The curve defined by the property to have constant tangent segments to a fixed line. In the figure below |AB| = a. Its equation is given:
The constant b must be positive and is used in order to restrict the plot in a finite interval. The constant epsilon must be positive too, and is used to avoid division by zero.
The tractrix is the involute of a catenoid.
See Also
Catenary.html
TractrixMamikon.html
Return to Gallery