Chapter 12: Problem 28
Sketch the graph of r(t) and show the direction of increasing t. $$ \mathbf{r}(t)=9 \cos t \mathbf{i}+4 \sin t \mathbf{j}+t \mathbf{k} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph is a 3D helix with elliptical cross-sections, moving upwards as t increases.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Components of the Vector Function
The vector function is given as \( \mathbf{r}(t)=9 \cos t \mathbf{i}+4 \sin t \mathbf{j}+t \mathbf{k} \). It consists of three components: \( x(t) = 9 \cos(t) \), \( y(t) = 4 \sin(t) \), and \( z(t) = t \).
02
Determine the Shape of the Projection in the XY-Plane
The expressions \( x(t) = 9 \cos(t) \) and \( y(t) = 4 \sin(t) \) define an ellipse. More generally, \( x^2/81 + y^2/16 = 1 \), which describes an ellipse centered at the origin with semi-major axis 9 along the x-axis and semi-minor axis 4 along the y-axis.
03
Understand the Parametric Representation in 3D
The vector function can be visualized in 3D as a helix. This is because the \( z \)-component, \( z(t) = t \), increases linearly with \( t \), causing the ellipse described in the \( xy \)-plane to shift upwards as \( t \) increases. This gives the overall path of a helix.
04
Sketch the Helix in 3D
Draw the base ellipse in the \( xy \)-plane. Then, draw lines showing the ellipse moving upwards as \( t \) increases, forming a helical shape. Each complete cycle in the \( xy \)-plane corresponds to a 2Ï€ increase in \( z \), resulting in a full loop of the helix.
05
Indicate the Direction of Increasing \( t \)
Starting from a point where \( t = 0 \), the vector \( \mathbf{r}(t) \) moves in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above the \( xy \)-plane, as this represents the increase in \( t \) in the parametric equations. Mark arrows along the helix to show this direction of increasing \( t \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Helix
A helix is a fascinating geometric shape that arises naturally in the curly strands of DNA or telephone cords. In mathematics, a helix is a type of space curve with a constant radius and consistent twisting. In our exercise, the vector function \( \mathbf{r}(t)=9 \cos t \mathbf{i}+4 \sin t \mathbf{j}+t \mathbf{k} \) elegantly illustrates a helix.
- The function's first two components, \(9 \cos t\) and \(4 \sin t\), describe the elliptical base in the \(xy\)-plane.
- The third component, \(z(t) = t\), introduces a linear change along the z-axis, causing the ellipse to elevate and form a helix.
3D Parametric Plots
3D parametric plots allow us to represent complex forms, like our helix, comprehensively. By defining functions for each axis, we reveal a spatial story with intriguing depth and dimension.
- In the given function, \(x(t) = 9 \cos(t)\), \(y(t) = 4 \sin(t)\), and \(z(t) = t\), each component contributes meaningfully to the plot's shape.
- While \(x(t)\) and \(y(t)\) position the point within the horizontal plane, \(z(t)\) determines how the point ascends.
Ellipse
At the heart of the vector function's representation lies an ellipse, a smooth, closed curve that generalizes the concept of a circle.
- For our function, \(x(t) = 9 \cos(t)\) and \(y(t) = 4 \sin(t)\) trace an ellipse’s path in the \(xy\)-plane.
- The equation \( \frac{x^2}{81} + \frac{y^2}{16} = 1 \) highlights its elliptical nature, with its center at the origin.
- The semi-major axis of 9 aligns with the x-axis, and the semi-minor axis of 4 aligns with the y-axis, reinforcing the stretched circle appearance that defines ellipses.