Activity:
The center or gravity in bicycle design
is important. Bicycles were originally tall and the center of
gravity was above the wheels of the bicycle. Modern design of
bicycles puts the center of gravity between the two wheels and
thereby reduces the chances of the bicyclist falling over. Experiment
with the center of gravity of a triangle using GSP. Use the following
to help you get started.
Centroid: The point of intersection of the medians of a triangle. Also, the point in a figure or solid which is the balance point, or center of gravity, of the figure or solid.
Once this construction has been achieved using GSP, play around with it. Can the centroid ever lie outside the triangle? Why or why not?
Now cut out a triangle and try to balance it
on a pencil point. Remember the balance point is the centroid.