# Natural equation

of a curve

A system of equations

$$k_1=\phi(s),\quad k_2=\psi(s),$$

defining the curvature $k_1$ and torsion $k_2$ of the curve as functions of the arc length parameter $s$ on the curve. For any regular functions $\phi(s)>0$ and $\psi(s)$ there exists a curve, unique up to translation in space, with curvature $\phi(s)$ and torsion $\psi(s)$. A necessary and sufficient condition for a curve to be in a plane is that its torsion vanishes identically. A necessary and sufficient condition for a curve to be a straight line (or a segment of a straight line) is that its curvature vanishes identically.

In the article above, $\phi$ must be positive in order to generate uniqueness of the curve; for existence $\phi(s)\geq0$ suffices (cf. [a1], Sects. 8.5.8 and 8.6.15).

Instead of "natural equation" one also finds the phrase "intrinsic equation of a curve". The representation of (certain special) plane curves by means of a relation $k_1=\phi(s)$ goes back to L. Euler.

#### References

 [a1] M. Berger, B. Gostiaux, "Differential geometry: manifolds, curves, and surfaces" , Springer (1988) (Translated from French) [a2] M.P. Do Carmo, "Differential geometry of curves and surfaces" , Prentice-Hall (1976) [a3] B. O'Neill, "Elementary differential geometry" , Acad. Press (1966) [a4] M. Spivak, "A comprehensive introduction to differential geometry" , 2 , Publish or Perish pp. 1–5 [a5] W. Blaschke, K. Leichtweiss, "Elementare Differentialgeometrie" , Springer (1973) [a6] D.J. Struik, "Differential geometry" , Addison-Wesley (1950) pp. Sect. 1–8
How to Cite This Entry:
Natural equation. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://www.encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Natural_equation&oldid=32538
This article was adapted from an original article by D.D. Sokolov (originator), which appeared in Encyclopedia of Mathematics - ISBN 1402006098. See original article