Chapter 10: Problem 36
Find a parametrization for the curve. the ray (half line) with initial point (-1,2) that passes through the point (0,0)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Parametrization: \( x = -1 + t \), \( y = 2 - 2t \) for \( t \geq 0 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Direction Vector
The ray starts at the point \((-1, 2)\) and passes through the point \((0, 0)\). The direction vector is found by subtracting the coordinates of the initial point from the point it passes through: \( (0 - (-1), 0 - 2) = (1, -2) \). This gives us the direction vector \( \vec{d} = (1, -2) \).
02
Formulate the Parametric Equations
Using the initial point \((-1, 2)\) and the direction vector \((1, -2)\), the parametric equations for the ray can be written. The general formula for a parametric line is \( (x, y) = (x_0, y_0) + t \cdot \vec{d} \), where \( t \) is the parameter. Therefore, \( x = -1 + t(1) \) and \( y = 2 + t(-2) \).
03
Simplify the Parametric Equations
Substitute and simplify the equations: \( x = -1 + t \) and \( y = 2 - 2t \). These are the parametric equations for the ray starting at \((-1, 2)\) and passing through \((0, 0)\).
04
Domain of the Parameter
Since the problem specifies a ray (half-line), the parameter \( t \) must be non-negative (\( t \geq 0 \)) because the ray starts at \((-1, 2)\) and extends indefinitely in the direction of the vector \((1, -2)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Direction Vector
A direction vector is a fundamental concept in geometry, particularly when working with lines or rays. It essentially determines the direction in which a line is oriented. For any given line or ray in a Cartesian plane, a direction vector can be found by taking two distinct points on the line.
Here's how you find it:
Direction vectors are vital because they standardize the way we express the orientation of a line or ray.
Here's how you find it:
- Pick two points on the ray or line, let's call them \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\).
- Subtract the coordinates of the first point from the second point: \((x_2 - x_1, y_2 - y_1)\).
Direction vectors are vital because they standardize the way we express the orientation of a line or ray.
Parametrization
Parametrization is a method used to describe the points on a line, ray, or curve using a parameter, typically denoted as \(t\). It translates complex geometric concepts into an algebraic form.
For a line or ray:\( (x, y) = (x_0, y_0) + t \cdot \vec{d} \), where:
By adjusting \(t\), you can find any point along that ray, providing a flexible and comprehensive description of the ray's geometry.
For a line or ray:\( (x, y) = (x_0, y_0) + t \cdot \vec{d} \), where:
- \((x_0, y_0)\) is the initial point.
- \(\vec{d}\) is the direction vector.
- \(t\) is the parameter, which takes on different values to yield different points on the line or ray.
By adjusting \(t\), you can find any point along that ray, providing a flexible and comprehensive description of the ray's geometry.
Rays in Geometry
A ray is a part of a line that begins at a particular point, called the initial point, and extends infinitely in one direction. It is essential in various fields of mathematics and physics. Unlike a full line, a ray has one endpoint.
Understanding Rays:
This characteristic makes rays incredibly useful in geometry, serving as a simplified linear representation in directions for models and computations.
Understanding Rays:
- The initial point is where the ray starts.
- The ray passes through another point, which provides its direction.
- It can be described using a direction vector and a parameterization.
- In our exercise, the ray starts at \((-1, 2)\) and continues through \((0, 0)\).
This characteristic makes rays incredibly useful in geometry, serving as a simplified linear representation in directions for models and computations.