Section 12.1 Vector-Valued Functions

We are very familiar with real valued functions, that is, functions whose output is a real number. This section introduces vector-valued functions — functions whose output is a vector.

Figure 12.1.1. Video introduction to Section 12.1

Definition 12.1.2. Vector-Valued Functions.

A vector-valued function is a function of the form

\begin{equation*} \vec r(t) = \la\, f(t),g(t)\,\ra \text{ or } \vec r(t) = \la \,f(t),g(t),h(t)\,\ra\text{,} \end{equation*}

where \(f\text{,}\) \(g\) and \(h\) are real valued functions.

The domain of \(\vec r\) is the set of all values of \(t\) for which \(\vec r(t)\) is defined. The range of \(\vec r\) is the set of all possible output vectors \(\vec r(t)\text{.}\)

Subsection 12.1.1 Evaluating and Graphing Vector-Valued Functions

Evaluating a vector-valued function at a specific value of \(t\) is straightforward; simply evaluate each component function at that value of \(t\text{.}\) For instance, if \(\vec r(t) = \la t^2,t^2+t-1\ra\text{,}\) then \(\vec r(-2) = \la 4,1\ra\text{.}\) We can sketch this vector, as is done in Figure 12.1.3(a). Plotting lots of vectors is cumbersome, though, so generally we do not sketch the whole vector but just the terminal point. The graph of a vector-valued function is the set of all terminal points of \(\vec r(t)\text{,}\) where the initial point of each vector is always the origin. In Figure 12.1.3(b) we sketch the graph of \(\vec r\text{;}\) we can indicate individual points on the graph with their respective vector, as shown.

Graph of a vector whose terminal point corresponds to a point on the curve. — (a)

Graph of the vector and vector valued function from the example. — (a)

Vector-valued functions are closely related to parametric equations of graphs. While in both methods we plot points \(\big(x(t), y(t)\big)\) or \(\big(x(t),y(t),z(t)\big)\) to produce a graph, in the context of vector-valued functions each such point represents a vector. The implications of this will be more fully realized in the next section as we apply calculus ideas to these functions.

Example 12.1.4. Graphing vector-valued functions.

Graph \(\ds \vec r(t) = \la t^3-t, \frac{1}{t^2+1}\ra\text{,}\) for \(-2\leq t\leq 2\text{.}\) Sketch \(\vec r(-1)\) and \(\vec r(2)\text{.}\)

Solution 1.

We start by making a table of \(t\text{,}\) \(x\) and \(y\) values as shown in Figure 12.1.5(a). Plotting these points gives an indication of what the graph looks like. In Figure 12.1.5(b), we indicate these points and sketch the full graph. We also highlight \(\vec r(-1)\) and \(\vec r(2)\) on the graph.

Graph of two vectors and vector valued function from the example. — (a)

Solution 2. Video solution

Example 12.1.6. Graphing vector-valued functions.

Graph \(\vec r(t) = \la \cos(t) ,\sin(t) ,t\ra\) for \(0\leq t\leq 4\pi\text{.}\)

Solution 1.

We can again plot points, but careful consideration of this function is very revealing. Momentarily ignoring the third component, we see the \(x\) and \(y\) components trace out a circle of radius 1 centered at the origin. Noticing that the \(z\) component is \(t\text{,}\) we see that as the graph winds around the \(z\)-axis, it is also increasing at a constant rate in the positive \(z\) direction, forming a spiral. This is graphed in Figure 12.1.7. In the graph \(\vec r(7\pi/4)\approx (0.707,-0.707,5.498)\) is highlighted to help us understand the graph.

Link to full-sized image

The image contains the plot of the vector valued function \(\vec r(t) = \la \cos(t) ,\sin(t) ,t\ra\) for \(0\leq t\leq 4\pi\text{.}\) The image also contains the vector \(\vec r(7\pi/4)\approx (0.707,-0.707,5.498)\text{,}\) which corresponds to a point on the function \(\vec r(t)\text{.}\) The function \(\vec r(t)\) begins at the point \((1,0,0)\) corresponding to the lower bound of \(t=0\text{.}\) Ignoring the \(z\) coordinate of the vector valued function, the curve is simply a circle centered at the origin in the \(xy\) plane. The addition of the \(z\) coordinate given by \(t\) then makes this curve linearly increase at \(t\) increases. Accounting for the \(z\) coordinate, the function \(\vec r(t)\) resembles a linearly increasing circular spiral, which completes two full revolutions. The spiral ends at the same \(x \) and \(y\) coordinates as it started, but is \(4\pi\) units above in the \(z\) direction, ending at the point \((1,0,4\pi)\text{.}\)

Figure 12.1.7. The graph of \(\vec r(t)\) in Example 12.1.6

Solution 2. Video solution

Subsection 12.1.2 Algebra of Vector-Valued Functions

Definition 12.1.8. Operations on Vector-Valued Functions.

Let \(\vec r_1(t)=\la f_1(t),g_1(t)\ra\) and \(\vec r_2(t)=\la f_2(t),g_2(t)\ra\) be vector-valued functions in \(\mathbb{R}^2\) and let \(c\) be a scalar. Then:

\(\vec r_1(t) \pm \vec r_2(t) = \la\, f_1(t)\pm f_2(t),g_1(t)\pm g_2(t)\,\ra\text{.}\)
\(c\vec r_1(t) = \la\, cf_1(t),cg_1(t)\,\ra\text{.}\)

A similar definition holds for vector-valued functions in \(\mathbb{R}^3\text{.}\)

This definition states that we add, subtract and scale vector-valued functions component-wise. Combining vector-valued functions in this way can be very useful (as well as create interesting graphs).

Figure 12.1.9. Video presentation of Definition 12.1.8

Example 12.1.10. Adding and scaling vector-valued functions.

Let \(\vec r_1(t) = \la\,0.2t,0.3t\,\ra\text{,}\) \(\vec r_2(t) = \la\,\cos(t) ,\sin(t) \,\ra\) and \(\vec r(t) = \vec r_1(t)+\vec r_2(t)\text{.}\) Graph \(\vec r_1(t)\text{,}\) \(\vec r_2(t)\text{,}\) \(\vec r(t)\) and \(5\vec r(t)\) on \(-10\leq t\leq10\text{.}\)

Solution 1.

We can graph \(\vec r_1\) and \(\vec r_2\) easily by plotting points (or just using technology). Let’s think about each for a moment to better understand how vector-valued functions work.

We can rewrite \(\vec r_1(t) = \la\, 0.2t,0.3t\,\ra\) as \(\vec r_1(t) = t\la 0.2,0.3\ra\text{.}\) That is, the function \(\vec r_1\) scales the vector \(\la 0.2,0.3\ra\) by \(t\text{.}\) This scaling of a vector produces a line in the direction of \(\la 0.2,0.3\ra\text{.}\)

We are familiar with \(\vec r_2(t) = \la\, \cos(t) ,\sin(t) \,\ra\text{;}\) it traces out a circle, centered at the origin, of radius 1. Figure 12.1.11(a) graphs \(\vec r_1(t)\) and \(\vec r_2(t)\text{.}\)

Adding \(\vec r_1(t)\) to \(\vec r_2(t)\) produces \(\vec r(t) = \la\,\cos(t) + 0.2t,\sin(t) +0.3t\,\ra\text{,}\) graphed in Figure 12.1.11(b). The linear movement of the line combines with the circle to create loops that move in the direction of \(\la 0.2,0.3\ra\text{.}\) (We encourage the reader to experiment by changing \(\vec r_1(t)\) to \(\la 2t,3t\ra\text{,}\) etc., and observe the effects on the loops.)

Graph of the two vector valued functions prior to adding them together. — (a)

Graph of the vector valued function coming from adding the circle and line vector valued functions. — (a)

Multiplying \(\vec r(t)\) by 5 scales the function by 5, producing \(5\vec r(t) = \langle 5\cos(t) +t,5\sin(t) +1.5t\rangle\text{,}\) which is graphed in Figure 12.1.11(c) along with \(\vec r(t)\text{.}\) The new function is “5 times bigger” than \(\vec r(t)\text{.}\) Note how the graph of \(5\vec r(t)\) in Figure 12.1.11(c) looks identical to the graph of \(\vec r(t)\) in Figure 12.1.11(b). This is due to the fact that the \(x\) and \(y\) bounds of the plot in Figure 12.1.11(c) are exactly 5 times larger than the bounds in Figure 12.1.11(b).

Solution 2. Video solution

Example 12.1.12. Adding and scaling vector-valued functions.

A cycloid is a graph traced by a point \(p\) on a rolling circle, as shown in Figure 12.1.13. Find an equation describing the cycloid, where the circle has radius 1.

Image showing the cycloid which comes from tracking a point on a rolling circle. — Figure 12.1.13. Tracing a cycloid

Solution 1.

This problem is not very difficult if we approach it in a clever way. We start by letting \(\vec p(t)\) describe the position of the point \(p\) on the circle, where the circle is centered at the origin and only rotates clockwise (i.e., it does not roll). This is relatively simple given our previous experiences with parametric equations; \(\vec p(t) = \la \cos(t) , -\sin(t) \ra\text{.}\)

We now want the circle to roll. We represent this by letting \(\vec c(t)\) represent the location of the center of the circle. It should be clear that the \(y\) component of \(\vec c(t)\) should be 1; the center of the circle is always going to be 1 if it rolls on a horizontal surface.

The \(x\) component of \(\vec c(t)\) is a linear function of \(t\text{:}\) \(f(t) = mt\) for some scalar \(m\text{.}\) When \(t=0\text{,}\) \(f(t) = 0\) (the circle starts centered on the \(y\)-axis). When \(t=2\pi\text{,}\) the circle has made one complete revolution, traveling a distance equal to its circumference, which is also \(2\pi\text{.}\) This gives us a point on our line \(f(t) = mt\text{,}\) the point \((2\pi, 2\pi)\text{.}\) It should be clear that \(m=1\) and \(f(t) = t\text{.}\) So \(\vec c(t) = \la t, 1\ra\text{.}\)

We now combine \(\vec p\) and \(\vec c\) together to form the equation of the cycloid: \(\vec r(t) = \vec p(t) + \vec c(t) = \la \cos(t) + t,-\sin(t) +1\ra\text{,}\) which is graphed in Figure 12.1.14.

Graph showing the cycloid which comes from tracking a point on a rolling circle. — Figure 12.1.14. The cycloid in Example 12.1.12

Solution 2. Video solution

Subsection 12.1.3 Displacement

A vector-valued function \(\vec r(t)\) is often used to describe the position of a moving object at time \(t\text{.}\) At \(t=t_0\text{,}\) the object is at \(\vec r(t_0)\text{;}\) at \(t=t_1\text{,}\) the object is at \(\vec r(t_1)\text{.}\) Knowing the locations \(\vec r(t_0)\) and \(\vec r(t_1)\) give no indication of the path taken between them, but often we only care about the difference of the locations, \(\vec r(t_1)-\vec r(t_0)\text{,}\) the displacement.

Definition 12.1.15. Displacement.

Let \(\vec r(t)\) be a vector-valued function and let \(t_0\lt t_1\) be values in the domain. The displacement \(\vec d\) of \(\vec r\text{,}\) from \(t=t_0\) to \(t=t_1\text{,}\) is

\begin{equation*} \vec d=\vec r(t_1)-\vec r(t_0)\text{.} \end{equation*}

Figure 12.1.16. Video presentation of Definition 12.1.15

When the displacement vector is drawn with initial point at \(\vec r(t_0)\text{,}\) its terminal point is \(\vec r(t_1)\text{.}\) We think of it as the vector which points from a starting position to an ending position.

Example 12.1.17. Finding and graphing displacement vectors.

Let \(\vec r(t) = \la \cos(\frac{\pi}{2}t),\sin(\frac{\pi}2 t)\ra\text{.}\) Graph \(\vec r(t)\) on \(-1\leq t\leq 1\text{,}\) and find the displacement of \(\vec r(t)\) on this interval.

Solution 1.

The function \(\vec r(t)\) traces out the unit circle, though at a different rate than the “usual” \(\la \cos(t) ,\sin(t) \ra\) parametrization. At \(t_0=-1\text{,}\) we have \(\vec r(t_0) = \la 0,-1\ra\text{;}\) at \(t_1=1\text{,}\) we have \(\vec r(t_1) = \la 0,1\ra\text{.}\) The displacement of \(\vec r(t)\) on \([-1,1]\) is thus \(\vec d = \la 0,1\ra - \la 0,-1\ra = \la 0,2\ra\text{.}\)

Graph of the semicircle coming from plotting the vector valued function from the example. — Figure 12.1.18. Graphing the displacement of a position function in Example 12.1.17

A graph of \(\vec r(t)\) on \([-1,1]\) is given in Figure 12.1.18, along with the displacement vector \(\vec d\) on this interval.

Solution 2. Video solution

Measuring displacement makes us contemplate related, yet very different, concepts. Considering the semi-circular path the object in Example 12.1.17 took, we can quickly verify that the object ended up a distance of 2 units from its initial location. That is, we can compute \(\vnorm{d} = 2\text{.}\) However, measuring distance from the starting point is different from measuring distance traveled. Being a semi-circle, we can measure the distance traveled by this object as \(\pi\approx 3.14\) units. Knowing distance from the starting point allows us to compute average rate of change.

Definition 12.1.19. Average Rate of Change.

Let \(\vec r(t)\) be a vector-valued function, where each of its component functions is continuous on its domain, and let \(t_0\lt t_1\text{.}\) The average rate of change of \(\vec r(t)\) on \([t_0,t_1]\) is

\begin{equation*} \text{ average rate of change } = \frac{\vec r(t_1) - \vec r(t_0)}{t_1-t_0}\text{.} \end{equation*}

Example 12.1.20. Average rate of change.

Let \(\vec r(t) = \la \cos(\frac{\pi}2t),\sin(\frac{\pi}2t)\ra\) as in Example 12.1.17. Find the average rate of change of \(\vec r(t)\) on \([-1,1]\) and on \([-1,5]\text{.}\)

Solution 1.

We computed in Example 12.1.17 that the displacement of \(\vec r(t)\) on \([-1,1]\) was \(\vec d = \la 0,2\ra\text{.}\) Thus the average rate of change of \(\vec r(t)\) on \([-1,1]\) is:

\begin{equation*} \frac{\vec r(1) -\vec r(-1)}{1-(-1)} = \frac{\la 0,2\ra}{2} = \la 0,1\ra\text{.} \end{equation*}

We interpret this as follows: the object followed a semi-circular path, meaning it moved towards the right then moved back to the left, while climbing slowly, then quickly, then slowly again. On average, however, it progressed straight up at a constant rate of \(\la 0,1\ra\) per unit of time.

We can quickly see that the displacement on \([-1,5]\) is the same as on \([-1,1]\text{,}\) so \(\vec d = \la 0,2\ra\text{.}\) The average rate of change is different, though:

\begin{equation*} \frac{\vec r(5)-\vec r(-1)}{5-(-1)} = \frac{\la 0,2\ra}{6} = \la 0,1/3\ra\text{.} \end{equation*}

As it took “3 times as long” to arrive at the same place, this average rate of change on \([-1,5]\) is \(1/3\) the average rate of change on \([-1,1]\text{.}\)

Solution 2. Video solution

We considered average rates of change in Sections 1.1 and 2.1 as we studied limits and derivatives. The same is true here; in the following section we apply calculus concepts to vector-valued functions as we find limits, derivatives, and integrals. Understanding the average rate of change will give us an understanding of the derivative; displacement gives us one application of integration.

Exercises 12.1.4 Exercises

Terms and Concepts

1.

2.

3.

4.

Problems

Exercise Group.

Sketch the vector-valued function on the given interval.

5.

\(\vec r(t) = \la t^2,t^2-1\ra\text{,}\) for \(-2\leq t\leq 2\text{.}\)

6.

\(\vec r(t) = \la t^2,t^3\ra\text{,}\) for \(-2\leq t\leq 2\text{.}\)

7.

\(\vec r(t) = \la 1/t,1/t^2\ra\text{,}\) for \(-2\leq t\leq 2\text{.}\)

8.

\(\vec r(t) = \la \frac1{10}t^2,\sin(t) \ra\text{,}\) for \(-2\pi\leq t\leq 2\pi\text{.}\)

9.

\(\vec r(t) = \la \frac1{10}t^2,\sin(t) \ra\text{,}\) for \(-2\pi\leq t\leq 2\pi\text{.}\)

10.

\(\vec r(t) = \la 3\sin(\pi t),2\cos(\pi t)\ra\text{,}\) on \([0,2]\text{.}\)

11.

\(\vec r(t) = \la 3\cos(t) ,2\sin(2 t)\ra\text{,}\) on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

12.

\(\vec r(t) = \la 2\sec(t) ,\tan(t) \ra\text{,}\) on \([-\pi,\pi]\text{.}\)

Exercise Group.

Sketch the vector-valued function on the given interval in \(\mathbb{R}^3\text{.}\) Technology may be useful in creating the sketch.

13.

\(\vec r(t) = \la 2\cos(t) , t, 2\sin(t) \ra\text{,}\) on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

14.

\(\vec r(t) = \la 3\cos(t) , \sin(t) , t/\pi\ra\) on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

15.

\(\vec r(t) = \la \cos(t) , \sin(t) ,\sin(t) \ra\) on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

16.

\(\vec r(t) = \la \cos(t) , \sin(t) ,\sin(2t)\ra\) on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

Exercise Group.

Find \(\norm{\vec r(t)}\text{.}\)

17.

If \(\vec r(t) = \la t,t^2\ra\text{,}\) then \(\norm{\vec r(t)}=\).

18.

\(\vec r(t) = \la 5\cos(t) ,3\sin(t) \ra\text{.}\)

19.

If \(\vec r(t) = \la 2\cos(t) ,2\sin(t) ,t\ra\text{,}\) then \(\norm{\vec r(t)}=\).

20.

\(\vec r(t) = \la \cos(t) ,t,t^2\ra\text{.}\)

Exercise Group.

Create a vector-valued function whose graph matches the given description.

21.

A circle of radius \(2\text{,}\) centered at \((1,2)\text{,}\) traced counter-clockwise once at constant speed on \([0,2\pi)\text{.}\)

22.

A circle of radius 3, centered at \((5,5)\text{,}\) traced clockwise once on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

23.

An ellipse, centered at \((0,0)\) with vertical major axis of length 10 and minor axis of length 3, traced once counter-clockwise on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

24.

An ellipse, centered at \((3,-2)\) with horizontal major axis of length 6 and minor axis of length 4, traced once clockwise on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

25.

A line through \((2,3)\) with a slope of \(5\text{.}\)

26.

A line through \((1,5)\) with a slope of \(-1/2\text{.}\)

27.

The line through points \((1,2,3)\) and \((4,5,6)\text{,}\) where

\(\vec r(0) = \la 1,2,3\ra\) and \(\vec r(1) = \la 4,5,6\ra\text{.}\)

28.

The line through points \((1,2)\) and \((4,4)\text{,}\) where

\(\vec r(0) = \la 1,2\ra\) and \(\vec r(1) = \la 4,4\ra\text{.}\)

29.

A vertically oriented helix with radius of \(2\) that starts at \((2,0,0)\) and ends at \((2,0,4\pi)\) after one revolution on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

30.

A vertically oriented helix with radius of 3 that starts at \((3,0,0)\) and ends at \((3,0,3)\) after 2 revolutions on \([0,1]\text{.}\)

Exercise Group.

Find the average rate of change of \(\vec r(t)\) on the given interval.

31.

\(\vec r(t) = \la t,t^2\ra\) on \([-2,2]\text{.}\)

32.

\(\vec r(t) = \la t,t+\sin(t) \ra\) on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

33.

\(\vec r(t) = \la 3\cos(t) ,2\sin(t) ,t\ra\) on \([0,2\pi]\text{.}\)

34.

\(\vec r(t) = \la t,t^2,t^3\ra\) on \([-1,3]\text{.}\)

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\(t\)	\(t^3-t\)	\(\ds \frac{1}{t^2+1}\)

\(-2\)	\(-6\)	1/5
\(-1\)	\(0\)	1/2
\(0\)	\(0\)	\(1\)
\(1\)	\(0\)	1/2
\(2\)	\(6\)	1/5