Rolling Around
A circle rolls around the outside edge of a square so that its circumference always touches the edge of the square.
Describe the locus of the centre of the circle and its length.
If the circle now rolls around an equilateral triangle, can you describe the locus of the centre of the circle and its length?
Can you generalise your findings?
Here are two related problems you might like to take a look at:
Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'
Is There a Theorem?
You may also like
Is There a Theorem?
Draw a square. A second square of the same size slides around the first always maintaining contact and keeping the same orientation. How far does the dot travel?
The Old Goats
A rectangular field has two posts with a ring on top of each post. There are two quarrelsome goats and plenty of ropes which you can tie to their collars. How can you secure them so they can't fight each other but can reach every corner of the field?
Rolling Triangle
The triangle ABC is equilateral. The arc AB has centre C, the arc BC has centre A and the arc CA has centre B. Explain how and why this shape can roll along between two parallel tracks.