Evolutes of Some Basic Curves

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curve
parabola
current point
The line of best fit to a curve at a point is the tangent at the point. The circle of best fit at a point is called the osculating circle. Its center traces out a new curve called the evolute.
The original curve is shown in blue, the evolute in green, and the osculating circle in orange.

External Links

Evolute (Wolfram MathWorld)

Permanent Citation

Edda Eich-Soellner
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​"Evolutes of Some Basic Curves"​
​http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/EvolutesOfSomeBasicCurves/​
​Wolfram Demonstrations Project​
​Published: April 10, 2008