Re: Straight Line

[PPARKER@TWSUVM.UC.TWSU.EDU]

> Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 22:36:22 -0600
> From: Jim Green <JMGreen@sisna.com>
>
>
> If a line is a curve, what is the difference between a non-straight line and
> a curvy curve?

None; it's a historical usage now mostly seen in "line integral" or "line of
force" or "field line" to let "line" mean the same as "curve" or "path" or
"arc".  Mathematicians generally treat "line" and "straight line" as
synonyms, making an exception for these historic remnants (which occur
mostly in applied areas).

*************************
Phil Parker                            Email: pparker@twsuvm.uc.twsu.edu
Math. Dept., Wichita St. Univ.           Fax: 316-978-3748
   I find [in mathematics] a wonderful beauty. This is no science,
   this is art, where equations fall away to elements like resolving
   chords, and where always prevails a symmetry either explicit or
   multiplex, but always of a crystalline serenity.
                                      ---Turjan of Miir (Jack Vance)