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A curve sketched with the help of calculusThis graph of f(x) = x3 − 3x + 2 illustrates the essential steps in constructing a graph. The local maximum (at x = − 1) and the local minimum (at x = 1) are first plotted. Then a value for x is chosen from each of the three resulting ranges, x < −1, −1 < x < 1, and 1 < x, to suggest the general shape of the curve. Further values for x may be chosen to produce a more accurate graph. algebraic equation
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Young men throw balloons and glitter from above the mosque at the celebration Eid Al-Fitr after prayers playing with balloons outside of Al-seddeeq mosque, Al-Mansourah, Egypt. 17 July 2015.
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Pluto. The Changing Faces of Pluto. Most detailed view to date of the entire surface of the dwarf planet Pluto, as constructed from multiple NASA Hubble Space Telescope photographs taken from 2002 to 2003.
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A Factory Interior, watercolor, pen and gray ink, graphite, and white goache on wove paper by unknown artist, c. 1871-91; in the Yale Center for British Art. Industrial Revolution England
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After a perfect launch, spectators try to catch a last glimpse of Space Shuttle Columbia, barely visible at the top end of the twisted column of smoke.
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Category: Science & Tech
Key People:
Pierre de Fermat
James Gregory
Julius Plücker
Joseph Bertrand
Gilles Personne de Roberval
Related Topics:
conic section
catenary
spiral
orthogonal trajectory
curvature
See all related content →

curve, In mathematics, an abstract term used to describe the path of a continuously moving point (see continuity). Such a path is usually generated by an equation. The word can also apply to a straight line or to a series of line segments linked end to end. A closed curve is a path that repeats itself, and thus encloses one or more regions. Simple examples include circles, ellipses, and polygons. Open curves such as parabolas, hyperbolas, and spirals have infinite length.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.