ERIC Number: EJ1292969
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-739X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Arc Length of Function Graphs via Taylor's Formula
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v52 n2 p310-323 2021
We use Taylor's formula with Lagrange remainder to prove that functions with bounded second derivative are rectifiable in the case when polygonal paths are defined by interval subdivisions which are equally spaced. As a means for generating interesting examples of exact arc length calculations in calculus courses, we recall two large classes of functions "f" with the property that [equation omitted] has a primitive, including classical examples by Neile, van Heuraet and Fermat, as well as more recent ones induced by Pythagorean triples of functions. We also discuss potential benefits for our proposed definition of arc length in introductory calculus courses.
Descriptors: Mathematical Formulas, Mathematics Instruction, Calculus, Equations (Mathematics), Teaching Methods, Introductory Courses, Definitions, Validity, Mathematical Logic
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A