ERIC Number: EJ961089
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Sep
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0746-8342
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Available Date: N/A
Do Dogs Know the Trammel of Archimedes?
Schwartz, Mark
College Mathematics Journal, v42 n4 p299-308 Sep 2011
The refraction problem, well-known in calculus and physics, continues to reveal new insights. This paper presents a geometric solution in which the trammel of Archimedes plays the prominent role. When properly configured, the trammel generates an ellipse and its family of normal lines. One normal line in particular intersects the boundary separating the media, the intersection point being the solution. The trammel, implemented as a rolling circle mechanism, can be constructed physically and/or programmed as a computer animation.
Descriptors: Animation, Computer Graphics, Geometric Concepts, Geometry, Calculus, Physics, Computer Uses in Education, Mathematics Education, College Mathematics, Mathematics Instruction, Animals
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A