5
$\begingroup$

Find parametric equations for the tangent line at the point $(\cos(-\frac{4 \pi}{6}), \sin(-\frac{4 \pi}{6}), -\frac{4 \pi}{6}))$ on the curve $x = \cos(t), y = \sin(t), z=t$

I understand that in order to find the solution, I need to use partial derivatives. However, the method in my textbook works for simpler problems -- I seem to be making a calculation error when I try to apply the method to this problem.

Can anyone suggest how to approach this problem?

I found a very similar problem and solution here, but the solution by the person who answered is hard for me to follow. Unfortunately, I get stuck at the line where he subtracts $\frac{\pi}{6}$ from $\pi$ within the trigonometric functions.

Here is the "simple" method that I was originally using.

Any sincere help would be appreciated. Thank you.

  • 0
    I have edited your title and question. In general try to keep the title short and capture the essence of the problem instead of having the entire problem statement as title.2011-02-21

4 Answers 4