VIC: CNEOS

Objectives

• Use Pythagoras to form equations.
• Use calculus to determine local max / min
• Use a simpler problem to solve a more complex problem

Vocabulary

• Perpendicular
• Segment
• Gradient
• Tangent

About the Lesson

Students determine the minimum distance between two curves by building understanding through simpler problems. Part one involves using Pythagoras and calculus to determine the minimum distance between the origin and a parabola. Part two considers the second curve as a series of points therefore drawing upon the logic, reasoning and methods used in part one. Students determine local minimums, draw upon the geometric relationship where these minimums occur to find the minimum distance between the two curves.