55599712
For a parametric curve \(x=x(t)\), \(y=y(t)\) on \(a\le t\le b\), write the integrand used to accumulate arc length.
Hints
- Think of a very short piece of the curve and its horizontal and vertical changes.
- What familiar distance relationship combines two perpendicular component changes?
- The integrand should represent distance traveled per unit change in the parameter.
Solution
1. An infinitesimal change in position has horizontal component \(dx\) and vertical component \(dy\), so its length is \(ds=\sqrt{dx^2+dy^2}\).
2. Dividing by \(dt\) gives \(\frac{ds}{dt}=\sqrt{\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2+\left(\frac{dy}{dt}\right)^2}\).
3. This is the arc-length integrand.
Answer
\(\sqrt{\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2+\left(\frac{dy}{dt}\right)^2}\)
