Exploring the Cycloid Curve

Author

John Dusenberry

Alignment

Standards Alignment

Textbook Alignment

Subject Area

Math: Precalculus: Parametric Equations

Level

9-12
College

Activity Time

55 Minutes

TI Calculator

TI-Nspire™ CX series

Resource Types

Lessons

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Exploring the Cycloid Curve

Activity Overview

The TI Nspire's animation feature is used to show how a point on a rotating circle creates the cycloid curve. Students then examine the parametric equation of the cycloid. Finally, students are tasked with going online to investigate the terms brachistochronous and tautochronous and their relationship to the cycloid.

Before the Activity

This activity assumes students have been introduced to parametric equations. It is designed to be student centered with limited teacher guidance.

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Before the Activity Files

Student Activity DOC Student Activity PDF TI-Nspire Activity TNS

Author

John Dusenberry

Alignment

Standards Alignment

Textbook Alignment

Subject Area

Math: Precalculus: Parametric Equations

Level

9-12
College

Activity Time

55 Minutes

TI Calculator

TI-Nspire™ CX series

Resource Types

Lessons

Report an Issue

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Exploring the Cycloid Curve

Exploring the Cycloid Curve

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