CHAPTER 5

LENGTHS OF PLANECURVES
5.1 : Introduction
In this chapter,we shallbe concerned with the determination of the lengths of arcs of plane curves
whose equations are given in the Cartesian., parametric or polar form. The process of finding the length
of an arc of acurve between two given points is called Rectification. To determine the lengths of ares of
curves, we shall derive some formulae for derivatives of the lengths of arcs of the curves.
5.2: Length of arcs
Before going for derivation of some formulae for derivatives of arc lengths of curves,we have to
discuss the following axiom and an important deduction from the axiom.
5.2.1: Axiom
IfP and Q be any two points on acurve such that the arc
PQ is throughout its lengthconcave to the chord PQ. then
Chord PQ<arc PQ < PL + QL,
where PL and QL are any two lines enclosing the curve. Fig. 5.2.1
5.2.2: An important deduction from the axiom
IfP and Q be any two points on a curve, then
arc PO
lim =1
QP Chord PQ
Proof :
We take Qso near Pthat the arc PQ is every where concave to the chord PQ.
Let PL be the tangent at P.
Draw QL to PL.
Let |LPQ=a
We know that
Chord PO< arc PO < PL+ LQ
arc PQ PL LQ
P
Chord PQ PQ PQ Fig. 5.2.2
I< arc PQ COS a t Sin a ..(1)
Chord PQ
5.2 Calculus and Ordinary Differential

Ler QP so that the chord PO tends to the tangent PL as its limiting position and g
From (1), We can get
Equationg
lim arc PQ
=1
Q’P Chord PQ
Since cosa. + sina > 1 when a ’0.
5.2.3: Length of arc as a function for Cartesian equation
To prove that

ds dy
1+|
dx dx

for the curve y =S*).

Proof :
Let sdenotes arcual distance of any point P(, y) from some fixed point Aon the curve.
We take another point Q(+ &r, y + ôy) on the curve near P.
Now, arc AP =s
Let arc AQ =s+ ôs
So, arc PO = ¿s
From the right angled APQN,
We have
PQ² = PN? + NQ² A
= (&r + (ôy P

PQ
Sx =1+| Sx
X
2
M
Chord PQ Sy \2
=l+
arc PO x Fig. 5.2.3
When Q ’P, then &x ’ 0.
Taking limit as Q ’P on both sides, we get
2 2
ds dy
1 =1+
dx dx

2
ds dy
’ 1+
dx dx

Corollary 1:
Ifx =fv) be the equation offthe curve, then s is afunction of y and as above, it can beshowntha

ds dx
1+
dy dy
Lengths of PlaneCurves 5.3

Corollary -2:
From the right angled triangle PNQ, we have
PN Sx arc PO
cos NPO =
PQ ås Chord PQ
Let O ’ P so that |NPQ ’ r, where w is the angle of inclination of the tangent at P.
dx
COSr =
ds
dx
COS r =
ds
Similarly, it can be shown that
sin y = dy
ds
5.2.4: Length of arc as a function for parametric equations
To prove that
ds dx dy
dt dt dt
for the curve x =t), y= g().
Proof :
Let sdenote the arcualdistance of any point P() on the curve from a fixed point A of the same.
We take another point Q(t + ôt) on the curve.
Let x + Sx, y + &ybe its coordinates.
Let arc PÌ= 8s.
From the right angled triangle PNQ (Fig- 5.2.3), we get
PQP = PN?+ NQP= (8xP + (öy

og)2 2

Chord PQ -

arc PQ St
When ) ’P. then &t ’0.
Taking limit as Q ’ P on both sides, we get
ds
dt

ds dx dy
dt dt dt
5.4 Calculus and Ordinary Differential
5.2.5: Length of arc as a function for polar equation.
Equations
To prove that
ds dr
d d
for the curve r =f0).
Proof :
Let sdenotes the arcual length of any point P(r, 0) from some fixed point A on the curve. We take
another point Q(r+ ôr, 0 + S0)on the curve near P.
Let arc AQ=s+ Ss sothat arc PQ = &s.
Draw PN to OQ.
PN
Now, =sin e so that PN =rsin d
OP
Hence NQ = 0Q ON
=r+r -r cos S0 P(r, 0)
= 1 - cos S0) + Sr

= 2r sin + Sr ’A

From A PNQ, we get Fig. 5.2.4

PQ² = PN? + NQP
= sin? S0 + (2r sin² S0 + Sr
Dividing both sides by (80), we get
(PQ)° 2r
sin 80 Sr
(Se)² (s9)
2 2
Chord PQ sin S0 sin 80
+r. sinB80 ..(1)
arc PO (}80)
When Q’ P, then S ’0.
Taking limit as Q’P on both sides of (1), we get
ds dr
de
=r(|)° +| r.0.1+ de
ds)? d )?
d d

ds d
+
do d
Lengths of Plane Curves 5.5

Corollary-1:
If0=r) be the equation of the curve then s is a function of r and., as above, it can be shown that

ds de
1+
dr dr

Corollary-2:
PN r sin S0
sin PON=
PQ PQ
sin 80 8 arc PQ
Ss Chord PQ ... (2)

LetQ ’ Pso that PQN ’¢, where ¢ is the angle between the positive direction ofthe tangent
and the radius vector.
Taking limit as Q’ Pon both sides of (2), we get
d0
sin =r.1. 1
ds
d
’ sin Ù=r
ds
NÌ 2rsin 80+ Sr
Again, cos PQN =
PQ PQ
(2r sin ö0 +ôr) S0 arc PQ
Ss ChordPQ
1 Sn0 &r ) Se arc PQ
r.sin-S. + ... (3)
2 S0 Ss Chord PQ
Taking limit as Q ’ Ponboth sides of (3), we get
dr de
cos= r.0.1+ de ds
dr
cos =:
ds
5.2.6 :Arc length for Cartesian Equation
(i) The length of the arc of the curve y =fx), included between two points whose abscissae are
a and b, is
2
dy dx
dx
 Calculus and Ordinary
5.6
Differential
(ii) The length of the arc of the curve x f), included between two points
cand d, is
Equationg
whose ordinates
2
dx
|1+ dy.
dy
5.2.7:Arc length for parametric Cartesian equations
The length of the arc of the curve x=), y = g(). included between two points
values are a and B, is whose parameter
2 2
dx dy
dt.
dt dt

5.2.8: Arc length for polar equation

The length of the arc of the curve r=(0), included between two points whose vectorial angles aes
. and B, is

dA

Example - 5.2.1 : Find the length of the entire circle x +y= 2ax.
Solution: The equation of the circle is
x²ty² 2ax .. (1) ^Y
- 2ax + y² =0
-2ax + a ty= a
r- a) + (y-0) = a
X= 0) X =2a
Hence, Centre = (a, 0) X
Radius =a (a,0)
The curve is symmetrical about x-axis.
It intersects x - axis at (0, 0) and (2a, 0).
For the curve in Ist quadrant x varies from 0 to 2a.
x=2a

Required length of the curve = 2 1+ dy dr

x=0 dr Fig. 5.2.5
y = -(r- a)
d
dr y'--r-a|
dx

’ 2
dx -=-2(*-a)
dy -(x-a)
dx
Lengths ofPlane Curves 5.7

1+
G=-a) +(*-a'|
dr y y²

Required length of the given circle

x=2a
=2 | dr
x=2a
1
=2a | -d
r=0 ya'-(r-a)'
Let t=x-a
= 2a =dt
dt = dx
f=-a

x=0:t=-a
x=2a:t=a

= 4a

T
=4a {sin 1- sin'0} = 4a-0=
2
2ra
Example -5.2.2 : Find the length of the arc of the parabola y² = 4ax measured from the vertex to one
extremity of the latus-rectum.
Solution : The equation of the parabola is y² 4ax. .. (1)
Vertex is (0, 0).
Focus is F(a, 0).
The latus-rectum is AB with A(a, 2a) and B(a, - 2a).
For the arc from the vertex to one extremity Aof the latus-rectum, x varies from 0 to a.
2

Required length = dx

Now, y² = 4ax

dy
=2Va Va
d 2yx
5.8 Calculus and Ordinary. Differential
1+ =1+4+a
Equations
dx

1+
dy x+a
dr

X+a
Hence, the required length = dx
x=0

Let x =atatan
a+atan 0
|.2a tan 9 sec² 0 de dr = 2a tan sec d
9-0
a tan 9
when x=0:0=0
when x=a:0="
4

4
Y
asec' 9
|.2a tan sec de A(a, 2a)
9=0
atan 9

4
sec
.2atan sec* do X
9=0 tan F (a, 0)

= 2a sec' de
-0
B(a, -2a)
2a.sec tan +In |sec®+tan 1Je-0 Fig. 5.2.6

a + In |sec
sec tan
4 4
+ tan -(sec 0° tan 0°+ In |sec 0° +1

-a2+in(V2+1)
Example - 5.2.3 : Find the entire length of the astroid x+yi =aÑ.
Solution : The equation of the given curve is
. .(1)
The curve is symmetrical about both the axes.
It intersects x - axis at (t a, 0) and y- axis at (0, ± a),
For the curve in Ist quadrant, x varies from 0to a.
Lengths of Plane Curves 5.9

Required length of the curve =4 dy dr

x=) dx

Now, x +y? -g

d
O4y'
dx
=0 (0,a)

3 2 dy =0
’X
3 3 dr (a,0) (a,0)
dy
dr |(0,-a)
2

Fig.5.2.7

x
X=a

Required length of the curve = 4 dr

X=0
dx

X=a 1 x=a
=4 Jdr=4a' xdr
X=0 X=0

1=0

=4g%
Jx=0

*4g%3
2
a=6a
Example- 5.2.4 :Prove that the length of the loop of thecurve 3ay =x(*- af is a.
Solution:The equation of the curve is
3ay? =x(x - af. ...(1)
The curve is symmetrical about x - axis.
yvanishes for x = 0and x= a.
Therefore the loop is formed between x =0and x = a.
Hence the required length of the loop is two times the length of the arc of the curve lying above
X-axis.
5.10 Calculus and Ordinary. Diferential
For this arc, x yaries from 0 to a. Equatio
X=a
dy
So, the required length =21+ x=0
dx
dr

Now, 3ay =x(x-a

(a,0)
dx =(x-a +x2(x- a)=(x-a)(3x-a)
dy_(-a)(3*- a)
dx 6ay Fig. 5.2.8
2

1+
dx = 1+ (-a(3r-a
36a' y' 12ar(x- a)
= 1+ (3r-a)' 12ar +(3X-a)' 9x+a +6ax
12ax 12ax 12ax
(3*+a)'
12ax

Required length = 2 dr
X=0
12ax
X=a 3x+a
I=a

=2 1
dx
x=0 b2/3/rva X=0
dx

1
3.rta2va Jr=0

1 4a

Example -5.2.5: Find the whole length of the curve (a-x)= 8a v,

Solution : The equation of the curve is
(a-)=8ay.
...(1)
It is symmetrical about both the axes.
Here yvanishes when x =0, a, - a.
So there are two loops at x=- ato x= 0 and atx=0
tox=0.
Hence the whole length is four times the length of the curve in the first
quadrant.
 engths
Now,
=1+ 1+ l6a'y=2x(a-x
)+r*(-2x) ’
=4 of
X=a
Required
length=4 9a' 8a dx dy
x=0 dr Plane
r=)
8a'- -x)(a'(o'-2x 8a'y=xa-)
622a(-xa) -12a'8a(a-r)+{o-2x)
8a'x+a =1+ =1+ dx
+2(a'
-*) a x(a-2x)
d+2(d-)] 8ay Curves
(a-2r)=2x
+4x 8a'x(a-r) *a-2r64ya
+4x

ald-*)
dx 242 -x)
3a'2x? -8a²(a'
(3a-2x -4a'
dx= 3a'-2x?
'
X=0

dx

(-a,0)

5.2.9
Fig.

(a,0)

’X 5.11
5.12 Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations

a
dr +
a

Sin-!/
-V2a sin 2 2

2V2a
-/2a+ a [2' 2
Ta
+

Ta v2

Example - 5.2.6 : Ifsis the length of the curve y = ccos h from (0, c) to the point (x, y).
then prove that y² = c+s.

Solution:Given that s is the length of the curve y=ccos h from (0, c) to the point (x, y).
To prove that y² = c +s.
dy
S=+ dr
dr

V=ccosh

dy sin h
-=c.sin h
dr
dy)
1+
dr -l+ sinh=cosh
dy )
l+ = cos h
dr

s=cosh csin h

= C
Sin h -csin h (0)
Lengths of Plane Curves 5.13

= CSinh
C

RHS =c²+g²

= +sin h
(0, c)
- cl+ sin h? ’X

X
=¢ cos h
C

= LHS Fig. 5.2.10

Example -5.2.7: Find the length of the one arc of the cycloid x =a (0 - sin ), y = a(1 - cos ).
Solution : The equation of the cycloid is
x=a(0- sin )
y=a(1- cos 0).
when = 0, x=0and y =0.
when = 2r, x = 2Ta and y=0.
For one arc of the cycloid, varies from 0 to 2.
=2n 2 2
dr dy
Required length of the cycloid = d de
de
9-0

dr
d9 =al1-cos0)
dy
= asin 9
de
2
dy
dA de = a (1- cos + a sin 9 9=0 X

=a [(1- cos0) + sin' 0]

=a [1- 2 cose + cos?0 + sin]
=a [2-2 cose] =2a (1 -cos®) Fig. 5.2.11
= 2a'.2sin = 4a sin
2 2
dx dy D

de d
=2asin
2
5.14 Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations
0-2T

Required Ilength = 2asin de

9-0
2

4a -cos 2 =4a-cos +cos 0°}

=4a {1 + 1} =8a
Example -5.2.8: Find the perimeter of the loop of thecurve x = , y =t- %.
Solution: The equation of the curve is
x=,yt-3.
y=0 when =0, 3, -J3.
when t =0, x = 0 and y = 0.
when =3. x=3 and y= 0.
So, for the upper half of the loop, t varies from 0 to J3.
2
dx dy
d
Required length of the loop = 2 dt
+
dt
dr
=2t and dy =1-2
d dt
2
dy
-4r +{1-)
=(1 +

e-) =1+?

t=3
Required length of the loop = 2
(=0

3 Ji=0

=2 34 3N3
3

=4/3
Exampie - 5.2.9 : Find the perimeter of the cardioide r= a(l + cos).
Solution: The equation of the cardioide is r = a(1 + cos0).
The curve is symmetrical about the initial line. For the upper half of the curve, varies from 0 to
T. So, its perimeter is double the length of the arc lying above the polar
axis.
Lengths of Plane Curves 5.15

Required length of the cardioide

=2 d
de
r= a(l t cos 0)
dr
=-asin
de

=a'(1+cos ) +a' sin'0=a (1+cose)' +sin' e

d
= a [l +2cose + cos?0 + sinO]= a [2 + 2cose] ’A

= 2a' (1 t cos®)= 2a'.2 cos? =4a cos?

2 2

dr
=2a cos Fig. 5.2.12
de

Required length of the cardioide = 2 J=0 2a cos de

7
= 4a
co 2 de=&a sin-&asin
2 ;-sino = 8a
2T
Example 5.2.10 : Show that the upper half of the cardioide r= a(1 - cose) is bisected at 9 - 3
Solution:r= a(1 - cos ) 3 A

dr
=asin 0 B
d ’A

dr
+
de
=a'(|- cos 0)' +a' sin0 =a' (1-cos0)' +sin'

=a'l-2cosê +cos' 0+sin' o|=a [2-2 cos0] Fig. 5.2.13

=2a' (1 -cos e) =2a'.2sin' 2 = 4a' sin.

2

=2asin
2
2n
Length of the upper half of the cardioide from =0to 0=
3
5.16 Calculus andOrdinary Differential Equations
2T

3
=OA = 2a sin-de =-4a cos
=0 2 Je=o

=-4a cos, Je-0

=

aoa-oao-2a
-4a

Length of the upper half of the cardioide from 0= to = T

3

= AB = |2a sin- d = 4acos

2r 2 2 Je-2n
3 3

--4alo2
Hence OA= AB
So, the upper half of the cardioide r = a(1 - cos0) is bisected by 0=
3
EXERCISE 5
1. Find the perimeter of the circle x + y= d.
2. Find the length of the arc of the curve y= log sec x from x=0to r=
3
3 Find the length of the arc of the parabola x* = 4ay cut off by its latus
rectum.
4. Find the length of the loop of the curve 9ay' = (x-2a) (r - 5af.
5. Rectifythe curve x= a(0+ sin ), y= a(l- cos®).
6. Find the perimeter of the circle x = acos®, y = asin.
7 Find the entire length of the astroid x = a cos³ , y= asin° 0.
8 Find the length of the arc of the curve

x=e sin, y= e cos0 from 0 = 0to 9=

9. Find the perimeter of the cardioide r = a(l - cos).
10. Find the length of the loop of thecurve r = a (0 - 1).
11. Find the perimeter of the circle r = a.
Lengths of Plane Curves 5.17
12. Find the length of the arc of the hyperbolic spiral r =a from the
point r= ator= 2a.
13. Find the length of one loop of the curve r = acos?0.
14. Show that the arc of the spiral r = e cot « between anytwo radii vectors varies as the
of these radii. difference

ANSWERS

1. 2ra 2.
log(2 +)
3 2a(/2+ log(!+ a) 4.
4N3 a
5. 8a 6. 2Ta

7. 6a 8.
a(¢%-i)
9 8a 10.

2+/8
11. 2Ta 12. a v5-\2 +log 1+V5
13.
5--log(2 +V5)