Difference between revisions of "Arclength"
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| + | '''Arclength''' is the [[mathematical]] length of a [[curve]], i.e. the distance that would be registered if one traveled along the curve as if it were a road. | ||
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| + | The length can be approximated by selecting a finite number of points along the curve and connecting the points with straight lines. The sum of the line segments can give a lower estimate for the length of the arc. The more points used, the closer the approximation to the curve. Technically, the arclength is the [[supremum]] of all such sums, represented as an [[integral]]. | ||
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| + | [[category:Calculus]] | ||
Revision as of 16:16, September 13, 2011
| This article/section deals with mathematical concepts appropriate for late high school or early college. |
Arclength is the mathematical length of a curve, i.e. the distance that would be registered if one traveled along the curve as if it were a road.
The length can be approximated by selecting a finite number of points along the curve and connecting the points with straight lines. The sum of the line segments can give a lower estimate for the length of the arc. The more points used, the closer the approximation to the curve. Technically, the arclength is the supremum of all such sums, represented as an integral.