Mail Archives: djgpp/1997/02/10/04:30:35
> This constant is, of course, different on different ellipses - but my
old
> math teacher somehow worked the equations out to always equal 1 (I think
> she used scalars or something, but there's no real point).
>
> If I have confused anyone, I apologize.
A great way to demonstrate this is to :
Take 2 nails and bang them into the floor/table/wall some distance apart.
Take a loop of string that will pass over the two nails like a very loose
fanbelt on a car.
Take a pen/pencil/paint-brush and insert it into the loop, then pull to
one side so that the loop is tight and forms a triangle with the string.
Now draw your elipse ensuring that the loop of string is at all times
taught.
This easily illustrates that the sum of the two distances you were
speaking about is constant :o)
> Now, can we please let this drop? I've got enough mail already (junk
> mail on e-mail? Unfortunately, yes... :(
But it's only just started....
...oh, perhaps you're right... :-)
Simon.
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