Chapter 3: Problem 34
Consider the curve described by the vector-valued function $$\mathbf{r}(t)=\left(50 e^{-t} \cos t\right) \mathbf{i}+\left(50 e^{-t} \sin t\right) \mathbf{j}+\left(5-5 e^{-t}\right) \mathbf{k}$$ What is \(\lim _{t \rightarrow \infty} \mathbf{r}(t) ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit is \(5\mathbf{k}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the vector components
The vector-valued function is given as \( \mathbf{r}(t) = \left(50 e^{-t} \cos t\right) \mathbf{i} + \left(50 e^{-t} \sin t\right) \mathbf{j} + \left(5-5 e^{-t}\right) \mathbf{k} \). We can divide it into three components: \( x(t) = 50 e^{-t} \cos t \), \( y(t) = 50 e^{-t} \sin t \), and \( z(t) = 5 - 5 e^{-t} \).
02
Analyze the limit of the x(t) component
Consider \( x(t) = 50 e^{-t} \cos t \). As \( t \rightarrow \infty \), the term \( e^{-t} \) approaches zero since the exponential function decreases rapidly. Therefore, \( 50 e^{-t} \cos t \) approaches 0, because it's the product of a term approaching 0 and a bounded function \( \cos t \).
03
Analyze the limit of the y(t) component
Consider \( y(t) = 50 e^{-t} \sin t \). Similarly to \( x(t) \), \( e^{-t} \) also approaches zero as \( t \rightarrow \infty \). Therefore, \( 50 e^{-t} \sin t \) approaches 0, since the sine function is also bounded between -1 and 1.
04
Analyze the limit of the z(t) component
Consider \( z(t) = 5 - 5 e^{-t} \). As \( t \rightarrow \infty \), \( e^{-t} \) approaches zero. Thus, \( z(t) \) simplifies to \( 5 - 0 = 5 \).
05
Combine the results
By combining the limits of each component, we get \( \lim _{t \rightarrow \infty} \mathbf{r}(t) = (0) \mathbf{i} + (0) \mathbf{j} + (5) \mathbf{k} \). Therefore, \( \mathbf{r}(t) \) approaches \( 5\mathbf{k} \) as \( t \rightarrow \infty \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
limits of vector functions
In mathematics, the concept of a limit allows us to observe the behavior of a function as it approaches a certain point. When dealing with vector-valued functions, the limit involves evaluating each component of the vector independently. For the given vector-valued function \[\mathbf{r}(t)=\left(50 e^{-t} \cos t\right) \mathbf{i}+\left(50 e^{-t} \sin t\right) \mathbf{j}+\left(5-5 e^{-t}\right) \mathbf{k}\], we can regard it as having three separate component functions: - \(x(t) = 50 e^{-t} \cos t\)- \(y(t) = 50 e^{-t} \sin t\)- \(z(t) = 5 - 5 e^{-t}\)Each component functions' limit must be found individually as \(t\) approaches infinity. The exponential terms \(e^{-t}\) decay to zero, simplifying the evaluation of each part. - For \(x(t)\) and \(y(t)\), as explained in the steps, \(e^{-t}\) makes these approach zero since \(\cos t\) and \(\sin t\) are bounded.- The function \(z(t)\) simplifies to \(5\) as \(e^{-t}\) approaches zero.Thus, the limit is effectively a vector \((0) \mathbf{i} + (0) \mathbf{j} + (5) \mathbf{k}\). Understanding limits in vector-valued functions is crucial when studying dynamics where directions and magnitudes change as a parameter moves toward infinity.
exponential functions
Exponential functions are critical in understanding growth and decay processes. They are defined as functions of the form \(f(t) = a e^{bt}\), where \(e\) is the base of the natural logarithm, and \(a\) and \(b\) are constants. In the context of our vector-valued function, the exponential term \(e^{-t}\) describes decay since the exponent is negative. As \(t\) grows, \(e^{-t}\) rapidly declines towards zero, affecting the behavior of both \(x(t) = 50 e^{-t} \cos t\) and \(y(t) = 50 e^{-t} \sin t\). are essential when examining phenomena like radioactive decay, cooling processes, or population dynamics. These functions serve as a foundation for modeling a wide range of real-world scenarios involving time-dependent changes.
parametric equations
Parametric equations involve expressing a set of equations as functions of one or more parameters. In our exercise, the vector function \(\mathbf{r}(t)\) can be seen as a set of parametric equations for components \(x(t)\), \(y(t)\), and \(z(t)\). The parameter \(t\) often represents time, allowing us to observe how a particle moves through 3D space. Each component of the vector function describes movement along a coordinate axis.
- \(x(t)\) and \(y(t)\) components illustrate motion in the \(xy\)-plane, affected by the functions \(\cos t\) and \(\sin t\).
- \(z(t)\) alters the height, showing vertical movement independent of modulation in \(xy\)-plane.
three-dimensional vectors
Understanding three-dimensional vectors is essential in visualizing objects and their trajectories within space. A vector is defined by both direction and magnitude, represented in space by components along the x, y, and z axes. The vector \(\mathbf{r}(t)=\left(50 e^{-t} \cos t\right) \mathbf{i}+\left(50 e^{-t} \sin t\right) \mathbf{j}+\left(5-5 e^{-t}\right) \mathbf{k}\) conveys motion expressed in these three axes.
- The \(\mathbf{i}\) component (50 \(e^{-t} \cos t\)) affects movement along the x-axis.
- The \(\mathbf{j}\) component (50 \(e^{-t} \sin t\)) determines movement along the y-axis.
- The \(\mathbf{k}\) component (5 - 5 \(e^{-t}\)) adjusts the vector vertically along the z-axis.