Find unit tangent vector at indicated point

In summary: So you can write it down in an exam like this:19e^(19*pi/2)(1)-1)/((19e^(19*pi/2)*(1))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2)*(0))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2))^2)^.5 i19e^(19*pi/2)(1)+0)/((19e^(19*pi/2)*(1))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2)*(0))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2))^2)^.5 j19e^(19*pi/2)(0)+0)/((19e^(19*pi/2)*(1))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2)*(0))^
  • #1
olivia333
12
0

Homework Statement



Find the unit tangent vector at the indicated point of the vector function

r(t) = e(19t)costi + e(19t)sintj + e(19t) kT(pi/2) = <___i+___j+___k>

Homework Equations



r'(t) / |r'(t)|

The Attempt at a Solution

Answers:
19e(19*∏/2)(cos(∏/2)-sin(∏/2)) / ((19e(19*∏/2)sin(∏/2))2+(19e(19*∏/2)cos(∏/2))2+(19e(19*∏/2))2)^.5 i

19e(19*∏/2)(cos(∏/2)+sin(∏/2)) / ((19e(19*∏/2)sin(∏/2))2+(19e(19*∏/2)cos(∏/2))2+(19e(19*∏/2))2)^.5 j (correct)

19e(19*∏/2) / ((19e(19*∏/2)sin(∏/2))2+(19e(19*∏/2)cos(∏/2))2+(19e(19*∏/2))2)^.5 k (correct)

What's wrong with i?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
The overall sign is wrong on the i component.
 
  • #3
Dick said:
The overall sign is wrong on the i component.

Sorry, I didn't mean to put that there. I'm using a program online though and it's still wrong.

Annoying thing I actually put in:

19e^(19*pi/2)(cos(pi/2)-sin(pi/2))/((19e^(19*pi/2)sin(pi/2))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2)cos(pi/2))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2))^2)^.5

The parenthesis are correct because it shows us a much neater version of what we put in with our computer, and everything is as it should look.
 
  • #4
olivia333 said:
Sorry, I didn't mean to put that there. I'm using a program online though and it's still wrong.

Annoying thing I actually put in:

19e^(19*pi/2)(cos(pi/2)-sin(pi/2))/((19e^(19*pi/2)sin(pi/2))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2)cos(pi/2))^2+(19e^(19*pi/2))^2)^.5

The parenthesis are correct because it shows us a much neater version of what we put in with our computer, and everything is as it should look.

Ok, there is more than the sign wrong. The numerator should be e^(19*pi/2)*(19*cos(pi/2)-sin(pi/2)). Both terms don't have a factor of 19 in them. Check your product rule. There is a similar problem with the j component, but it didn't get caught because cos(pi/2)=0. BTW, you could simplify these expressions a LOT.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Dick said:
Ok, there is more than the sign wrong. The numerator should be e^(19*pi/2)*(19*cos(pi/2)-sin(pi/2)). Both terms don't have a factor of 19 in them. Check your product rule. There is a similar problem with the j component, but it didn't get caught because cos(pi/2)=0. BTW, you could simplify these expressions a LOT.


Thank you so much for your help. I would simplify, but I can't go farther than this on tests because I don't have enough time (this long annoying answer counts as full credit) and I'd like to do it like I'll do it on the test.
 
  • #6
olivia333 said:
Thank you so much for your help. I would simplify, but I can't go farther than this on tests because I don't have enough time (this long annoying answer counts as full credit) and I'd like to do it like I'll do it on the test.

Sure and you are welcome. You can do it anyway you'll get full credit. But at least setting cos(pi/2)=0 and sin(pi/2)=1 will also save you time writing the answer down on a test.
 

Related to Find unit tangent vector at indicated point

1. What is a unit tangent vector?

A unit tangent vector is a vector that is tangent to a curve at a specific point and has a length of 1. It represents the direction of the curve at that point.

2. How is the unit tangent vector found?

The unit tangent vector can be found by taking the derivative of the curve at the given point and then dividing that vector by its magnitude.

3. Why is the unit tangent vector important?

The unit tangent vector is important because it gives information about the direction of a curve at a specific point. It can also be used to find the rate of change of a curve and its curvature.

4. Can the unit tangent vector change at different points along a curve?

Yes, the unit tangent vector can change at different points along a curve as the direction of the curve changes.

5. How is the unit tangent vector used in physics and engineering?

In physics and engineering, the unit tangent vector is used to calculate the velocity and acceleration of an object moving along a curve. It is also used in the study of motion and forces in curved paths.

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