Math Problem Statement

Which of the following are considered cylinders ?

Hint : Try to do this as if it were on the exam. Use the traces (or cross-sections) method to draw a picture to help you classify. (Click all that apply to get credit.)

A. y=x2−1

B. −(cos(−y))=−(z+1)

C. 4x2−4y2+4z2=3

D. y2+4z2=5

E. 3x2+3y2−4z=2

F. x2+5y2+4z2=1

G. None of the above.

Solution

To classify whether the given equations represent cylinders, we can use the traces (cross-sections) method, which involves analyzing the behavior of the equation in different planes to check if one of the variables is independent of the others (which would indicate a cylindrical shape). Let's go through each option.

A. y=x21y = x^2 - 1

This equation describes a parabola in the xx-yy plane. There is no zz-dependence, which means the equation describes a surface that extends infinitely along the zz-axis. Thus, this is a parabolic cylinder.

Conclusion: A is a cylinder.

B. (cos(y))=(z+1)-( \cos(-y)) = -(z+1)

Simplifying this equation: cos(y)=z+1orz=cos(y)1\cos(y) = z + 1 \quad \text{or} \quad z = \cos(y) - 1 This describes a cosine wave in the yy-zz plane, with no dependence on xx. Therefore, it extends infinitely along the xx-axis, and we get a cosine cylindrical surface.

Conclusion: B is a cylinder.

C. 4x24y2+4z2=34x^2 - 4y^2 + 4z^2 = 3

This is a quadratic equation involving all three variables xx, yy, and zz. It doesn't fit the form of a cylinder because all variables are coupled. This equation resembles a hyperboloid.

Conclusion: C is not a cylinder.

D. y2+4z2=5y^2 + 4z^2 = 5

This describes an ellipse in the yy-zz plane, with no dependence on xx, so the shape extends infinitely along the xx-axis. Thus, this is an elliptic cylinder.

Conclusion: D is a cylinder.

E. 3x2+3y24z=23x^2 + 3y^2 - 4z = 2

Rewriting: 3x2+3y2=4z+23x^2 + 3y^2 = 4z + 2 This equation has all three variables involved and describes a paraboloid rather than a cylinder.

Conclusion: E is not a cylinder.

F. x2+5y2+4z2=1x^2 + 5y^2 + 4z^2 = 1

This is an equation of an ellipsoid, involving all three variables. There is no infinite extension in one of the directions, so it is not a cylinder.

Conclusion: F is not a cylinder.

G. None of the above

This option can be disregarded since we have found cylinders in A, B, and D.


Final Answer:

  • A. y=x21y = x^2 - 1
  • B. (cos(y))=(z+1)-( \cos(-y)) = -(z+1)
  • D. y2+4z2=5y^2 + 4z^2 = 5

Would you like more details or clarifications on any of these?


Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. What is the general equation for a parabolic cylinder?
  2. How do you distinguish between a hyperboloid and a hyperbolic cylinder?
  3. How can you determine if an equation represents a cylindrical surface just by looking at it?
  4. What are the key differences between a cylinder and a prism?
  5. How do cylindrical coordinates relate to these types of surfaces?

Tip: When identifying cylinders, look for the variable that is "missing" from the equation or appears as a constant, as this indicates the axis along which the surface extends infinitely.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Traces (Cross-sections) Method
Cylindrical Surfaces
Equations of Parabolic, Elliptic, and Hyperbolic Cylinders

Formulas

y = x^2 - 1 (Parabolic Cylinder)
cos(y) = z + 1 (Cosine Cylinder)
y^2 + 4z^2 = 5 (Elliptic Cylinder)

Theorems

Cylindrical Surface Theorem (Cylinders extend infinitely along one axis when one variable is independent)

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12, College