Calculus with Vector Functions — Question 4

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Question 4

The curves r→1(t)=⟨t,t2,t3⟩\vec r_1(t)=\left\langle t,t^2,t^3\right\rangle and r→2(s)=⟨s2,s,s3⟩\vec r_2(s)=\left\langle s^2,s,s^3\right\rangle meet at the origin and at (1,1,1)(1,1,1). Find the smaller angle between their tangent lines at each intersection.

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 6-7-004
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Question 4 – Solution

Strategy Differentiate each parametrization and evaluate using its own parameter at the shared point.

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At the origin Both use parameter 0. The tangent vectors are r→1′(0)=⟨1,0,0⟩\vec r_1'(0)=\left\langle 1,0,0\right\rangle and r→2′(0)=⟨0,1,0⟩\vec r_2'(0)=\left\langle 0,1,0\right\rangle, so the angle is 90∘\boxed{90^\circ}.

At (1,1,1)(1,1,1) Both use parameter 1. The tangents are ⟨1,2,3⟩\left\langle 1,2,3\right\rangle and ⟨2,1,3⟩\left\langle 2,1,3\right\rangle. Their dot product is 13 and both magnitudes are 14\sqrt{14}, so θ=cos⁡−1(13/14)≈21.8∘.\boxed{\theta=\cos^{-1}(13/14)\approx 21.8^\circ}.

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 6-7-004

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