You are here

Do Dogs Know Related Rates Instead of Optimization

by Pierre Perruchet and Jorge Gallego

This article originally appeared in:
College Mathematics Journal
January, 2006

Subject classification(s): Calculus | Single Variable Calculus | Differentiation
Applicable Course(s): 3.1 Mainstream Calculus I | 3.4 Non-mainstream Calc I

This capsule discusses the mathematics of a real-life experience with dogs playing fetch into the water. The leap-off point chosen by the dog turned out to ones that will either minimize the time for the dog to fetch the ball and return to the shore or maximize its speed of approaching the fetched object. The authors argue that the latter is a more plausible explanation to dogs' behavior.


A pdf copy of the article can be viewed by clicking below. Since the copy is a faithful reproduction of the actual journal pages, the article may not begin at the top of the first page.

To open this file please click here.

These pdf files are furnished by JSTOR.

Classroom Capsules would not be possible without the contribution of JSTOR.

JSTOR provides online access to pdf copies of 512 journals, including all three print journals of the Mathematical Association of America: The American Mathematical Monthly, College Mathematics Journal, and Mathematics Magazine. We are grateful for JSTOR's cooperation in providing the pdf pages that we are using for Classroom Capsules.

Capsule Course Topic(s):
One-Variable Calculus | Differentiation: Definition and Elementary Application
Average: 3.7 (3 votes)