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Volume 4, Issue 3–A (2016), 99–121.

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ISSN: 2347-1557

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Available Online: [Link]

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ISSN: 2347

International Journal of Mathematics And its Applications

Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of

Quickest Descent
Research Article

Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra1∗

1 D-62 Utkal Royal Residency, Gautam Nagar, Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar, India.

Abstract: In Mathematics, we repeatedly come across the concept that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points.
However hardly we find discussions on the curve that takes minimum time. My essay consider this issue not limited to
2-Dimensional but extended to spheres and other complex geometrical shapes and explores the research question How do
we find the equation to the curve of quickest descent between two places using calculus and justify the same comparatively
with different plane curves? The investigation aims to derive the equation of the curve of quickest descent. Since time is
a crucial element in everyones life, achieving the aim can expunge some of the biggest problems.
The extended essay explores the research subject step wise with consideration of certain assumptions, however most of the
paramount factors are included in the essay. It investigates different curves such as straight line, parabolic arc, elliptical
arc and cycloid on 2D plane taking the example of a ball (negligible mass) allowed to travel along slides of different shapes.
Then the result of part 1 is applied to a real life situation where it is proposed that if a road or an underground tunnel
were built between the cities of Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India and New Delhi, India, which shape should it take to optimize
travel time. Second part of essay examines a larger scope of problem. I employ important identities and formulae such
as Beltrami Identity and Great Circle Distance Formula as well as calculus of Variations to derive the equations of the
curves especially cycloid and hypocycloid.
The essay concludes in the first part that given a small-scale example, the curve of quickest descent is a cycloid. With
this result, it further goes on to conclude that Hypocycloid is the Brachistochrone between Bhubaneswar and New Delhi.
Keywords: Brachistochrone, curve of quickest descent, hypocycloid.

c JS Publication.

1. Introduction

My extended essay investigates on the research question “How do we find the equation to the curve of quickest

descent between two places using calculus and justify the same comparatively with different plane curves?”

I aim to use calculus and different sub topics under Mathematics to derive the equation of the curve of quickest descent and

calculate the total time of travel. Directly viewing this problem in real life scale complicates this problem. On account of
which, I will first analyze a ball allowed to travel along slides that take on different shapes. This will give me a foundation

to investigate further the application of the curve of quickest descent in real life.

With growing development of the world, cities are growing larger, small towns are expanding over large area. Contrarily
at the same time rural areas are not able to receive sufficient support from the developed regions due to communication

problems. Furthermore the lack of communication between regions is disrupting the growth of villagers who are not able to

travel to cities and developed town because of long distances. Also those living in cities spend most of their time in cars,

buses or trams on account of long transit time between different parts of the city.

∗
E-mail: mishra.priyanka99@[Link]

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

This topic is of personal interest to me. My curiosity in discovering this solution was the main motivation behind

this research. Since a very young age I have been travelling around different parts of the world by train, car or
flight. The journeys by car and train were very hectic. Once it took around 14 hours to travel from Zenica, Bosnia

to Rome, Italy! On another case, one of my friend’s relative died on the way to hospital because he could not reach

on time. To save people’s lives and make their journeys comfortable, I decided to investigate on optimization of time of travel.

I will take two real life examples; one is that of ball allowed to travel along slides of different shapes and the other of

investigating the route between two cities that will minimize transit time. I have deliberately chosen to examine the two

real life of different scope to conclude with a realistic solution. Hence when I studied calculus, I began modeling this

problem in such a way so that I can bring about a solution mathematically that can solve one of the most crucial global
issues in today’s era.

Through this investigation, I will get dual benefit; one is expanding my knowledge on application of calculus in real life and

the other is of providing a solution to one of the most pressing global issues.

1.1. Investigation

I shall begin my investigation with a small-scale problem by examining it on a 2D plane. First let us imagine that

a small ball is allowed to travel along slides that take different shapes. For the benefit of my investigation, I will

consider a straight-line, parabolic arc, elliptical arc and cycloid shaped slides. Let us assume that the starting and the end-
ing points are coordinates on a Cartesian plane and carry out the mathematical calculation to conclude with a viable answer.

For each shape assumed by the slide, I will derive the equation and calculate the time. We must understand that a few

assumptions have been considered for the investigation.

• The ball is assumed to be of negligible mass and

• The only force acting on it is gravity.

2. Part 1: Finding out the Curve which Takes Shortest Time Using
Cartesian Plane

Mathematically it has been proven that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. However, is it also the

path that takes shortest time for a particle (acted only by gravity) to travel from one point to another? Or there exists a

curve, which takes minimum time for the same particle to travel between the two points. In all cases g is assumed to be 10
m s−2 . With respect to the situation presented before, the two points on the Cartesian plane (the two end points of the

slide) are A (0, 0) and B (6.283, 4).

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

Figure 1. Representing two end points on the Cartesian plane

According to Mechanics in Physics, Time taken = distance / speed. Here distance refers to the length of the curve.

The equation for the length of the curve is an integral of the small distances the curve is made up of. Each of the small
infinitesimal lengths measures ds. ds can be measured in terms of dx and dy as illustrated in the following graph:

Figure 2.

Examining Figure 2, “ds” is also the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle with the other two sides measuring dx and dy.
Applying Pythagoras theorem:

p
ds = (dx)2 + (dy)2
v
u  2 !
u dy
ds = (dx) × 1 +
t 2
dx
s  2
dy
ds = 1 + dx
dx
s  2
Z Z x2
dy
ds = 1+ dx
x1 dx

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

s 2
Z x2 
dy
S= 1+ dx (1)
x1 dx
Not all functions can be represented in the form of y = f (x). A few curves are defined using parametric equations. In that

case, the parametric form of Equation (1) is used.

s 2 2
Z t2 
dx dy
S= + dt (2)
t1 dt dt

Equation (1) and (2) are integrals of a functional i.e. function of a function. The length of any curve with a function f (x)

or parametric equations of x(t) and y(t) can be deduced by applying Equation (1) and Equation (2) derived above.
Now let us apply Equation (1) in case of a straight line that passes through coordinates (0, 0) and (6.283, 4).
Z x(t2) q
Total Distance travelled S = 1 + (f 0 (u))2 (3)
0

Where u = x(t), the function of the graph of straight line. In order to calculate time we must derive the equation v for
velocity. Velocity is displacement per unit time or the rate of change of displacement that can be expressed as

ds
v= = s0 (t)
dt

To derive the equation for v, I need to apply The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to Equation (3). The Funda-

mental Theorem of Calculus is a theorem that links the concept of the derivative of a function with the concept of the
function’s integral. It states:
Z x 
d
f (y) dy = f (x)
dx a

Applying the Fundamental Theorem of calculus and Chain Rule on Equation (3):

q
v (t) = 1 + (f 0 (x (t)))2 x0 (t) (4)

As it has been assumed that the particle is only being acted upon by gravity, it is also implied, no friction or external forces
are acting on it. From the conditions of conservation of energy in Physics,

p
v= 2gf (x) (h = f (x)) (5)

Now we can substitute Equation (5) in Equation (4) to solve the differential equation and derive the equation for time.

q
2gf (x) = 1 + (f 0 (x (t))2 x0 (t)
p

Solving the Differential equation by separating the variables:

q
1 + (f 0 (x (t))2
dt = p dx
2gf (x)

dt is the time taken by the ball to travel the small distance of ds. The total time taken is the integral of the equation dt,
s
1 + (f 0 (x (t))2
Z Z
1
T = dt = √ dx
2g f (x)

s
t1 y1
1 + (f 0 (x (t))2
Z Z
1
Total time = dt = √ dx (6)
0 2g 0 f (x)
We can calculate the time taken along any curve by substituting f (x) and f 0 (x) in the equation for Time T.

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

2.1. Straight Line

Let us now find T in case of a straight line. The general equation of a straight-line graph is y = mx + c. The Gradient of the

straight-line graph between Point A(0, 0) and Point B (6.283, 4) is 0.636 and it does not have any x-intercept or y-intercept
(Evident from the graph below).

Figure 3. Graph of the straight line between (0, 0) and (6.283, 4)

Therefore the Equation of the straight line is:

y = 0.636x

Derivative of function y:

y 0 = 0.636

Solving the equation for Time:

s s
6.283
1 + (f 0 (x (t))2 6.283
1 + (0.636)2
Z Z
1
T = dx = √ = 1.665 seconds
0 f (x) 0 2g 0.636x

Along a straight-line shaped slide, a ball will take 1.665 seconds to traverse the distance between the endpoints.

2.2. Parabolic Arc

Now let us consider a parabolic arc. To derive the equation of a parabolic arc, we need to take three points on a possible
parabolic arc passing through both Points A and B. Let the third point be (4, 2) which is on one of the many possible

parabolic arcs between the endpoints. The Three points on the parabolic arc are Point A (0, 0), Point B (6.283, 4) and Point

C (4, 2). I shall consider the general equation of the parabolic arc, substitute the coordinates of the three points in three

different equations and solve the three equations simultaneously for the 3 unknowns to derive the equation of the parabolic
Arc. The general equation for a parabola is:

y = ax2 + bx + c

Substituting the three points in the general equation,

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

Point A(0, 0)

0=0×a+0×b+c

Point B(6.283, 4)

4 = 39.476a + 6.283b + c

Point C(4, 2)

2 = 16a + 4b + c

Solving the three equations simultaneously to get:

a = 0.05985043735 ≈ 0.06

b = 0.2605982506 ≈ 0.26

c=0

Substituting the values of a, b and c in the general equation to get:

y = 0.06x2 + 0.260x (7)

This is the Equation of the required parabolic arc.

Figure 4. Graph of Parabolic arc y = 0.06x2 + 0.260x

As noted before, the equation of time requires the derivative of the function too. Therefore the derivative of the parabolic
function is:

y 0 = 0.12x + 0.260 (8)

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

Substituting Equation (7) and (8) in Equation (6) (g taken as 10ms−2 ),

s
x
1 + (f 0 (x))2
Z
1
T = √ dx
2g 0 f (x)
s
1 + (0.12x + 0.260)2
Z 6.283
1
T = √ dx
2g 0 0.06x2 + 0.260x
1
T = √ × 9.36
2g

T = 2.09 seconds.

Hence, along a parabolic arc shaped slide the ball will take 2.09 seconds to travel from Point B to Point A. With this

calculation, we cannot conclude that the straight line is the curve of quickest descent. For accuracy of the result, in addition

I will be investigating 2 different kinds of curves: an elliptical arc and a cycloid.

2.3. Elliptical Arc

Let us consider that Point A and Point B are points that lie on an elliptical arc. I will be using the Desmos Graphing

software to fit an elliptical arc between both the points. The general equation of an elliptical arc is:

(x − h)2 (y − k)2
2
+ =1 (9)
a b2

Where (h, k) is the center of the ellipse and (x, y) is a point on the circumference of the ellipse. By fitting an ellipse

curve using the Desmos graphing software I deduced the following values of the variables of the equation represented in the
following figure:

Figure 5. Modeling an Elliptical Arc

h = 0, k = 2.3, a = 9.3, b = 2.3

Substituting the values in Equation (9)

(x − 0)2 (y − 2.3)2
2
+ =1 (10)
9.3 2.32
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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

Rearranging the Equation (10) to express in terms of y

(y − 2.3)2 (x − 0)2
= 1 −
2.32 9.32
(y − 2.3)2 (1 × 86.49) − (x − 0)2
=
5.29 86.49
(1 × 86.49) − (x − 0)2
(y − 2.3)2 = × 5.29
86.49
(y − 2.3)2 = ((86.49) − (x − 0)2 ) × 0.061
q
y − 2.3 = ((86.49) − (x − 0)2 ) × 0.06
q
y = ± ((86.49) − (x − 0)2 ) × 0.06 + 2.3 (11)

Since both the points lie above the x-axis, I will be considering:

q
y= + (86.49)−(x−0)2 )×0.06 +2.3

Figure 6. Elliptical orbit between Point A and Point B

Let us calculate the derivative of y

2×0.06(− (x−0) )
y0 = q  (12)
2
2 0.061×(86.49− (x−0) )

Cancelling 2 from both Numerator and Denominator to get

0.502 × (−x + 0)
y 0 = q 
0.061 × (86.64 − (x − 0)2 )

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

Substituting Equation (11) and (12) in Equation (6) and calculating time around the belt. I will be calculating the time as

sum of the time taken along the arc from (0, 0) to (9.29, 2.193) and from (9.29, 2.193) to (6.283, 4) to as shown in Figure 5.

v
u  2
u 0.06×(−x+0)
Z 9.29 u 1 + √ 
1 u 0.06×(86.49− (x−0)2 )
T1 = √ u q dx = 1.107 seconds
2g 0
t
(+ 0.06 × 86.49 − (x − 0)2 + 2.3)

Since the arc from(9.29, 2.193) to (6.283, 4) is in the upper half of the ellipse, I will

 v 
 u  2 
u 0.06×(−x+0)
1 + √
 
 Z 9.29 u  
 1 u 0.06×(86.49− (x−0)2 ) 
T 2 =  √ u q dx  = 0.4332 seconds
 2g 6.283 (+ 0.06 × 86.49 − (x − 0)2 + 2.3) 
t

 
 

T (total time) =T 1+T 2=1.532 seconds

The ball will take 1.532 seconds to travel from Point B to Point A along the elliptical arc shaped slide under the influence

of gravity.

2.4. Cycloid

Till now, we examined parabolic arc, straight line, elliptical arc but now let’s consider a cycloid. A Cycloid falls under a

different category of curves. It is a curve traced out by a fixed point on the circumference of a rotating circle. However we

should keep it in mind that a cycloid is not an elliptical arc or even a type of elliptical arc.

Figure 7. Diagram of a Cycloid and an Elliptical Arc

The general parametric equations of a cycloid are:

x (θ) = a (θ − sinθ) (13)

y (θ) = a (1 − cosθ) (14)

In this equation there are two unknowns θ (angle swept by the rotating circle) and a (radius of the rotating circle). By

considering the two unknown coordinates we shall deduce their values. Solving Equation (13) and (14) for unknowns by

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

substituting the x and y coordinates of Point B.

6.283 = a (θ − sinθ)

4 = a (1 − cosθ)
6.283
a= (15)
θ − sinθ
6.283
4= × (1 − cosθ)
θ − sinθ
4 (θ − sinθ) = 6.283(1 − cosθ)
4
(θ − sinθ) = 1 − cosθ (16)
6.283

Figure 8. Graph representing the unique solution of the Equation (6.283)/4(θ − sinθ) = 1 − cosθ

Therefore θ for Point B is π. Substituting π in Equation (15)

6.283
a=
π − sinπ
a=2

Similarly θ = 0 for Point A. Therefore a = 2. Substituting a = 2 and rewriting the Equation (13) and (14) again:

x (θ) = 2 (θ − sinθ) (17)

y (θ) = 2 (1 − cosθ) (18)

To calculate time taken along the cycloid, we must find the derivative of Equation (17) and (18) and subsequently calculate

time.
dy dx
= 2sinθ and = 2 − 2cosθ
dθ dθ
Applying the derivations in Equation (6):
s
x
1 + (f 0 (x))2
Z
1
T = √ dx
2g 0 f (x)

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

Figure 9. Cycloid with parametric equation x(θ) = 2(θ − sinθ), y(θ) = 2(1 − cosθ)

dy
dy dθ
= dx
dx dθ

dy dx
= asinθ and = a − acosθ
dθ dθ
 2  2
dy asinθ
=
dx a(1 − cosθ)
 2
dy a2 (sinθ)2
=
dx a2 (1 − cosθ)2
 2
dy a2 (1 − (cosθ)2 )
=
dx a2 (1 − cosθ)2
 2
dy a2 (1 + cosθ)(1 − cosθ)
=
dx a2 (1 − cosθ)2
1 + cosθ
1 − cosθ

This is also equal to,

2a − y
y
2a − (a (1 − cosθ))
a(1 − cosθ)
1 + cosθ
1 − cosθ
r
dy 2a − y
=
dx y

Separating the variables and rewriting equation in terms of dx

1
dx = dy × q
2a−y
y

dy 2


Substituting dx
and dx in Equation (6):

v q 2
u
u1 + 2a−y
Z θ2
1 t y 1
T = √ × dy × q (19)
2g θ1 y 2a−y
y

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

Solving for Equation (19)

v
Z θ2
u y+2a−y
1 u y
T = √ t × dy
2g θ1 y × 2a−y
y
s
Z θ2 2a
1 y
T = √ × dy
2g θ1 2a − y

s
Z θ2
1 2a
T = √ × dy (20)
2g θ1 y × (2a − y)

Simplifying y × (2a − y) in terms of a and θ:

y (θ) = a (1 − cosθ)

Substituting this in

y × (2a − y) = a × (1 − cosθ) × (2a − a + acosθ)

= (a (1 − cosθ)) × (a × (1 + cosθ))

= a2 × (1 − (cosθ)2 )

= a2 × (sinθ)2

Substituting a2 × (sinθ)2 in the Equation (20),

s
Z θ2
1 2a
T = √ dy
2g θ1 a2 (sinθ)2
Z θ2
√
1 2a
T = √ dy
2g θ1 asinθ

But we know that,

dy = asinθ dθ

Substituting dy in the Equation gives:

Z θ2
√
1 2a
T = √ × a sinθ dθ
2g θ1 asinθ

Cancelling a sinθ from Numerator and Denominator

1
Z θ2 √
T = √ 2adθ
2g 0

The Integral of the Equation reduces to:

1 √ 
T = √ 2a × θ2 (21)
2g
θ−sinθ b1
Where θ2 is the unique solution of 1−cosθ
= b2
, a is the radius of the circle, which is rotated along its circumference to
make the cycloid.
θ − sin θ b1
=
1 − cos θ b2

Where b1 and b2 are the coordinates of Point B therefore:

θ − sin θ 6.283
=
1 − cos θ 4
θ − sin θ
= 1.57
1 − cos θ

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

Figure 10. Graph of y = (θ − sin θ)/(1 − cos θ) and y = 1.57

θ−sin θ
Graphing the equation 1−cos θ
and 1.57 on the calculator produces the following graph where the point of intersection is the
θ−sin θ
unique solution to 1−cos θ

Hence the unique solution θ2 = 3.141 ≈ 3.14. Therefore Equation (21) becomes

1 √
T = √ × 2a × 3.14
2g
1 √
T = √ × 2 × 2 × 3.14
2g
1 √
T = √ × 2 × 2 × 3.14
2 × 10

T = 1.404 seconds

The ball will take 1.404 seconds to traverse the distance between the endpoints. From the above result it can be inferred
that the shortest distance between two points does not take the shortest time. From the investigation and the calculations

made above, it can be concluded that compared to all the curves: Parabolic arc, elliptical arc, straight line, cycloid; cycloid

is the curve of quickest descent.

3. Part 2: Modeling and Deriving the Equation of the Curve of Quick-

est Descent Between Bhubaneswar and New Delhi

Before examining the issue, it is pertinent to understand the minute details of the investigation to apply mathematics in

solving the real life problem. Keeping in mind the result of the previous investigation, I will find out the path that takes the
minimum time to travel from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi by Train. Assuming the top speed of the train to be 160 km/hr., I

shall try out different curves that cross the two places on Earth. Using Google map, I found out the longitude and latitude

coordinates of the two cities as:

Bhubaneswar-20.2700 degrees North, 85.8400 degrees East. New Delhi, Capital of India-28.6139 degrees North, 77.2090
degrees East. The above-mentioned coordinates have to be converted into Cartesian (x, y) coordinates for suitability to

calculate total distance and time along a curve or path. The coordinates of the cities can also be expressed in the form

of spherical coordinates: (r, θ, ϕ)-Bhubaneswar-(6371, 20.2700, 85.8400) and New Delhi-(6371, 28.6139, 77.2090). This

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

conversion makes it easy to convert it into Cartesian form by using the equation:

x = r × cos(Φ) × sin(θ)

y = r × sin (Φ) × sin (θ)

z = r × cos(Φ)

Where Φ is longitude and θ is latitude

Figure 11. 11 illustrates the above equations in terms of longitude θ and latitude ϕ

1. Bhubaneswar:

x = 6371 × cos(85.8400) × sin(20.2700)

= 160.114

y = 6371 × sin(85.8400) × sin(20.2700)

= 2201.382

z = 6371 × cos(85.8400)

= 462.164

Bhubaneswar (160.114, 2201.382, 462.164)

2. New Delhi:

x = 6371 × cos(77.2090) × sin(28.6139)

= 675.499

y = 6371 × sin(77.2090) × sin(28.6139)

= 2975.387

z = 6371 × cos(77.2090)

= 1410.509

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

New Delhi (675.499, 2975.387, 1410.509576)

I will calculate the time and distance for two types of path: Straight line and a cycloid. In this process it has been assumed
that there are no hurdles in the path and the train travels without a break with constant speed.

4. Great Circle Distance

Just like a straight line on a 2-D space, “The Great Circle or Orthodormic Distance“ is the shortest distance between two

points, measured along a sphere (Which represented by Figure 8). To calculate the Great Circle Distance, I will use The
“Haversine” Formula that states:

Mθ 2 Mϕ 2
a = (sin ) + cos (ϕ1) × cos (ϕ2) × (sin )
2 2
√ √
c = 2 × a × tan 2(( a), ( 1 − a))

d=R×c (22)

Where R is the Radius of the Earth = 6371 km, θ is latitude and ϕ is longitude. (The angles are in radians) and d is the

distance in kilometers.

Figure 12.

Hence by substituting the values of longitude and latitude of the origin and the destination in Equation (22), I calculated d

using software as 1273km and the midpoint of the path (in the form of spherical coordinates) to be (6371, 28.0034, 81.3305).

According to a formula in Physics

Distance = Speed × T ime,

Time taken by train travelling at the speed of 160km/hr.:

Distance
T (T ime) =
speed

1273
T = (160 km/hr- top speed of the train)
160

T = 7.95 hours

Therefore a train travelling at 160km/hr will take 7.95 hours to travel from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi.

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

4.1. Hypocycloid

There is a fair possibility that the shortest path may not take the shortest time of travel. Therefore, it’s a safe approach

to investigate further possibilities. For example, when we investigated on the 2D Cartesian plane, we found out that for a
ball of negligible mass, the curve of quickest descent is a cycloid. Hence, Let us hypothetically assume that an underground

tunnel in the shape of a hypocycloid (Which I will explain later on) is built between two cities. For this reason, we will

have to find out the equation for total distance and velocity to calculate time taken by a gravity train. Before moving onto

further calculations, we have to make few assumptions.

1. The only force acting upon the train is gravity.

2. Negligible frictional force resisting the motion of train

3. The train will travel without a break

To calculate time it is pertinent to derive the equation of ds (distance covered at an instant) and v (velocity of the train at

a particular instant). According to the laws of physics, the velocity of the train will vary along the curve. The equation of

velocity can be found out by considering conservation of energy.

Figure 13. Illustration of the proposed underground Tunnel

Volume of the Earth is similar to that of sphere = 4

3
πr3 . Density ρ is Mass (M) per unit Volume ( 43 πr3 ). If we must find

the total mass, we will have to find the integral of mass at a distance r from the center of earth.

Z r
M= 4πr2 ρ dr
0
4
= πr3 ρ (23)
3
M
ρ = 4πr3 (24)
3

From Equation (23) and (24),

4 3
M= πr ρ
3
M
4
3
πr3 ρ
ρ = 4πR3 = 4πR3
3 3

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

4
Cancelling 3
π and ρ, we get,
R3
r2 = (25)
r

According to the Newton’s Law of Gravitational Force of Attraction the force between two bodies is proportional to the

product of the mass of the two bodies and inversely proportional to the distance between them. Acceleration due to gravity
is
GM m
= gm = ma
r2

From Equation (25), a = g = acceleration due to free fall

GM GM GM
= R3 = r
r2 R3
r

Total Potential Energy is the Integral of Force experienced by infinitesimal small lengths of the curve.

r
GM r2
Z
GM
F (r) = r dr =
R3 0 2R3

From the condition of conservation of energy in Physics,

GM 2
v2 = r
R3

g is acceleration due to free fall

F = GM m/R2 And F = mg

GM
g= (26)
R2

Substituting Equation (26) to get:

gr2
v2 =
R

In my example r is the difference between R-Radius of Earth and Radius of the circle that forms the cycloid. Applying this
concept modifies the equation to:

g(R2 − r2 )
v2 =
R
r
g(R2 − r2 )
v= (27)
R

Where r is the distance from the center to the point on the hypocycloid where the train is at that instant of time. The total

distance of a cycloid is an integral function of ds. Referring to Figure 2 We know that,

ds
dt =
Z Zv
ds
dt =
v
Z
ds
t=
v

Since we have taken the Cartesian coordinates of Bhubaneswar and New Delhi, let us explore the solution of Time in terms

of it. Substituting Equation (1) and Equation (27)

q
Z (dx)2 + (dy)2
t= q
g(R2 −r 2 )
R

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

Rearranging the Equation to get:

Z s
R((dx)2 + (dy)2 )
t=
g(R2 − r2 )

r2 = x2 + y 2 (in terms of Polar Coordinates) (28)

Z s
R((dx)2 + (dy)2 )
t= (29)
g (R2 − (x2 + y 2 ))

Since the Equation derived above does not depend upon time, we shall use a derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equation to

solve this problem. This derivation is known as the Beltrami Identity. The Beltrami identity named after Eugenio Beltrami
is a simplified version of the Euler Lagrange equation that states

∂f d ∂f
=
∂x dx ∂x0

The Beltrami Identity States:

 
∂f
f − x0 =C
∂x0

I shall use this identity to aid me in deriving the Equation of the curve. Using the Beltrami to solve the Equation results

in two-coupled Equation
r
2 R(x02 −y 02 )
  (y 0 ) g (R2 −x2 −y 2 )
0 ∂f
f −x = D1 = (30)
∂x0 y 0 2 − x0 2
r
2 R(x0 2 −y 0 2 )
  (x0 ) g (R2 −x2 −y 2 )
∂f
f − y0 = D2 = (31)
∂y 0 x0 2 − y 0 2

Adding both Equations (30) and (31) as well as squaring them

 r   r 2
0 2 R(x0 2 −y 0 2 ) 0 2 R(x02 −y 02 )
(y ) g (R2 −x2 −y 2 ) 
(x ) g (R2 −x2 −y 2 ) 
(D1 + D2)2 = 
 
 + 
2 2
 0
y −x 0   x 2 − y0 2
0 

 
2 2
= R x0 + y 0 = gD2 R2 − x2 − y 2


(32)

Where D = D1 + D2. The solution to the Equation (32) is a hypocycloid with the parametric equations:

 
R−d
x (t) = (R − d) cost + dcos t
d

 
R−d
y (t) = (R − d) sint − dsin t
d

with R being the Radius of the outside circle and “d” is the radius of the smaller circle. A hypocycloid is the curve traced

by a point on the circumference of a circle, which is present within the interior of another circle. This is truly applicable to
this problem, as the tunnel is present within the interior of Earth (Also in the shape of circle when observed on a 2D plane).

Simplifying x (t) , x0 (t) , y (t) and y 0 (t). Let R−d

d
=u

(x(t))2 = (R − d)2 (cost)2 + d2 (cosut)2 + 2(R − d)(d)(cost × cosut)

2
x0 (t) = (R − d)2 × sint2 + sinut2 + 2sint × sinut

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

(y (t))2 = (R − d)2 (sint)2 + d2 (sinut)2 − 2 (R − d) (d)(sint × sinut)

2
(y 0 (t)) = (R − d)2 × ((cost)2 + (cosut)2 − 2(cost × cosut)

Now

2 2
x0 (t) + (y 0 (t)) = (R − d)2 (sint)2 + (cost)2 + (sinut)2 + (cosut)2 + 2 × ((sint × sinut) − (cost × cosut ))

According to the Trigonometric Identity (sint)2 + (cost)2 = 1)

= (R − d)2 × ((2 + 2cos (ut + t) ))

(R − d)t Rt
t + ut = +t=
d d  

2 2 Rt
x0 (t) + (y 0 (t)) = (R − d)2 × 2 × 1 + cos
d

    
2 Rt
R2 − ((x (t)) + (y (t))2 ) = 2 ×
−d2 + dR + (R − d) (d) cos


d
 
2 2 2 2
Substituting (x (t))2 + (y (t))2 and (x0 (t)) + (y 0 (t)) in R x0 + y 0 = gD2 R2 − x2 − y 2

!
2R × (R − d)2 × (1 + cos Rt


D2 = d
2gd × ((Rd − d2 ) + Rd − d2 ×(cos Rt



d
)

Cancelling 2 from Numerator and Denominator

(R) (R − d)2 1 + cos Rt

d
= Rt



g((R − d) (d) 1 + cos d

(R) (R − d)2 1 + cos Rt

d
= Rt



g((R − d) (d) 1 + cos d

Rt



Cancelling 1 + cos d
and (R-d) from Numerator and Denominator we get:

R(R − d)
D2 =
g(d)
s
R(R − d)
D=
gd

From Equation (32) and (29), Time taken from A (Bhubaneswar) to B (New Delhi):

s
B B
R((dx)2 + (dy)2 ) B
Z Z Z
ds
t= = = D dt
A v A g (R2 − (x2 + y 2 )) A

s
Z B
R(R − d)
dt (33)
A gd

Time interval can be found in terms of d by squaring x (t), y (t) and adding them. We know that:

r 2 = x2 + y 2

  2
R−d
(x (t))2 = (R − d) cost + dcos t
d

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

   2   
R−d R−d
(x(t))2 = (R − d)2 (cost)2 + d2 cos t + 2 (R − d) (d) (cost) cos t
d d
  2
R−d
(y(t))2 = (R − d) sint − dsin t
d
  2     
R−d R−d
(y(t))2 = ((R − d)2 (sint)2 + d2 sin t − 2 (R − d) (d) (sint) sin t
d d

Adding (y (t))2 and (x (t))2 to get:

      
R−d R−d
(R − d)2 + d2 + 2d (R − d) × cost × cos t − sint × sin t
d d

Applying the Sum-Difference formulas cos a cos b − sin a sin b = cos(a + b)

 
td + (R − d) t
= R2 + d2 − 2dr + d2 + 2d(R − d) × cos
d

 
2 2 Rt
= 2d − 2dr + R + 2d (R − d) × cos
d
 
Rt
1 = cos
d
Rt
The periodicity of cosine angle repeats after 2π. Therefore, d
= 2πn (n is a positive integer). Solving for n = 1 to get the

transit time along the hypocycloid:

2πd
t=
R

Where t = dt
2πd
dt = (34)
R

Substituting Equation (34) in Equation (33)

s
Z B
R(R − d) 2πd
t= ×
A dg R

s
R(R − d) 2πd
t= ×
dg R

Using the Equation l = rθ where l is the arc length = 2πd, R is the radius and θ is the angle formed by the sector in radians.

2πd
θ=
R

Since s is the arc-length between the two cities on Earth,

s
θ=
R

θR = s

Combining the previous equations

2πd = s

s
d=
2π
118
Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

Therefore, Time taken to travel between New Delhi and Bhubaneswar along the Hypocycloid: (Substituting d with s/2π)

s
s s


R R − 2π 2π × 2π
t= s ×
2π
g R
s
s (2πR − s)
t= (35)
R g

The Arc length distance between Bhubaneswar and New Delhi-(s) = 1273km, R (Radius of Earth) = 6371 km, g = 10ms−2 .
Finally Substituting s and R in Equation 34 to calculate the transit time (t):

t = 27.828 minutes

It will take 27.828 minutes to travel from New Delhi to Bhubaneswar through the Hypocycloid by a gravity train. The

present routes between New Delhi to Bhubaneswar are around 1626 km, which will take about 26 hours by car and about 25

hours by train. If a straight road (Great Circle Distance) were built between the two cities then a train constantly travelling

at the rate of 160 km/hr would take 7.95 hours. On the contrary a gravity train would take 27 minutes travelling through
the hypocycloid shaped underground tunnel, which is 5% of the time taken by the high-speed train. With this result we can

successfully conclude that a hypocycloid is the Brachistochrone between New Delhi and Bhubaneswar. My investigation is

applicable to intercontinental travels too. But there is limit to which this is applicable; this is further discussed in conclusion.

5. Conclusion

We can conclude from the investigation that albeit a straight line and arc length are the shortest distance between two points

on a 2D plane and 3D plane respectively, they are not the curves of quickest descent. Under the influence of gravity, the

curve of quickest descent or Brachistochrone is a cycloid on a 2D plane and Hypocycloid on a 3D plane. This investigation

is a proof of the versatility of application of Mathematics to solve one of the most challenging problems and open up
opportunity to discover the undiscovered knowledge. The amalgamation of the laws and theory of Physics with some of

the most important concepts of Mathematics: especially calculus is itself the evidence of great power of Mathematics. I

thoroughly enjoyed learning new concepts and exploring different possibilities through the course of my investigation. By

using Mathematics, I have been able to come up with a solution to an impertinent global issue. However this result has
some limitation that must be considered.

5.1. Limitation and Further Scope of Investigation

Throughout the investigation, several assumptions were made, which has the potential to affect the final solution and its
application in real life. For instance the ball is considered to be of negligible mass, although it has considerable mass. It

has also been assumed that the train travels consistently at top speed without any break. This can affect the outcome to

a small extent. Nonetheless if all the variables would be included in the investigation, there would be too many unknown

variables, which would make calculations very strenuous. For an initiative in exploring new possibilities, assumptions are
[Link] is a limit after which it is not possible to reduce the travel time regardless of the shape of the tunnel or

the slide. If the distance between the cities is very large, there is no other solution apart from the Great Circle Distance.

Many of the values used for calculations are estimations. For instance the value of g (acceleration due to free fall), radius

of Earth, and the speed of train are estimated values. In addition, the results of several calculations were rounded to
two significant figures. There is a possibility of systematic error in the calculator, used to calculate complex integrals.

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 Deriving And Deducing The Equation Of The Curve Of Quickest Descent

My investigation could account for some of the variables not considered during calculations; such as the frictional force,

or mass of the ball, then outcome would have been more accurate. Considering the possibilities to include the variables
and carry out calculation accurately with the real value, this investigation could be strengthened and made more realistic.

Notwithstanding the limitations, I have successfully deduced a feasible solution to my research question and pressing global

issue while considering most of the crucial factors during calculation and deduction of outcome.

Acknowledgement

I am thankful to my parents for their incessant support, whose value for me grows with age.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Mini Jose and Mr. Manoj K Agarwal, my mathematics teacher for their unflagging support

and for imparting me with valuable information essential to carry out my investigation for the extended essay. I am very

grateful to my supportive teacher to sacrifice their valuable time for me to aid me in successfully accomplishing my aim.
The completion of this essay would not have possible without the support from my IB coordinator Mrs. Prabha Madhukumar

and my school The International School Bangalore.

Finally, I express deep and sincere gratitude to all my teachers for their guidance, encouragement, suggestion and constructive

criticism that tremendously contributed to the development of my ideas for the investigation.

References

[1] [Link], The Brachistochrone: Historical Gateway to Calculus of Variation, Materials Matemátics, 2007(5)(2007),

1-14.

[2] [Link], Brachistochrone Inside the Earth: The Gravity Train, [Link]

[3] [Link], The Brachistochrone Curve: The Problem of Quickest Descent, Osaka Keidai Ronshu, 61(6)(2011), 309-
316.

[4] [Link], Some Generalizations of Brachistochrone Problem, Acta Phys. Pol., A 93(1998) Supplement, S-55.

[5] The Brachistochrone Retrieved December/January 2016, from [Link]

[6] Roidt, Tom Cycloids and Paths, Why does a cycloid-constrained pendulum follow a cycloid path? Retrieved 20th
November, 2015 from [Link]

[7] [Link]

[8] [Link]

[9] Erlichson and Herman, Johann Bernoulli’s Brachistochrone solution using Fermat’s principle of least time,
[Link]

[10] [Link]

[11] [Link]

[12] Brachistochrone Problem, [Link]

[13] Latitude & Longitude Haversine Formula, [Link]

[14] Beltrami Identity, [Link]

[15] National Curve Bank-A MATH Archive: Brachistochrone Equations, [Link]

[16] Polar and Cartesian Coordinates, from [Link]

[17] Cycloid, from [Link]

[18] Movable Type Scripts, [Link]

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Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra

[19] Conics: Parabolas: Introduction, [Link]

[20] Great Circle, [Link]

[21] The Brachistochrone, [Link]

[22] The Brachistochrone, [Link]

[23] The Brachistochrone, [Link]

[24] Historical Activities for Calculus-Module 3: Optimization-Galileo and the Brachistochrone Problem,
[Link]

and-the-brachistochrone-problem

[25] Surfing the Brachistochrone, [Link]

[26] Cycloid as Brachistochrone, [Link]

[27] The Roller Coaster or Brachistochrone Problem, [Link] [Link]

[28] Brachistochrone, [Link]

121