Chapter 7: Problem 17
In each of Exercises \(17-24,\) calculate the length of the given parametric curve. $$ x=3 t-7 \quad y=5-4 t \quad-1 \leq t \leq 1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The length of the parametric curve is 10.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Curve
The given parametric equations are \(x = 3t - 7\) and \(y = 5 - 4t\). These equations define a straight line in the plane, as both \(x\) and \(y\) are linear functions of \(t\). We need to find the length of this line segment as \(t\) varies between \(-1\) and \(1\).
02
Find Derivatives
Calculate the derivatives of \(x\) and \(y\) with respect to \(t\). These are \(\frac{dx}{dt} = 3\) and \(\frac{dy}{dt} = -4\). These derivatives represent the rates of change of \(x\) and \(y\) with respect to \(t\).
03
Set Up Arc Length Integral
The formula for the arc length of a parametric curve from \(t=a\) to \(t=b\) is \(L = \int_a^b \sqrt{\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{dy}{dt}\right)^2} \, dt\). Substitute the derivatives found in Step 2 into this formula. Since \(a = -1\) and \(b = 1\), we get \(L = \int_{-1}^{1} \sqrt{3^2 + (-4)^2} \, dt\).
04
Simplify the Integrand
Simplify the expression under the square root: \(\sqrt{9 + 16} = \sqrt{25} = 5\). This means the integral simplifies to \(L = \int_{-1}^{1} 5 \, dt\).
05
Evaluate the Integral
Evaluate the integral \(L = \int_{-1}^{1} 5 \, dt\). This integral is \(5\times [t]_{-1}^{1} = 5 \times (1 - (-1)) = 5 \times 2 = 10\). This is the length of the curve.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Parametric Equations
Parametric equations are a way to express two or more variables in terms of a single parameter, often denoted by \( t \). This method is particularly useful in describing curves and paths that an object may follow.
- For a two-dimensional curve, the position of a point is given by two parametric equations, \( x = f(t) \) and \( y = g(t) \).
- Each value of \( t \) gives a specific point \((x, y)\) on the curve.
- This representation is different from the usual \( y = f(x) \) equation because it defines both \( x \) and \( y \) independently based on the parameter \( t \).
Arc Length Integral
The arc length of a curve can be calculated using the arc length integral. This method gives the total distance traveled along a curve between two points.
- The formula for the arc length of a parametric curve \( x = f(t) \), \( y = g(t) \), from \( t = a \) to \( t = b \) is \[ L = \int_a^b \sqrt{\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{dy}{dt}\right)^2} \, dt \].
- This expression under the integral sign combines the rates of change of both \( x \) and \( y \) to find the path taken by the curve.
Derivatives of Parametric Equations
Derivatives with respect to the parameter \( t \) play a critical role in analyzing parametric equations. They help us understand the curve's behavior.
- The derivative \( \frac{dx}{dt} \) is the rate at which \( x \) changes as \( t \) changes.
- Similarly, \( \frac{dy}{dt} \) is the rate at which \( y \) changes with \( t \).
Straight Line Segment
A straight line segment is the simplest type of curve and often serves as an introduction to more complex curve calculations.
- It is defined by two endpoints and shows a constant slope between those points.
- The length of a straight line segment can often be calculated directly using the distance formula without integration.