Porisma

A hint to get started

Sketch a cycloid and locate a normal intercept

Curve CC has x=θ−sin⁡θx=\theta-\sin\theta, y=1−cos⁡θy=1-\cos\theta, 0≤θ≤2π0\le\theta\le2\pi.

(i) Show that dy/dx=cot⁡(θ/2)dy/dx=\cot(\theta/2) and find the gradient at θ=π\theta=\pi. Describe the tangents as θ→0\theta\to0 and θ→2π\theta\to2\pi.

(ii) Sketch CC, clearly showing its features at θ=0,π,2π\theta=0,\pi,2\pi.

(iii) For PP with parameter pp, 0<p<π/20<p<\pi/2, show that the normal at PP crosses the x-axis at (p,0)(p,0).

[2012/I/11(modified)]

CJC · Discussion · Question 8

Use the half-angle identities before evaluating endpoint limits.

Read the worked solution