Lesson 14: Parametric Surfaces

Preview

We saw toward the end of the previous lesson that we can calculate scalar line integrals via vector-valued functions. In this lesson we’ll continue this approach and investigate how to think of surfaces and planes as vector-valued functions, and how to use vector-valued functions to calculate surface areas.

  • In Module 1 we’ll learn how to parametrize surfaces using vector-valued functions that have two parameters.

  • In Module 2 we’ll use two-parameter vector-valued functions to describe the equation of a plane, and later the equations of tangent planes.

  • Finally, in Module 3 we’ll use two-variable vector-valued functions to learn how to calculate surface areas.

Review

  • Cross products and the equation of a plane, from Lesson 3

  • Vector-valued functions, from Lesson 4

  • Tangent planes, from Lesson 7

Learn

Work through the lesson notes below, consulting the videos below it when you get to the "See Class Notes" boxes. For your records, the annotated lesson notes are below the videos. Some tips for you as you work through these resources:

  • I recommend using Cornell Notes (or a modification of it; see this video starting at the 1:05 mark) to take notes on the lesson and the videos. This note-taking method balances detail with big-picture thinking to help you summarize and retain what you are learning. See this other video for additional note-taking techniques you might want to experiment with.

Lesson Notes

Lesson 14.pdf

Module 1 Video

Module 2 Video

Module 3 Video

Reflect

If you are currently enrolled in this course with me, submit the written reflections Google Form I have emailed you after working through the lesson notes and videos. Some tips:

  • Submit substantive, but concise, answers to each question; you will be doing the future you a big favor by taking time now to accurately and succinctly summarize what you have learned from the lesson.

  • Send yourself a copy of your reflections; they will come in handy later when you start preparing for quizzes and other assessments.

If you are not currently enrolled in this course with me, those written reflections ask three reflective questions designed to help you retain what you've learned and pinpoint any remaining areas of confusion. Those questions are:

  • Please summarize the main mathematical takeaways from the lesson notes.

  • What was the most interesting part of what you learned, and why?

  • What, if anything, do you still find confusing?

Practice

Work through the practice problems suggested below to see how much of this lesson you've understood.

Lesson 14 PP.pdf