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Barbier's Theorem


Barbier's theorem states that every convex curve of constant width w has perimeter

 L=piw.

Thus every curve of constant width has the same perimeter as a circle of diameter w, even though such a curve need not be a circle.

To see the result, let w(theta) denote the distance between the two parallel supporting lines perpendicular to direction theta. Cauchy's perimeter formula gives L=int_0^piw(theta)dtheta. For a curve of constant width, w(theta)=w, and the stated formula follows immediately.


See also

Cauchy's Perimeter Formula, Circle, Curve of Constant Width, Perimeter, Reuleaux Triangle

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References

Bogomolny, A. "The Theorem of Barbier." https://cut-the-knot.org/ctk/Barbier.shtml.Santaló, L. A. Integral Geometry and Geometric Probability. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Referenced on Wolfram|Alpha

Barbier's Theorem

Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Barbier's Theorem." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/BarbiersTheorem.html

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