Chapter 11: Problem 32
In Exercises \(31-36,\) find a parametrization for the curve. the line segment with endpoints \((-1,3)\) and \((3,-2)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The parametrization is \(x(t) = -1 + 4t\), \(y(t) = 3 - 5t\), with \(0 \leq t \leq 1\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
The goal is to find a function that describes every point on the line segment between two given endpoints, \(-1, 3\) and \(3, -2\) , using a parameter, typically denoted as \(t\).
02
Set Up the Parametric Equations
To parametrically describe a line segment, we use the formulas: \(x(t) = x_0 + t(x_1 - x_0)\) and \(y(t) = y_0 + t(y_1 - y_0)\), where \(t\) ranges from 0 to 1, and \( (x_0, y_0)\) and \( (x_1, y_1)\) are the endpoints of the line segment.
03
Substitute Endpoint Coordinates
Substitute \((x_0, y_0) = (-1, 3)\) and \( (x_1, y_1) = (3, -2)\) into the parametric equations. For the \(x\) component: \(x(t) = -1 + t(3 - (-1)) = -1 + 4t\).For the \(y\) component: \(y(t) = 3 + t(-2 - 3) = 3 - 5t\).
04
Write Down the Parametric Equations
The parametric equations for the line segment are \(x(t) = -1 + 4t\) and \(y(t) = 3 - 5t\), with the parameter \(t\) ranging from 0 to 1.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Line Segment
A line segment is the part of a line that is bounded by two distinct endpoints. Unlike an infinite line, a line segment does not extend beyond its set endpoints. It contains all the points that lie directly between its starting and end point. In geometric terms, a line segment is important because it is the shortest path connecting two points.
- A line segment can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, depending on the positions of its endpoints.
- In coordinate geometry, a line segment has a measurable length, which can be calculated using the distance formula.
- When represented on a graph, the endpoints of a line segment differentiate it from a line, which extends infinitely in both directions.
Parametrization
Parametrization is the process of defining a mathematical concept using parameters. In the context of a line segment, it involves expressing the coordinates of every point on the segment as a function of one or more variables called parameters.
To parametrize a line segment, we find a set of equations that describe how a point moves from one endpoint to another. The typical parameter used is denoted as \(t\), which varies usually from 0 to 1.
To parametrize a line segment, we find a set of equations that describe how a point moves from one endpoint to another. The typical parameter used is denoted as \(t\), which varies usually from 0 to 1.
- When \(t = 0\), the point is at the start of the segment.
- When \(t = 1\), the point reaches the end of the segment.
- The values of \(t\) in between correspond to points in between the two endpoints.
Coordinates
Coordinates describe the specific conditions of a point in a geometric space, typically in terms of a set of numerical values. In the Cartesian coordinate system, any point on a plane is represented by an ordered pair \((x, y)\), where \(x\) is the horizontal position and \(y\) is the vertical position.
For line segments, these coordinates play a critical role in identifying the exact location and direction of the segment.
For line segments, these coordinates play a critical role in identifying the exact location and direction of the segment.
- The change in these coordinates between two endpoints dictates the slope and orientation of the line segment.
- By using coordinates, we can calculate various aspects like the midpoint, length, and section division of the segment.
- They are foundational for setting up parametric equations to map out the entire line segment.
Endpoints
Endpoints are the two distinct points that denote the boundaries of a line segment. They are the beginning and the end of the segment, and are essential for defining its overall position and length.
- The coordinates of the endpoints allow us to determine the properties of the line segment, such as its length using the distance formula \( \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \).
- These points serve as references for creating the parametric equations that describe all points lying on the line segment.
- In problems involving the parametrization of a line segment, defining the segment's endpoints clearly is crucial for ensuring accuracy.