Kappa Curve

In geometry, the kappa curve or Gutschoven's curve is a two-dimensional algebraic curve resembling the Greek letter ϰ (kappa). The kappa curve was first studied by Gérard van Gutschoven around 1662. In the history of mathematics, it is remembered as one of the first example where Isaac Barrow was able to apply rudimentary calculus methods to determine the tangents during the 17th century. Isaac Newton and Johann Bernoulli continued the studies of this curve subsequently.

Using the Cartesian coordinate system it can be expressed as:

or, using parametric equations:

$\begin{matrix} x&=&a\sin t\\ y&=&a\sin t\tan t \end{matrix}$

In polar coordinates its equation is even simpler:

It has two vertical asymptotes at, shown as dashed blue lines in the figure at right.

The kappa curve's curvature:

Tangential angle:

Read more about Kappa Curve: Tangents Via Infinitessimals, Derivative

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