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MxwllsPersuasns
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Homework Statement
Let γ : [0, L] → Rn be arclength parametrized. Show that the distance between the endpoints of the curve can at most be L, and equality can only hold when γ is a straight line segment. Thus, the shortest path between two points is the straight line segment connecting them.
Homework Equations
I guess maybe arclength: s(t) = ∫ ||γ'(t')||dt' from 0 to t
The Attempt at a Solution
So my attempt would be to include the properties of an arclength parameterized curve; Namely that the length of such a curve is 1. Such that when you compute the arc length you get something like ∫1dt' from 0 to t (or in this specific case 0 to L) this tells us the length is L but I don't know how to prove that the equality holds only when its a straight line. Any suggestions?