171
a and /3 independent of one another; then the equation to
the surface which differs insensibly from that represented by
u = 0, will be
du . du
u + ——. 6a + *777. 5/3 + &c. = 0 ;
da d[i
and the co-ordinates of the points in which these surfaces
intersect must satisfy their two equations, that is, they must
satisfy
u = 0,
du
da
.5
a +
du
d/3’
¿/3
+ &c. = 0 ;
or if the surfaces be consecutive
u = 0,
du du
+ X • Ti" ~ ~ 0,
da ¿/3
where X = limit of 5/3-f-5a; but since X may have any value,
the latter equation resolves itself into
du
-r = °>
da
du
d/3
= 0
these then together with u = 0, are the three equations for
determining the curve of intersection of two consecutive sur
faces ; from whence we may obtain its two equations involving
only one of the parameters; and finally by eliminating that
parameter we may obtain the equation to the surface generated
by the perpetual intersection of the first series of surfaces.