylinder of radius 1. It is cut by the x-y plane from below, and by the plane z-x=1 above. Parametrize all the surfaces of the cylinder. Find a unit normal (pointing outward) for each surface.

Homework Equations


Equation for a cylinder:
[tex]x^2+y^2=1[/tex]
Equation of the plane:
[tex]z-x=1[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Bottom:
[tex]g(r,\theta)=(rcos(\theta),rsin(\theta), 0)[/tex]
[tex]n=(0,0,-1)[/tex]
Side:
I'm not so certain about this one... it should be a function of the height as well as the angle, but I'm not certain how to restrict the angle to depend on the height...
I guess something like [tex]x^2+y^2 \le z-x[/tex]
I think this is the normal, though...
[tex]n=(x,y,0)[/tex]
Top:
I should compute the intersection of the plane and the cylinder. So I get
[tex]x^2+y^2=z-x[/tex]
[tex]z=(x-1/2)^2+y^2-1/4[/tex]
And what now?
 
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  • #2
dbkats said:

Homework Statement


Let C be a cylinder of radius 1. It is cut by the x-y plane from below, and by the plane z-x=1 above. Parametrize all the surfaces of the cylinder. Find a unit normal (pointing outward) for each surface.

Homework Equations


Equation for a cylinder:
[tex]x^2+y^2=1[/tex]
Equation of the plane:
[tex]z-x=1[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Bottom:
[tex]g(r,\theta)=(rcos(\theta),rsin(\theta), 0)[/tex]
[tex]n=(0,0,-1)[/tex]

Looks good for the bottom.

Side:
I'm not so certain about this one... it should be a function of the height as well as the angle, but I'm not certain how to restrict the angle to depend on the height...
I guess something like [tex]x^2+y^2 \le z-x[/tex]
I think this is the normal, though...
[tex]n=(x,y,0)[/tex]

Your original thought, height and angle are the natural parameters. So try using ##z## and ##\theta## as your parameters.
Top:
I should compute the intersection of the plane and the cylinder. So I get
[tex]x^2+y^2=z-x[/tex]
[tex]z=(x-1/2)^2+y^2-1/4[/tex]
And what now?

The top is the slanted plane ##z=1+x##, not the "intersection of the plane and cylinder". You might try ##x## and ##y## as the parameters.
 

FAQ: Parametrizing Intersection of Cylinder and Plane

What is the purpose of parametrizing the intersection of a cylinder and a plane?

The purpose of parametrizing the intersection of a cylinder and a plane is to describe the points of intersection in terms of mathematical equations, making it easier to analyze and understand the relationship between the two shapes. This allows for more efficient calculations and helps in finding solutions to complex problems involving these shapes.

How is the intersection of a cylinder and a plane parametrized?

The intersection of a cylinder and a plane can be parametrized using the equations of the cylinder and the plane, which are typically in the form of x, y, and z variables. By substituting these equations into each other, the resulting parametric equations will describe the points of intersection.

What variables are typically used in parametrizing the intersection of a cylinder and a plane?

The variables used in parametrizing the intersection of a cylinder and a plane are generally x, y, and z, as these are the standard variables used in three-dimensional coordinate systems. However, other variables such as t, u, and v may also be used depending on the specific parametric equations being used.

How does parametrization help in solving problems involving the intersection of a cylinder and a plane?

Parametrization makes it easier to visualize and manipulate the intersection of a cylinder and a plane, making it simpler to solve problems involving these shapes. It allows for a more systematic approach to finding solutions and can also provide useful insights into the behavior of the intersection.

Are there any limitations to parametrizing the intersection of a cylinder and a plane?

Parametrization is a useful tool for understanding the intersection of a cylinder and a plane, but it does have some limitations. It may not be applicable to all situations and may not provide exact solutions for more complex shapes. Additionally, parametrization relies on the initial equations being accurate and may not account for all possible scenarios.

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