TEACHER NOTES

ISSUES RELATED TO THE PROBLEM

There are many different ways to measure distance. Students must be encouraged to be open minded.

Students should also be warned that they should always attempt to quantify their "best fitting" curve.

Prerequisites

Any time during a calculus class depending on the level of sophistication which you expect.

Time allotment - time management

A day should be set aside to discuss curve fitting before this assignment is given.

Expectations

Students should have FUN judging each others methods.

Be prepared to deal with students who offer trivial solutions without any mathematical foundation.

Future payoffs

Gives students experience with curve fitting.

Students gain a sense of ownership due to the open nature of the problem.

Extensions

References and Sources

U.S. National Park Service
URL: http://www.st-louis.mo.us/st-louis/arch/catenary.html