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Chapter 13 : Vector Functions

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Chapter 13 : Vector Functions

13.1 Vector Functions and Space Curves

13.2 Derivatives and Integrals of Vector Functions

13.3 Arc Length and Curvature

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13.1 Vector Functions and Space Curves

Objectives :

 Introduce the concept of vector functions

 Discuss some curves in the space

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Vector Functions

A vector-valued function is a function whose domain is a set

of real numbers and whose range is a set of vectors.

r(t) = hf (t), g(t), h(t)i = f (t)i + g(t)j + h(t)k

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Example 1

Let r be the following vector function

3
√
r = ht , ln(3 − t), ti
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Limit of Vector Function

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Example 2

Find lim r(t) where

t→0

sin t
r = h1 + t3 , te−t , i
t
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Continuity

A vector function r is continuous at a if

lim r(t) = r(a)

t→a
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Space Curves

Suppose f, g and h are continuous functions. The set C of all

points x, y, z in space where

x = f (t), y = g(t), z = h(t)

and t varies throughout the interval I, is called space curve.

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Example 3

Describe the curve defined by

r = h1 + t, 2 + 5t, −1 + 6ti
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Example 4

Describe and sketch the curve defined by

r(t) = cos t i + sin t j + t k
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Example 5

Find a vector function that represents the curve of

intersection of the cylinder x2 + y 2 = 1 and the plane

y + z = 2.
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Keywords to remember

 Vector function
 Limit
 Continuity
 Space curve