The Unit Tangent Vector

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Section 5.6 The Unit Tangent Vector

Objectives

To understand how the unit tangent vector of a vector valued function of one variable is defined.
To identify the unit tangent vector and its geometric properties relating to a curve in space.

Figure 5.6.1. A screenshot from the lesson regarding the unit tangent for a vector valued function.

Subsection 5.6.1 The Unit Tangent Vector

This lesson focuses on measuring the direction of travel using the unit tangent vector. The relationship between the velocity vector and the unit tangent are animated and discussed across the four common examples used in the vector valued function lessons. There are two multiple choice questions that ask the user to think about when the unit tangent is undefined and whether the unit tangent vector is a property of the driver or the road (in our continuing analogy).

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