Chapter 12: Problem 40
Graph the curves described by the following functions. Use analysis to anticipate the shape of the curve before using a graphing utility. $$\mathbf{r}(t)=\cos t \sin 3 t \mathbf{i}+\sin t \sin 3 t \mathbf{j}+\sqrt{t} \mathbf{k}, \text { for } 0 \leq t \leq 9$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The anticipated shape of the curve is a spiral or helix moving upward in the positive z direction as it progresses along the x and y plane in a periodic motion.
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the x component
The x component of the function is given by $$x(t) = \cos t \sin 3t$$. We can see that the cosine function has a periodicity of $$2\pi$$ and the sine function has a periodicity of $$\frac{2\pi}{3}$$. Combining these two functions, the x component will exhibit a periodic behavior but with a different periodicity. The amplitude of the x component will not exceed 1, since both cosine and sine have maximum absolute values of 1.
02
Analyze the y component
The y component of the function is given by $$y(t) = \sin t \sin 3t$$. Like in the x component, the y component also shows periodic behavior due to the presence of sine functions. The maximum amplitude for the y component will also not exceed 1.
03
Analyze the z component
The z component of the function is given by $$z(t) = \sqrt{t}$$. Unlike the x and y components, the z component is increasing monotonically as t increases. This means that as the curve progresses along the x and y plane, it will also move upwards in the positive z direction.
04
Anticipate the shape of the curve
Based on the analysis, we can anticipate that the curve will exhibit a periodic behavior along the x and y plane, with its amplitude not exceeding 1. At the same time, the z component will increase with t. Thus, the overall shape of the curve will be like a spiral or helix moving upward in the positive z direction as it progresses along the x and y plane in a periodic motion.
05
Graph the curve using a graphing utility
Utilize a graphing utility or software (such as Desmos, GeoGebra, or WolframAlpha) to plot the given vector-valued function in three-dimensional space. Enter the function components x(t), y(t), and z(t) separately, as well as the parameter range $$0 \leq t \leq 9$$. The resulting graph should confirm the anticipated shape of the curve as a spiraling upward curve with periodic motion along the x and y plane.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
3D Graphing
Three-dimensional graphing brings mathematical functions to life by giving them depth and volume. Unlike two-dimensional graphs that are limited to width and height, 3D graphs allow us to explore the interplay of three components: the x, y, and z axes. This can add complexity but also a new level of understanding by visualizing how functions and equations behave in space rather than just on a flat plane.
Visualizing in 3D:
Visualizing in 3D:
- **x-axis** is typically the horizontal component.
- **y-axis** adds vertical variation.
- **z-axis** brings depth, making the object appear from different angles.
Parametric Curves
In vector calculus, parametric curves are powerful tools for representing complex shapes and movements. Instead of expressing functions using x and y relationships, parametric equations use a parameter like 't', which can represent time, producing a series of x, y, and sometimes z coordinates.
Understanding how they work:
Understanding how they work:
- Each coordinate \( (x, y, z) \) is given by a function of 't', such as \( x(t) \) or \( y(t) \).
- As 't' varies, it defines a path along which the point \( (x, y, z) \) moves.
- Offers significant flexibility and insight into how objects behave over time.
Helix
A helix is a type of three-dimensional curve resembling a spiral staircase or the winding of a spring. In mathematics, helixes are categorized based on their reactions to component changes across x, y, and z dimensions. The defining characteristic of a helix is its spiral formation and constant ascent or descent in three-dimensional space.
What makes a helix:
What makes a helix:
- **Periodicity in x and y:** Usually involves sinusoidal functions leading to circular or elliptical paths around the z-axis.
- **Consistent change in z:** As t increases, z often changes at a regular rate, creating the helical rise or fall.
- **Visual Model:** Think of the inner workings of a spring, coiling upwards with each turn.