Question

By an equation how can you define a cycloid?

(a) y = a(1-sin α)

(b) x = a(α – cos α)

(c) x = a(α – sin α)

(d) x = a(1- sin α)

I got this question at a job interview.

I'm obligated to ask this question of Curves Used in Engineering Practice topic in section Lettering Practice, Scales & Curves of Civil Engineering Drawing

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) x = a(α – sin α)

For explanation: Cycloid is a curve generated by a point on the circumference of a circle which rolls along a straight line. It can be described by an equation,

y = a(1 – cosα) or x = a(α – sin α).