Question

Although the Gateway Arch in St.Louis looks something like a parabola, it is actually what other type of curve illustrated by a chain hanging from two points?

Answer 1

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is not actually shaped like a parabola, but it can be represented by a shape called a catenary curve. The catenary curve is the shape formed by a chain hanging freely from two points under its own weight.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is not actually shaped like a parabola, but it can be represented by a shape called a catenary curve. The catenary curve is the shape formed by a chain hanging freely from two points under its own weight.

Similarly, the shape of a suspension bridge, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, is also a catenary curve because the weight of the bridge is evenly distributed along the length of the cables, causing them to take on the characteristic shape.

So, although the Gateway Arch may resemble a parabola, it is actually a catenary curve.