# Parametrized Plane Curves

## Homework Statement

Suppose $\sigma:I\subseteq\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}^2$ is a smooth plane curve parametrized by a parameter $t\in I$. Prove that if $\|\sigma(t_1)-\sigma(t_0)\|$ depends entirely on $|t_1-t_0|$, then the image of $I$ under $\sigma$ is a subset of either $S^1$ or a line.

## The Attempt at a Solution

Embarrassingly enough, I'm having trouble setting up a proof here. I understand intuitively why this is true, but I can't see where to start. Can someone just nudge me in the right direction?

Thank you.

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## Homework Statement

Suppose $\sigma:I\subseteq\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}^2$ is a smooth plane curve parametrized by a parameter $t\in I$. Prove that if $\|\sigma(t_1)-\sigma(t_0)\|$ depends entirely on $|t_1-t_0|$, then the image of $I$ under $\sigma$ is a subset of either $S^1$ or a line.

## The Attempt at a Solution

Embarrassingly enough, I'm having trouble setting up a proof here. I understand intuitively why this is true, but I can't see where to start. Can someone just nudge me in the right direction?

Thank you.
Suppose $\|\sigma(t_1) - \sigma(t_0)\| = f(|t_1 - t_0|)$ for some real-valued $f$ such that $f(t) \geq 0$ for all $t$ with $f(0) = 0$. Then
$$\sigma(t_1) = \sigma(t_0) + \hat n(t_0,t_1) f(|t_1 - t_0|)\qquad(1)$$
where $\hat n$ is a unit vector. This can be rearranged to give
$$\sigma(t_0) = \sigma(t_1) - \hat n(t_0,t_1) f(|t_1 - t_0|)$$
and swapping $t_0$ and $t_1$ and comparing with (1) yields
$$\hat n(t_0, t_1) = -\hat n(t_1,t_0)$$

I don't know whether this will lead anywhere. However I do see that if $\hat n$ is constant then $\sigma(I)$ will be a line segment.

EDIT: It also occurs to me that circles and lines are the only plane curves of constant curvature.

Last edited:
Suppose $\|\sigma(t_1) - \sigma(t_0)\| = f(|t_1 - t_0|)$ for some real-valued $f$ such that $f(t) \geq 0$ for all $t$ with $f(0) = 0$. Then
$$\sigma(t_1) = \sigma(t_0) + \hat n(t_0,t_1) f(|t_1 - t_0|)\qquad(1)$$
where $\hat n$ is a unit vector. This can be rearranged to give
$$\sigma(t_0) = \sigma(t_1) - \hat n(t_0,t_1) f(|t_1 - t_0|)$$
and swapping $t_0$ and $t_1$ and comparing with (1) yields
$$\hat n(t_0, t_1) = -\hat n(t_1,t_0)$$

I don't know whether this will lead anywhere. However I do see that if $\hat n$ is constant then $\sigma(I)$ will be a line segment.

EDIT: It also occurs to me that circles and lines are the only plane curves of constant curvature.
I realized that they are both the only plane curves with constant curvature, then I proceeded to cook up a proof.

Thank you.