Circle and Hyperbola As Lighthouse Curves
A Mathematical Droodle
Two lines rotate with constant angular velocities around two points in a plane. (An apt metaphore of two lighthouses was invented by R. K. Guy of the University of Calgary.) The point illuminated by two beams traces a curve. What is it?
Equal angular velocities:
What if applet does not run? |
Opposite angular velocities
What if applet does not run? |
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Copyright © 1996-2018 Alexander Bogomolny
For circles, the explanation is based on the equality of the inscribed angles subtended by the same arc.
|Activities| |Contact| |Front page| |Contents| |Geometry|
Copyright © 1996-2018 Alexander Bogomolny
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