Math Trek Math

Art of Pursuit

By Ivars Peterson

- More than 2 years ago

The simple mathematical concept of a pursuit curve can serve as the starting point for creating wonderfully intricate artistic designs.

Four “bugs” chasing one another produce an intriguing pattern of nested, rotated squares. Courtesy of John Sharp.

Pursuit curves based on a star-shaped polygon. Courtesy of John Sharp.

Example of a pattern in which the pursuit direction changes after regular intervals.