Chapter 15: Problem 16
Sketch the curve \(C\) determined by \(r(t),\) and indicate the orientation. $$ \mathbf{r}(t)=t \mathbf{i}+2 t \mathbf{j}+e^{t} \mathbf{k} ; \quad t \text { in } \mathbb{R} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The curve is a 3D spiral (helix) moving upwards with increasing t.
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the function components
The given vector function is \( \mathbf{r}(t) = t \mathbf{i} + 2t \mathbf{j} + e^{t} \mathbf{k} \). This represents a parametric curve in three dimensions, where the \( x \)-coordinate is \( t \), the \( y \)-coordinate is \( 2t \), and the \( z \)-coordinate is \( e^{t} \).
02
Identify the curve shape in the xy-plane
Projecting \( \mathbf{r}(t) \) onto the xy-plane, we get the function \( (x, y) = (t, 2t) \). This is a line that passes through the origin with a slope of 2.
03
Determine the behavior in the z-direction
The \( z \)-coordinate is \( e^{t} \), an exponential function, which always increases as \( t \) increases. This means that as the curve travels along the xy-line, it simultaneously rises exponentially in the z-direction.
04
Combine components for 3D sketch
The combination of linear motion in the xy-plane and exponential growth in the z-direction results in a spiral or helical curve moving upward. The curve moves counterclockwise when viewed from above the z-axis because \( t \) increases linearly in both the \( x \) and \( y \) directions.
05
Indicate orientation
As \( t \) increases, the orientation of the curve will be along increasing values of \( x, y, \text{ and } z \), forming a curve that spirals upwards.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Parametric Equations
Parametric equations are a way of describing a set of coordinates in space by expressing them as functions of one or more independent variables, typically symbolized by \( t \).
For example, the vector function \( \mathbf{r}(t) = t \mathbf{i} + 2t \mathbf{j} + e^{t} \mathbf{k} \) describes a path in three-dimensional space.
For example, the vector function \( \mathbf{r}(t) = t \mathbf{i} + 2t \mathbf{j} + e^{t} \mathbf{k} \) describes a path in three-dimensional space.
- The parameter \( t \) defines the pathway's progression.
- Each component function (\( x(t), y(t), \) and \( z(t) \)) specifies how the position in space changes as \( t \) varies.
3D Vector Functions
3D vector functions like \( \mathbf{r}(t) = t \mathbf{i} + 2t \mathbf{j} + e^{t} \mathbf{k} \) describe curves or paths through space using vector components for each spatial dimension.
Here:
Here:
- The \( x \)-component \( t \) indicates linear motion along the x-axis.
- The \( y \)-component \( 2t \) shows linear motion along the y-axis.
- The \( z \)-component \( e^{t} \) represents exponential growth along the z-axis.
Helical Curves
A helical curve is a type of three-dimensional curve shaped like a helix, often described as a spiral. This is the result of combining distinct types of motion in different dimensions, like in the function \( \mathbf{r}(t) = t \mathbf{i} + 2t \mathbf{j} + e^{t} \mathbf{k} \).
The line component in the \( xy \)-plane (\( t \mathbf{i} + 2t \mathbf{j} \)) indicates straight linear motion, while the \( z \)-component (\( e^{t} \mathbf{k} \)) suggests vertical expansion or rise.
The line component in the \( xy \)-plane (\( t \mathbf{i} + 2t \mathbf{j} \)) indicates straight linear motion, while the \( z \)-component (\( e^{t} \mathbf{k} \)) suggests vertical expansion or rise.
- The overall effect is a curve that wraps upward, circling around as it ascends.
- Its appearance resembles a spring or corkscrew when graphed.
Curve Orientation
Orientation of a curve involves determining the direction in which the curve is traversed as the parameter \( t \) increases. In our vector function \( \mathbf{r}(t) = t \mathbf{i} + 2t \mathbf{j} + e^{t} \mathbf{k} \), this translates to:
When viewed from above, such a curve appears to spiral counterclockwise around the z-axis, demonstrating the elegant nature of mathematical situational simulations in 3D spaces.
- Movement in the positive x-direction as \( t \) itself increases.
- Simultaneous movement in the positive y-direction, doubling the rate of the x-component.
- An ever-increasing height in the z-direction due to the exponential \( e^{t} \).
When viewed from above, such a curve appears to spiral counterclockwise around the z-axis, demonstrating the elegant nature of mathematical situational simulations in 3D spaces.