Parametric Surfaces and Surfaces of Revolution

Lucky Galvez

Institute of Mathematics
University of the Philippines
Diliman

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Recall

A curve in R3 is given by a vector function

R(t) = f (t)ı̂ + g(t)̂ + h(t)k̂

or a set of parametric equations

x = f (t), y = g(t), z = h(t).

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
A surface in R3 can be described by a vector function of two
parameters R(u, v).

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
A surface in R3 can be described by a vector function of two
parameters R(u, v). Suppose that
R(u, v) = x(u, v)ı̂ + y(u, v)̂ + z(u, v)k̂
is a vector function defined on a parameter domain D (in the
uv-plane).

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
A surface in R3 can be described by a vector function of two
parameters R(u, v). Suppose that
R(u, v) = x(u, v)ı̂ + y(u, v)̂ + z(u, v)k̂
is a vector function defined on a parameter domain D (in the
uv-plane). Any particular choice of (u, v) ∈ D gives a point
(x, y, z) such that
x = x(u, v) y = y(u, v) z = z(u, v).

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
A surface in R3 can be described by a vector function of two
parameters R(u, v). Suppose that
R(u, v) = x(u, v)ı̂ + y(u, v)̂ + z(u, v)k̂
is a vector function defined on a parameter domain D (in the
uv-plane). Any particular choice of (u, v) ∈ D gives a point
(x, y, z) such that
x = x(u, v) y = y(u, v) z = z(u, v).
The set of all such points as (u, v) varies over D is called a
parametric surface.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
A surface in R3 can be described by a vector function of two
parameters R(u, v). Suppose that
R(u, v) = x(u, v)ı̂ + y(u, v)̂ + z(u, v)k̂
is a vector function defined on a parameter domain D (in the
uv-plane). Any particular choice of (u, v) ∈ D gives a point
(x, y, z) such that
x = x(u, v) y = y(u, v) z = z(u, v).
The set of all such points as (u, v) varies over D is called a
parametric surface.

The parametric surface is

traced out by the tip of the
moving vector R(u, v) as (u, v)
varies over D.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Identify the surface given by R(u, v) = hu, cos v, sin vi.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Identify the surface given by R(u, v) = hu, cos v, sin vi.

Solution. The corresponding set of parametric equations are

x = u, y = cos v, z = sin v.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Identify the surface given by R(u, v) = hu, cos v, sin vi.

Solution. The corresponding set of parametric equations are

x = u, y = cos v, z = sin v.
Note that for any point (x, y, z) on the surface,
y 2 + z 2 = cos2 v + sin2 v = 1

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Identify the surface given by R(u, v) = hu, cos v, sin vi.

Solution. The corresponding set of parametric equations are

x = u, y = cos v, z = sin v.
Note that for any point (x, y, z) on the surface,
y 2 + z 2 = cos2 v + sin2 v = 1
This means that for constant x, the cross sections parallel to
the x-axis are circles of radius 1.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Identify the surface given by R(u, v) = hu, cos v, sin vi.

Solution. The corresponding set of parametric equations are

x = u, y = cos v, z = sin v.
Note that for any point (x, y, z) on the surface,
y 2 + z 2 = cos2 v + sin2 v = 1
This means that for constant x, the cross sections parallel to
the x-axis are circles of radius 1.

Hence, the surface is a right

circular cylinder

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

Consider a surface S given by a vector function R(u, v).

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

Consider a surface S given by a vector function R(u, v).

If we hold u = u0 , constant, then

R(u0 , v) becomes a vector
function of a single parameter v

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

Consider a surface S given by a vector function R(u, v).

If we hold u = u0 , constant, then

R(u0 , v) becomes a vector
function of a single parameter v
which traces a curve C1 on S.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

Consider a surface S given by a vector function R(u, v).

If we hold u = u0 , constant, then

R(u0 , v) becomes a vector
function of a single parameter v
which traces a curve C1 on S.

If we hold v = v0 , constant, then

R(u, v0 ) becomes a vector
function of a single parameter u

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

Consider a surface S given by a vector function R(u, v).

If we hold u = u0 , constant, then

R(u0 , v) becomes a vector
function of a single parameter v
which traces a curve C1 on S.

If we hold v = v0 , constant, then

R(u, v0 ) becomes a vector
function of a single parameter u
which traces a curve C2 on S.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

Consider a surface S given by a vector function R(u, v).

If we hold u = u0 , constant, then

R(u0 , v) becomes a vector
function of a single parameter v
which traces a curve C1 on S.

If we hold v = v0 , constant, then

R(u, v0 ) becomes a vector
function of a single parameter u
which traces a curve C2 on S.

We call these curves the grid curves of S.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

The grid curves of R(u, v) = hu, cos v sin vi:

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

The grid curves of R(u, v) = hu, cos v sin vi:

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Grid Curves

The grid curves of R(u, v) = hu, cos v sin vi:

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 ,

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant,

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and
x2 + y 2 = u20 .

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and
x2 + y 2 = u20 . Thus, we have circles parallel to the
xy-plane.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and
x2 + y 2 = u20 . Thus, we have circles parallel to the
xy-plane.
If v = 0, the parametric equation becomes

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and
x2 + y 2 = u20 . Thus, we have circles parallel to the
xy-plane.
If v = 0, the parametric equation becomes
x = u,

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and
x2 + y 2 = u20 . Thus, we have circles parallel to the
xy-plane.
If v = 0, the parametric equation becomes
x = u, y = 0,

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and
x2 + y 2 = u20 . Thus, we have circles parallel to the
xy-plane.
If v = 0, the parametric equation becomes
x = u, y = 0, z = 4 − u2

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and
x2 + y 2 = u20 . Thus, we have circles parallel to the
xy-plane.
If v = 0, the parametric equation becomes
x = u, y = 0, z = 4 − u2
which gives the parabola z = 4 − x2 on the xz-plane.
Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution
Parametric Surfaces
Example
Describe the parametric surface given by the parametric
equations x = u cos v, y = u sin v, z = 4 − u2 . Identify grid
curves with constant u and grid curve with v = 0.

Solution. To eliminate the parameters u and v note that

x2 + y 2 = u2 cos2 v + u2 sin2 v = u2 ,
but z = 4 − u2 ⇒ u2 = 4 − z. Hence,
x2 + y 2 = u2 = 4 − z
z = 4 − x2 − y 2 , a paraboloid.
If u = u0 , a constant, then z = 4 − u20 is constant and
x2 + y 2 = u20 . Thus, we have circles parallel to the
xy-plane.
If v = 0, the parametric equation becomes
x = u, y = 0, z = 4 − u2
which gives the parabola z = 4 − x2 on the xz-plane.
Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution
Surfaces of Revolution
Let f (x) ≥ 0 for a ≤ x ≤ b and S be the surface obtained when
the curve y = f (x) is revolved about the x-axis.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Let f (x) ≥ 0 for a ≤ x ≤ b and S be the surface obtained when
the curve y = f (x) is revolved about the x-axis. Let θ be the
angle of rotation as shown below:

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Let f (x) ≥ 0 for a ≤ x ≤ b and S be the surface obtained when
the curve y = f (x) is revolved about the x-axis. Let θ be the
angle of rotation as shown below:

If (x, y, z) is a point on S, then

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Let f (x) ≥ 0 for a ≤ x ≤ b and S be the surface obtained when
the curve y = f (x) is revolved about the x-axis. Let θ be the
angle of rotation as shown below:

If (x, y, z) is a point on S, then

x = x,

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Let f (x) ≥ 0 for a ≤ x ≤ b and S be the surface obtained when
the curve y = f (x) is revolved about the x-axis. Let θ be the
angle of rotation as shown below:

If (x, y, z) is a point on S, then

x = x, y = f (x) cos θ,

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Let f (x) ≥ 0 for a ≤ x ≤ b and S be the surface obtained when
the curve y = f (x) is revolved about the x-axis. Let θ be the
angle of rotation as shown below:

If (x, y, z) is a point on S, then

x = x, y = f (x) cos θ, z = f (x) sin θ

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Let f (x) ≥ 0 for a ≤ x ≤ b and S be the surface obtained when
the curve y = f (x) is revolved about the x-axis. Let θ be the
angle of rotation as shown below:

If (x, y, z) is a point on S, then

x = x, y = f (x) cos θ, z = f (x) sin θ
which is a parametric surface in the parameters x and θ.
Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution
Surfaces of Revolution
If S is a surface obtained by revolving y = f (x) or z = f (x)
about the x-axis, then S has parametric equations

x = x, y = f (x) cos θ, z = f (x) sin θ.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
If S is a surface obtained by revolving y = f (x) or z = f (x)
about the x-axis, then S has parametric equations

x = x, y = f (x) cos θ, z = f (x) sin θ.

If S is a surface obtained by revolving x = f (y) or z = f (y)

about the y-axis, then S has parametric equations

x = f (y) cos θ, y = y, z = f (y) sin θ.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
If S is a surface obtained by revolving y = f (x) or z = f (x)
about the x-axis, then S has parametric equations

x = x, y = f (x) cos θ, z = f (x) sin θ.

If S is a surface obtained by revolving x = f (y) or z = f (y)

about the y-axis, then S has parametric equations

x = f (y) cos θ, y = y, z = f (y) sin θ.

If S is a surface obtained by revolving x = f (z) or y = f (z)

about the z-axis, then S has parametric equations

x = f (z) cos θ, y = f (z) sin θ, z = z.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Example
Give a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving y = ex about the
1 x-axis. 2 y-axis.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Example
Give a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving y = ex about the
1 x-axis. 2 y-axis.

Solution.
1 The generating curve is
y = f (x) = ex .

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Example
Give a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving y = ex about the
1 x-axis. 2 y-axis.

Solution.
1 The generating curve is
y = f (x) = ex .
Hence, the surface of
revolution is given by

x = x

y = ex cos θ

z = ex sin θ


Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Example
Give a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving y = ex about the
1 x-axis. 2 y-axis.

Solution.
1 The generating curve is
y = f (x) = ex .
Hence, the surface of
revolution is given by

x = x

y = ex cos θ

z = ex sin θ


Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Example
Give a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving y = ex about the
1 x-axis. 2 y-axis.

Solution.
1 The generating curve is 2 Note: y = ex ⇒ x = ln y,
y = f (x) = ex .
Hence, the surface of
revolution is given by

x = x

y = ex cos θ

z = ex sin θ


Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Example
Give a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving y = ex about the
1 x-axis. 2 y-axis.

Solution.
1 The generating curve is 2 Note: y = ex ⇒ x = ln y, so
y = f (x) = ex . the generating curve is
Hence, the surface of x = f (y) = ln y.
revolution is given by

x = x

y = ex cos θ

z = ex sin θ


Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Example
Give a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving y = ex about the
1 x-axis. 2 y-axis.

Solution.
1 The generating curve is 2 Note: y = ex ⇒ x = ln y, so
y = f (x) = ex . the generating curve is
Hence, the surface of x = f (y) = ln y. Hence, the
revolution is given by surface of revolution is given
 by
x = x
 
x = ln y cos θ

y = ex cos θ
 y= y
z = ex sin θ
 
z = ln y sin θ


Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Surfaces of Revolution
Example
Give a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving y = ex about the
1 x-axis. 2 y-axis.

Solution.
1 The generating curve is 2 Note: y = ex ⇒ x = ln y, so
y = f (x) = ex . the generating curve is
Hence, the surface of x = f (y) = ln y. Hence, the
revolution is given by surface of revolution is given
 by
x = x
 
x = ln y cos θ

y = ex cos θ
 y= y
z = ex sin θ
 
z = ln y sin θ


Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Consider a surface S given by R(u, v) = hx(u, v), y(u, v), z(u, v)i
and a point P0 in S with position vector R(u0 , v0 ).

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Consider a surface S given by R(u, v) = hx(u, v), y(u, v), z(u, v)i
and a point P0 in S with position vector R(u0 , v0 ).
If C1 is the grid curve obtained by setting u = u0 , then the
tangent vector to C1 at P0 is
Rv (u0 , v0 ) = hxv (u0 , v0 ), yv (u0 , v0 ), zv (u0 , v0 )i .

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Consider a surface S given by R(u, v) = hx(u, v), y(u, v), z(u, v)i
and a point P0 in S with position vector R(u0 , v0 ).
If C1 is the grid curve obtained by setting u = u0 , then the
tangent vector to C1 at P0 is
Rv (u0 , v0 ) = hxv (u0 , v0 ), yv (u0 , v0 ), zv (u0 , v0 )i .
Similarly, if C2 is the grid curve obtained by setting v = v0 ,
then the tangent vector to C2 at P0 is
Ru (u0 , v0 ) = hxu (u0 , v0 ), yu (u0 , v0 ), zu (u0 , v0 )i .

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Consider a surface S given by R(u, v) = hx(u, v), y(u, v), z(u, v)i
and a point P0 in S with position vector R(u0 , v0 ).
If C1 is the grid curve obtained by setting u = u0 , then the
tangent vector to C1 at P0 is
Rv (u0 , v0 ) = hxv (u0 , v0 ), yv (u0 , v0 ), zv (u0 , v0 )i .
Similarly, if C2 is the grid curve obtained by setting v = v0 ,
then the tangent vector to C2 at P0 is
Ru (u0 , v0 ) = hxu (u0 , v0 ), yu (u0 , v0 ), zu (u0 , v0 )i .

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces

If Ru × Rv 6= 0, the surface S is called smooth.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces

If Ru × Rv 6= 0, the surface S is called smooth.

For a smooth surface S, the tangent plane is the plane
containing the vectors Ru and Rv .

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces

If Ru × Rv 6= 0, the surface S is called smooth.

For a smooth surface S, the tangent plane is the plane
containing the vectors Ru and Rv . Clearly, Ru × Rv is normal
to the tangent plane.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i
Rv (u, v) = hcos v, 1, 0i

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i
Rv (u, v) = hcos v, 1, 0i ⇒ Rv (0, 0) = h1, 1, 0i

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i
Rv (u, v) = hcos v, 1, 0i ⇒ Rv (0, 0) = h1, 1, 0i
The normal vector to the tangent plane at (0, −1, 1) is

h0, 0, 1i × h1, 1, 0i

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i
Rv (u, v) = hcos v, 1, 0i ⇒ Rv (0, 0) = h1, 1, 0i
The normal vector to the tangent plane at (0, −1, 1) is
 
ı̂ ̂ k̂
h0, 0, 1i × h1, 1, 0i = det  0 0 1 
1 1 0

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i
Rv (u, v) = hcos v, 1, 0i ⇒ Rv (0, 0) = h1, 1, 0i
The normal vector to the tangent plane at (0, −1, 1) is
 
ı̂ ̂ k̂
h0, 0, 1i × h1, 1, 0i = det  0 0 1  = h−1,
1 1 0

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i
Rv (u, v) = hcos v, 1, 0i ⇒ Rv (0, 0) = h1, 1, 0i
The normal vector to the tangent plane at (0, −1, 1) is
 
ı̂ ̂ k̂
h0, 0, 1i × h1, 1, 0i = det  0 0 1  = h−1, 1,
1 1 0

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i
Rv (u, v) = hcos v, 1, 0i ⇒ Rv (0, 0) = h1, 1, 0i
The normal vector to the tangent plane at (0, −1, 1) is
 
ı̂ ̂ k̂
h0, 0, 1i × h1, 1, 0i = det  0 0 1  = h−1, 1, 0i
1 1 0

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Tangent Plane to Parametric Surfaces
Example
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the surface given by
x = sin v, y = v − 1, z = eu
at the point P0 (0, −1, 1).

Solution. First, note that P0 is generated when u = v = 0. Next,

we solve the partial derivatives:
Ru (u, v) = h0, 0, eu i ⇒ Ru (0, 0) = h0, 0, 1i
Rv (u, v) = hcos v, 1, 0i ⇒ Rv (0, 0) = h1, 1, 0i
The normal vector to the tangent plane at (0, −1, 1) is
 
ı̂ ̂ k̂
h0, 0, 1i × h1, 1, 0i = det  0 0 1  = h−1, 1, 0i
1 1 0
Hence, the equation of the tangent plae at (0, −1, 1) is
−x + y + 1 = 0
Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution
Exercises

1 Identify the surface given by the vector equation

R(u, v) = hu + v, 3 − v, 1 + 4u + 5vi.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Exercises

1 Identify the surface given by the vector equation

R(u, v) = hu + v, 3 − v, 1 + 4u + 5vi.
2 Find a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving the circle x2 + y 2 = a2 about the y-axis.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Exercises

1 Identify the surface given by the vector equation

R(u, v) = hu + v, 3 − v, 1 + 4u + 5vi.
2 Find a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving the circle x2 + y 2 = a2 about the y-axis.
3 Find the equation of the tangent plane to the given parametric
surface at the specified point.
a. x = u + v, y = 3u2 , z = u − v; (2, 3, 0)

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Exercises

1 Identify the surface given by the vector equation

R(u, v) = hu + v, 3 − v, 1 + 4u + 5vi.
2 Find a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving the circle x2 + y 2 = a2 about the y-axis.
3 Find the equation of the tangent plane to the given parametric
surface at the specified point.
a. x = u + v, y = 3u2 , z = u − v; (2, 3, 0)
b. R(u, v) = u2 ı̂ + 2u sin v̂ + u cos v k̂; u = 1, v = 0

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Exercises

1 Identify the surface given by the vector equation

R(u, v) = hu + v, 3 − v, 1 + 4u + 5vi.
2 Find a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving the circle x2 + y 2 = a2 about the y-axis.
3 Find the equation of the tangent plane to the given parametric
surface at the specified point.
a. x = u + v, y = 3u2 , z = u − v; (2, 3, 0)
b. R(u, v) = u2 ı̂ + 2u sin v̂ + u cos v k̂; u = 1, v = 0
4 Show that the parametric equations
x = a sin u cos v, y = b sin u sin v, z = c cos u,
where a, b and c are constants, represent an ellipsoid.

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

Exercises

1 Identify the surface given by the vector equation

R(u, v) = hu + v, 3 − v, 1 + 4u + 5vi.
2 Find a set of parametric equations for the surface obtained by
revolving the circle x2 + y 2 = a2 about the y-axis.
3 Find the equation of the tangent plane to the given parametric
surface at the specified point.
a. x = u + v, y = 3u2 , z = u − v; (2, 3, 0)
b. R(u, v) = u2 ı̂ + 2u sin v̂ + u cos v k̂; u = 1, v = 0
4 Show that the parametric equations
x = a sin u cos v, y = b sin u sin v, z = c cos u,
where a, b and c are constants, represent an ellipsoid.
5 Find a set of parametric equations for the
torus, obtained by rotating the circle on the
xz-plane centered at (b, 0, 0) about the z-axis.
(Hint: Take the parameters θ and α,
as shown.)

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution

References

1 Stewart, J., Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 6 ed., Thomson

Brooks/Cole, 2008
2 Leithold, L., The Calculus 7, Harper Collins College Div., 1995
3 Dawkins, P., Calculus 3, online notes available at
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/

Math 55 Parametric Surfaces & Surfaces of Revolution