IMA Best Commentary (Level) (2022)

The Hanging Chain (the why of shapes)

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The graph y=cosh (x) also known as a ‘Catenary’ is commonly mistaken for y = x² (a parabola which is more pointy than the catenary) is the shape a chain (with a uniform density) makes when hung from two 2 points of equal height. Catenaries are also seen in the architecture of bridges, arches and the shapes of eggs and spider webs.

— Jennifer Huang (S5)