Minimal distance from a point to n lines

Martín E. Acosta, Escuela de Matemáticas, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga-Colombia. EMAIL: martin@matematicas.uis.edu.co
Carolina Mejía, Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá - Colombia. EMAIL: caromejia77@gmail.com
Carlos W. Rodríguez, Escuela de Matemáticas, Universidad Industrial de Santander,Bucaramanga-Colombia. EMAIL: cwrodriguez@matematicas.uis.edu.co

ABSTRACT

We present a solution to the problem of computing a point in the plane minimizing the distance to n given lines. We used an experimental mathematics approach: using dynamic geometry software, we gathered data which allowed us to conjecture and testing our hypothesis. Finally we formalized our reasoning to prove the conjecture. Although this solution was known, our method could be of interest.

Clasificación de la AMS: 51K99

Keywords: Minimal distance, experimental mathematics.