Literaturnachweis - Detailanzeige
Autor/in | Gordon, Sheldon P. |
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Titel | A Classroom Note on: The Average Distance in an Ellipse |
Quelle | In: Mathematics and Computer Education, 45 (2011) 1, S.6-9 (4 Seiten)
PDF als Volltext |
Sprache | englisch |
Dokumenttyp | gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz |
ISSN | 0730-8639 |
Schlagwörter | Space Sciences; Mathematical Concepts; Calculus; College Mathematics; Astronomy; Equations (Mathematics) |
Abstract | This article presents an applied calculus exercise that can be easily shared with students. One of Kepler's greatest discoveries was the fact that the planets move in elliptic orbits with the sun at one focus. Astronomers characterize the orbits of particular planets by their minimum and maximum distances to the sun, known respectively as the perihelion and aphelion. In this article, the author raises the more sophisticated mathematical question: What is the true average distance of a planet from the sun? More generally, he asks: For any ellipse, what is the true average distance from all points P(x, y) on the ellipse to a particular focus, (c, 0)? (Contains 2 figures.) (ERIC). |
Anmerkungen | MATYC Journal Inc. Mathematics and Computer Education, P.O. Box 158, Old Bethpage, NY 11804. Tel: 516-822-5475; e-mail: macej@optonline.net Web site: http://www.macejournal.org |
Erfasst von | ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC |
Update | 2017/4/10 |