Using Technology (Instead of Calculus) To Derive the Law of Reflection for Parabolic Mirrors from Fermat's Principle of Least Time.

Helfgott, Michel; Simonsen, Linda M.

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Peer reviewed

ERIC Number: EJ561826

Record Type: Journal

Publication Date: 1998

Pages: N/A

Abstractor: N/A

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ISSN: ISSN-0730-8639

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Using Technology (Instead of Calculus) To Derive the Law of Reflection for Parabolic Mirrors from Fermat's Principle of Least Time.

Helfgott, Michel; Simonsen, Linda M.

Mathematics and Computer Education, v32 n1 p62-73 Win 1998

Presents an activity to investigate physico-mathematical concepts and provide mathematics arguments that are very close to a proof with the advent and availability of powerful technology. Demonstrates without using calculus how the law of reflection for parabolas is derived from Fermat's principle of least time. (ASK)

Descriptors: Educational Technology, Geometry, Graphing Calculators, Higher Education, Mathematics Activities, Mathematics Instruction, Optics, Proof (Mathematics), Secondary Education

Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher; Journal Articles

Education Level: N/A

Audience: N/A

Language: English

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Author Affiliations: N/A