Trisectrix of Maclaurin

Cartesian equation:
y2(a + x) = x2(3a - x)
Polar equation:
r = 2a sin(3θ)/sin(2θ)


Click below to see one of the Associated curves.

Definitions of the Associated curves Evolute
Involute 1 Involute 2
Inverse curve wrt origin Inverse wrt another circle
Pedal curve wrt origin Pedal wrt another point
Negative pedal curve wrt origin Negative pedal wrt another point
Caustic wrt horizontal rays Caustic curve wrt another point

If your browser can handle JAVA code, click HERE to experiment interactively with this curve and its associated curves.

This was first studied by Colin Maclaurin in 1742. Like so many curves it was studied to provide a solution to one of the ancient Greek problems, this one is in relation to the problem of trisecting an angle. The name trisectrix arises since it can be used to trisect angles.

The trisectrix of Maclaurin is an anallagmatic curve.

Another form of the equation is r = a sec(θ/3) where the origin is inside the loop and the crossing point is on the negative x-axis.

The tangents to the curve at the origin make angles of plusminus 60° with the x-axis.

The area of the loop is 3√3a2 and the distance from the origin to the point where the curve cuts the x-axis is 3a.

It is the pedal curve of the parabola where the pedal-point is taken as the reflection of the focus in the directrix.

Other Web site:

Xah Lee

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The URL of this page is:
http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Curves/Trisectrix.html