Session 78: Computing the Length of a Curve

OCW Scholar

« Previous | Next »

 

Overview

To find the length of a curve we break it up into infinitesimal pieces. Each piece is approximately a straight line segment; we use differential notation to compute and sum the lengths of these pieces.

Lecture Video and Notes

Video Excerpts

» Clip 1: Introduction to Arc Length (00:09:00)

» Accompanying Notes (PDF)

From Lecture 31 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006

» Clip 2: Example: y=mx (00:03:00)

» Accompanying Notes (PDF)

From Lecture 31 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006

» Clip 3: Example: Circular Arc (00:07:00)

» Accompanying Notes (PDF)

From Lecture 31 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006

» Clip 4: Example: Length of a Parabola (00:06:00)

» Accompanying Notes (PDF)

From Lecture 31 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006

Recitation Video

 

Arc Length of y=x3/2

Flash and JavaScript are required for this feature.

Worked Example

 

Arc Length of y=ln(x)

 

« Previous | Next »