Math Problem Statement
Solution
We are tasked with finding the parametric equations of the tangent line to the curve of intersection of two surfaces: the paraboloid and the ellipsoid , at the point .
Steps to Solve:
-
Implicit differentiation: To find the direction of the tangent line at the point, we will first compute the gradients of both surfaces, as the tangent line to the curve of intersection is perpendicular to the gradients of both surfaces at the point.
-
Compute gradient of the paraboloid : The gradient of is: At the point , the gradient becomes:
-
Compute gradient of the ellipsoid : The gradient of is: At the point , the gradient becomes:
-
Find the direction of the tangent line: The tangent line is parallel to the cross product of the two gradients and . We compute the cross product:
\mathbf{i} & \mathbf{j} & \mathbf{k} \\ 2 & -2 & 1 \\ -6 & 4 & 8 \end{vmatrix}$$ Expanding the determinant: $$\mathbf{i} ((-2)(8) - (1)(4)) - \mathbf{j}((2)(8) - (1)(-6)) + \mathbf{k}((2)(4) - (-2)(-6))$$ $$= \mathbf{i}(-16 - 4) - \mathbf{j}(16 + 6) + \mathbf{k}(8 - 12)$$ $$= \mathbf{i}(-20) - \mathbf{j}(22) + \mathbf{k}(-4)$$ So, the cross product is: $$\nabla F_1 \times \nabla F_2 = (-20, -22, -4)$$ -
Parametric equations of the tangent line: The parametric equations for the tangent line take the form: where is the point , and is the direction vector .
Therefore, the parametric equations are:
Final Answer:
The parametric equations of the tangent line are:
Would you like further clarifications, or do you have any additional questions?
Here are 5 related questions:
- How is the gradient of a surface used in finding tangent lines?
- Why is the cross product of two gradients used to find the direction of the tangent line?
- Can you explain the geometric significance of the two surfaces intersecting?
- How do parametric equations describe lines in 3D space?
- What are other methods to compute tangent lines for more complex surfaces?
Tip: For parametric equations, the direction vector's components give insight into how fast each variable changes with respect to .
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Multivariable Calculus
Surfaces and Curves
Gradient Vectors
Tangent Lines
Formulas
Gradient vector formula: ∇F = (∂F/∂x, ∂F/∂y, ∂F/∂z)
Cross product formula: (a × b)
Parametric equation of a line: x(t) = x_0 + at, y(t) = y_0 + bt, z(t) = z_0 + ct
Theorems
Gradient and tangent line relationship
Cross product to find perpendicular direction in space
Suitable Grade Level
University Level (Calculus III or Advanced Calculus)
Related Recommendation
Find Tangent Plane and Normal Line to the Ellipsoid at (-2, 1, -3)
Vector Equation of Tangent Line at Point of Intersection of Two Surfaces
Find a Vector Equation for the Tangent Line to the Curve of Intersection of Surfaces
Parametric Equation and Tangent Vector of Curve C
Normal Line Intersection with Paraboloid x^2 + y^2 at (3, 3, 18)