Calculus in Games

Calculus Level 3

Max is a virtual character in a particular 2D game. He has the choice of 2 2 functions (curve) to walk on to collect coins.

  • Road 1 x 3 6 + 1 4 x \frac{x^3}{6} + \frac{1}{4x} from 0 x 5 0 \leq x \leq 5 where there are 20 20 coins evenly distributed along this arc.
  • Road 2 ln ( sec x ) \ln {(\sec {x}}) from 0 x π 3 0 \leq x \leq \frac{\pi}{3} where there is 1 1 coin along this arc.

Which function is the most coin-to-distance efficient for him to take? (Meaning which function should he walk to gain more coin in a unit distance?)

Road 2 Not enough information Equal Distance Road 1

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1 solution

L N
Aug 23, 2014

The arc length of Road 1 is infinite, where as the arc length of Road 2 is finite. You could calculate it out, or just observe the graphs points at x = 0 (in particular) for Road 1 and x = 0, pi/3 for road 2 and get an idea for the lengths. Hence, Road 2 is better.

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