Math Is Fun Forum

mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Equation for the Path of Circle's Center

If a circle of radius 2 is made to roll along the x-axis, what is an equation for the path of the center of the circle?

Looking to get started here. Any hints?

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,640

Re: Equation for the Path of Circle's Center

x may be anything but y must always be 2.

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Re: Equation for the Path of Circle's Center

x may be anything but y must always be 2.

Bob

If x can be any number and y does not change, then the equation for the path is a line through the point (0, 2).

I say the equation is y = 2.

Yes?

KerimF

Member

From: Aleppo-Syria

Registered: 2018-08-10

Posts: 256

Re: Equation for the Path of Circle's Center

Yes.

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Every living thing has no choice but to execute its pre-programmed instructions embedded in it (known as instincts).
But only a human may have the freedom and ability to oppose his natural robotic nature.
But, by opposing it, such a human becomes no more of this world.

mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Re: Equation for the Path of Circle's Center

Yes.

Ok. Let's say the question is stated this way:

If a circle of radius 2 is made to roll along the y-axis, what is an equation for the path of the center of the circle?

In this case, the equation is x = 2. Right?

KerimF

Member

From: Aleppo-Syria

Registered: 2018-08-10

Posts: 256

Re: Equation for the Path of Circle's Center

Right.

---

Every living thing has no choice but to execute its pre-programmed instructions embedded in it (known as instincts).
But only a human may have the freedom and ability to oppose his natural robotic nature.
But, by opposing it, such a human becomes no more of this world.

mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Re: Equation for the Path of Circle's Center

Right.

I should pad myself on the back. Not bad someone who didn't major in mathematics.