Abstract
This paper deals with the joint use of computer algebra and the dynamic geometry features of the mathematics software GeoGebra to solve a locus problem. Through a generally unknown problem from an eighteenth century Latin book of geometry exercises the use of the computer algebra features of GeoGebra will be presented on the one hand as a means of automatic computation of the locus equation and on the other hand as an environment to realize the symbolic step-by-step derivation of the equation. The core principles of the effective implementation of computer algebra functions within the dynamic geometry system will be presented. An enhanced approach to solving the problem, inspired by the findings from the use of the computer to investigate the locus, will cause the appearance of an unexpected and until now not described curve.
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Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Francisco Botana for his valuable advice and contribution to the effective use of computer algebra in GeoGebra.
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Hašek, R., Kovács, Z., Zahradník, J. (2017). Contemporary Interpretation of a Historical Locus Problem with the Use of Computer Algebra. In: Kotsireas, I., Martínez-Moro, E. (eds) Applications of Computer Algebra. ACA 2015. Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, vol 198. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56932-1_12
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