Chapter 2: Space Curves
Section 2.2: Arc Length as Parameter
Example 2.2.4
Obtain st, the arc-length function for the helix in Example 2.1.4.
Solution
Mathematical Solution
If the position-vector description of a curve is given by Rt=xt i+yt j+zt k, then R.=x. i+y. j+z. k, where the over-dot notation represents differentiation with respect to t. Hence, the integrand in the arc-length integral for R is x.2+y.2+z.2 = R..
For the given helix,
R.
= ddtcost2+ddtsint2+ddtt32
= sin2t+cos2t+1/9
=10/9
=10/3
Hence, the arc-length function is st=∫0t10/3 ⅆu=10 t/3. (Note that because the upper limit of integration is t, the integration variable itself must be some other variable, here chosen to be u.)
Maple Solution - Interactive
Within the Student MultivariateCalculus package, the differentiation operator automatically maps onto the components of vectors. Also, in this package, the norm of a vector defaults to the Euclidean norm.
Tools≻Load Package: Student Multivariate Calculus
Loading Student:-MultivariateCalculus
Using p as the parameter on the helix, define this curve as the position vector R
Enter R as per Table 1.1.1.
Context Panel: Assign to a Name≻R
cosp,sinp,p/3→assign to a nameR
Keyboard the norm bars.
Calculus palette: Differentiation operator
Context Panel: Simplify≻Simplify
ⅆⅆ p R= simplify 13⁢10
Write and evaluate the arc-length integral
Calculus palette: Definite integral template
Context Panel: Evaluate and Display Inline
∫0t10/3 ⅆp = 13⁢10⁢t
The arc-length function is therefore st=10t/3.
Maple Solution - Coded
Install the Student MultivariateCalculus package.
withStudent:-MultivariateCalculus:
Define the helix as the position vector R.
R≔cosp,sinp,p/3:
Apply the int, Norm, and diff commands.
intsimplifyNormdiffR,p,p=0..t = 13⁢10⁢t
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