Challenge your class to use straight lines when estimating the length of a curve. An engaging interactive allows individuals to place line segments one after another along the arc. Learners determine that the more lines used, the better the estimate for the length of the arc.

Concepts

distance formula, riemann sums, arc length, estimation length, length, curves, estimation

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Have the class discuss how they can use the same method to find the circumference of a circle

Classroom Considerations

• Class members should understand the distance formula and the arc-length formula
• Requires signing up for a free account to access the interactive

Pros

• The supplemental material provides additional examples and extends the concepts to integrals
• Allows pupils to view the correct answer if they get it wrong

Cons

• None