Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2017/ib/paper-3/14g/b/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2017 ib Paper 3 14G b Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-05
Assume the parametrization is and regular, so its curvature is defined. Write and . Since and , its first fundamental form isFor the unit normal , the mixed coefficient of the second fundamental form iswhere the term containing twice vanishes. Also , while . ThusThe Gaussian curvature vanishes exactly when the displayed scalar triple product is zero. This is the Gaussian curvature of a ruled surface criterion; at a singular point with , curvature and the claimed equivalence are not defined.
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