Document Type
Lesson/Unit Plans and Activities
Publication Date
2020
Department
Mathematics
Abstract
This project is designed for a multicalculus class already familiar with computing the arc length of a parameterized curve in space. The activity asks the student to first recall basic facts about arc length, and then introduces the notion of measuring lengths of vectors differently, depending on where their initial point is. This is a foundational concept in metric differential geometry, and, this activity attempts to motivate this generalization of computing lengths of vectors through this arc length activity. The activity concludes with a short discussion of basic concepts of Lorentzian geometry, including the idea that lightlike vectors have length zero.
Recommended Citation
Dunn, Corey, "Geometry Across the Curriculum" (2020). Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy. 192.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/q2sep/192
Included in
Algebra Commons, Analysis Commons, Geometry and Topology Commons
