Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The arc length function calculates the total distance traveled along a curve between two points. It measures how much "length" there is on a curve rather than just measuring straight-line distances.
Related terms
Tangent line: A straight line that touches a curve at only one point, representing the instantaneous direction of motion at that point.
Parametric equations: Equations that express the coordinates of a curve as functions of an independent parameter, often used to describe motion along a curve.
Riemann sum: An approximation method used in calculus to estimate the area under a curve or the length of a curve by dividing it into smaller parts.