Curves For The Mathematically Curious

Curves are everywhere in the world around us. We see them in the shape of leaves, the path of a thrown ball, and the curves of our own bodies. Curves are also essential in mathematics, where they are used to describe a wide variety of shapes and objects.

Curves for the Mathematically Curious: An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic

by Julian Havil

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5028 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	280 pages

FREE

In this article, we will explore some of the most famous and fascinating curves in mathematics. We will learn about their properties, how they are defined, and how they are used in the real world.

The Circle

The circle is one of the most basic and well-known curves in mathematics. It is defined as the set of all points that are equidistant from a given point, called the center. The distance from the center to any point on the circle is called the radius.

Circles are used in a wide variety of applications, including engineering, architecture, and design. They are also used in mathematics to define other curves, such as ellipses and hyperbolas.

The Ellipse

An ellipse is a curve that is defined as the set of all points that are the sum of two distances from two given points, called the foci. The foci are located at the ends of the major axis of the ellipse.

Ellipses are used in a wide variety of applications, including astronomy, engineering, and medicine. They are also used in mathematics to define other curves, such as parabolas and hyperbolas.

The Parabola

A parabola is a curve that is defined as the set of all points that are equidistant from a given point, called the focus, and a given line, called the directrix. The focus is located at the vertex of the parabola, and the directrix is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.

Parabolas are used in a wide variety of applications, including physics, engineering, and architecture. They are also used in mathematics to define other curves, such as circles and ellipses.

The Hyperbola

A hyperbola is a curve that is defined as the set of all points that are the difference of two distances from two given points, called the foci. The foci are located at the ends of the transverse axis of the hyperbola.

Hyperbolas are used in a wide variety of applications, including astronomy, engineering, and navigation. They are also used in mathematics to define other curves, such as circles and ellipses.

Curves are essential in mathematics and in the world around us. They are used to describe a wide variety of shapes and objects, and they have a wide range of applications in science, engineering, and design. In this article, we have explored some of the most famous and fascinating curves in mathematics. We have learned about their properties, how they are defined, and how they are used in the real world.

Curves for the Mathematically Curious: An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic

by Julian Havil

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5028 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	280 pages

FREE