Sliding Chords

Figure 1

Take a circle C, and a chord in the circle. Now slide the chord around the circle. As you do this, the midpoint of the curve will trace out a smaller concentric circle. Call the area between the two circles A(C).

Now suppose you do the same thing with a larger circle C' but with the same length chord? Will A(C') be larger or smaller than A(C)?

Surprise: they will actually be the same area! In otherwords A(C) does not depend on what circle C you start with, only the length of the chord!

Presentation Suggestions:
From this fact, ask students if they can see quickly what the fixed area must be! [Hint: start with a circle whose diameter is the length of the chord.]

The Math Behind the Fact:
In fact, an even more amazing fact is true: take any convex shape C and place a chord of fixed length in it. Now slide as you slide the chord around C, the midpoint traces out another figure D. The area between C and D does not depend on what shape you started with!

How to Cite this Page:
Su, Francis E., et al. "Sliding Chords." Mudd Math Fun Facts. <http://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts>.

References: R. Vakil, A Mathematical Mosaic, 1996. Subjects:    geometry, calculus, analysis Level:    Medium Fun Fact suggested by:   Ravi Vakil Suggestions? Use this form. 3.97 current rating Click to rate this Fun Fact...     *   Awesome! I totally dig it!     *   Fun enough to tell a friend!     *   Mildly interesting     *   Not really noteworthy and see the most popular Facts!

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