Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematical-methods-ii-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2021/3/solution
Past exam of the mathematical methods II course of the University of Oxford 2021 3 Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-25
Under the usual intended interpretation that the descending quarter of a circle drops through one radius, its radius is . Its arc length is , givingThe printed smoothness condition is inconsistent. The terminal tangent vector of the helix is . Every tangent vector to a curve confined to the plane has zero component, so no such regular curve can join this helix with a common tangent line. Moreover, the helix is still rising at that endpoint. Thus no smooth ride satisfying all the literal conditions exists.
Even after allowing a corner, a quarter of a circle reaching the ground does not alone determine its radius: the orientation of its endpoint radii must also be specified. For example, in the plane, the circular arctraversed toward decreasing , descends monotonically for and reaches when . Choosing gives , whereas gives . The numerical answer above is conditional on the intended geometry; it does not repair the impossible smooth join.
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