Chapter 2: Problem 27
Sketch or describe the surfaces in \(\mathbb{R}^{3}\) of the equations presented. $$4 x^{2}+y^{2}=16$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
An elliptical cylinder extending along the z-axis with elliptical cross-sections in the xy-plane.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Surface
The equation given is \(4x^2 + y^2 = 16\). This equation resembles the equation of an ellipse when viewed in a plane. This particular equation does not have a variable \(z\), indicating that the surface is a cylinder in \(\mathbb{R}^3\) that extends infinitely along the \(z\)-axis.
02
Rewrite in Standard Form
To understand the form of the ellipse, rewrite the equation as \(\frac{x^2}{4} + \frac{y^2}{16} = 1\). This is the standard form equation of an ellipse centered at the origin with semi-major axis along the \(y\)-axis, with length 4, and semi-minor axis along the \(x\)-axis, with length 2.
03
Describe the Cylinder
The equation \(4x^2 + y^2 = 16\) represents an elliptical cylinder in \(\mathbb{R}^3\). It is an infinite cylinder whose cross-sectional ellipse lies in the \(xy\)-plane. The axis of the cylinder is parallel to the \(z\)-axis, meaning the cylinder extends infinitely upwards and downwards along this axis.
04
Visualize and Sketch
To sketch the surface, first draw the ellipse \(\frac{x^2}{4} + \frac{y^2}{16} = 1\) in the \(xy\)-plane. This ellipse is centered at the origin with a width of 4 along the \(x\)-axis and a height of 8 along the \(y\)-axis. Extend this ellipse infinitely in the positive and negative \(z\) direction to represent the full three-dimensional elliptical cylinder.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Ellipse
An ellipse is a geometric shape that looks like a stretched or compressed circle. It has two main lengths called axes: the semi-major axis and the semi-minor axis. The semi-major axis is the longest diameter of the ellipse and the semi-minor axis is the shortest diameter. In our given problem, the ellipse is described by the equation \( \frac{x^2}{4} + \frac{y^2}{16} = 1 \).
Here are some important characteristics of an ellipse:
Here are some important characteristics of an ellipse:
- The equation of an ellipse is typically given in the form \( \frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 \).
- \(a\) and \(b\) are the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, respectively.
- If \(a > b\), the ellipse is elongated along the \(x\)-axis; if \(b > a\), it is elongated along the \(y\)-axis.
- The center of the ellipse is the point from which the axes extend, commonly at the origin \((0,0)\) in 2D space.
- In our exercise, the ellipse is centered at the origin with a semi-major axis of 4 along the \(y\)-axis and a semi-minor axis of 2 along the \(x\)-axis.
Cylinder
A cylinder in three-dimensional space (\(\mathbb{R}^3\)) is generated when a curve is extended along a line. For an elliptical cylinder, as in our example, the base of the cylinder is shaped like an ellipse.
The equation \(4x^2 + y^2 = 16\) represents this type of cylinder. The cylinder is described by an ellipse in the \(xy\)-plane that extends along the \(z\)-axis. Here's how we can look at cylinders:
The equation \(4x^2 + y^2 = 16\) represents this type of cylinder. The cylinder is described by an ellipse in the \(xy\)-plane that extends along the \(z\)-axis. Here's how we can look at cylinders:
- A cylinder takes its shape by extending a two-dimensional cross-section along an additional dimension, in this case, the \(z\)-dimension.
- Since the problem's equation lacks the \(z\)-variable, it implies that the ellipse is extended infinitely parallel to the \(z\)-axis, forming the cylinder.
- This elliptic cross-section provides the base of the cylinder which gives it its name: elliptical cylinder.
- Every cross-section parallel to the \(xy\)-plane produces the same ellipse, meaning the structure does not change along the \(z\)-direction.
Equation in three dimensions
Equations in three-dimensional space are used to define surfaces or solids. The expansion to 3D allows us to add another axis, typically the \(z\)-axis, helping to describe objects in terms of length, width, and height.
In the case of the elliptical cylinder given by \(4x^2 + y^2 = 16\), the following aspects are highlighted:
In the case of the elliptical cylinder given by \(4x^2 + y^2 = 16\), the following aspects are highlighted:
- The absence of a \(z\)-term indicates that the surface extends parallel to the \(z\)-axis. The cylinder is unbounded in the \(z\)-dimension.
- Equations in 3D can be visualized by interpreting how surfaces behave in space, meaning, every point \((x, y, z)\) satisfies the equation.
- While equations in 2D define flat shapes, equations in 3D add a spatial component, converting these shapes into solids or surface shells.
- Similarly, modifying or adding values of \(z\) can shift, tilt, or scale sections of the geometry in 3D space.