Epicycloid vs. Hypocycloid: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
An epicycloid is a curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle rolling on the outside of another circle, while a hypocycloid is traced by a point on a circle rolling inside another circle.
Key Differences
An epicycloid is a captivating curve that emerges when a circle rolls externally along the perimeter of another circle without slipping. The tracing point on the rolling circle's circumference delineates the epicycloid. On the other hand, a hypocycloid results when a circle rolls on the inside of another circle, with the path being described by a point on the rolling circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
The creation of an epicycloid and hypocycloid depends on the relative sizes of the circles involved. For an epicycloid, if the fixed and rolling circles have the same radius, the resultant curve resembles a straight line. With hypocycloids, when the rolling circle's radius is half that of the fixed circle, the resulting curve is a straight line, known as a diameter of the fixed circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Both epicycloid and hypocycloid have unique mathematical properties and equations that define their shapes. The epicycloid has a larger spread due to its generation outside the fixed circle, whereas the hypocycloid is confined within the bounds of the larger circle since it's generated inside.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Epicycloids and hypocycloids can be found in various practical applications. While epicycloids can be observed in the design of certain gear teeth, hypocycloids play a role in devices like the Spirograph, which uses rotating gears to create intricate patterns. Both curves, with their mesmerizing patterns, have also inspired art and design through the ages.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Curve from a circle rolling externally
Curve from a circle rolling internally
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Epicycloid and Hypocycloid Definitions
Epicycloid
A curve with a spread larger than the fixed circle.
The wide design on the paper is an epicycloid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Hypocycloid
Curve made by a circle rolling inside another.
The spirograph toy creates patterns similar to a hypocycloid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Epicycloid
Can be described using parametric equations.
The mathematical model for the epicycloid is intriguing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Hypocycloid
Often seen in artistic patterns and designs.
Artists sometimes use the hypnotic shape of the hypocycloid.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Epicycloid
A curve formed by a circle rolling outside another.
The gear's teeth were shaped like an epicycloid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Hypocycloid
Can be represented through specific equations.
Graphing a hypocycloid requires knowledge of its mathematical formula.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Epicycloid
The trace of a point on the moving circle's circumference.
The point on the smaller circle traces the epicycloid.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
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Hypocycloid
Trace of a point on a rolling circle's edge.
The point's movement describes the hypocycloid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Epicycloid
Seen in specific mechanical applications.
The epicycloid curve is vital in this machine's design.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Hypocycloid
Curve stays within the bounds of the larger circle.
The shape inside the circle is a hypocycloid.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Epicycloid
The curve described by a point on the circumference of a circle as the circle rolls on the outside of the circumference of a second, fixed circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Hypocycloid
The plane locus of a point fixed on a circle that rolls on the inside circumference of a fixed circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Epicycloid
(geometry) The locus of a point on the circumference of a circle that rolls without slipping on the circumference of another circle. Category:en:Curves
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Hypocycloid
(geometry) The locus of a point on the circumference of a circle that rolls without slipping inside the circumference of another circle. Category:en:Curves
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Epicycloid
A curve traced by a point in the circumference of a circle which rolls on the convex side of a fixed circle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Hypocycloid
A curve traced by a point in the circumference of a circle which rolls on the concave side in the fixed circle. Cf. Epicycloid, and Trochoid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Epicycloid
A line generated by a point on a circle rolling around another circle
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Hypocycloid
A line generated by a point on a circle that rolls around inside another circle
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
FAQs
Can a hypocycloid curve ever be outside the larger circle?
No, a hypocycloid remains within the larger circle's boundary.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
What toy creates patterns resembling hypocycloids?
The Spirograph toy creates patterns similar to hypocycloids.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Where can we see epicycloids in real-life applications?
Epicycloids are often seen in certain gear teeth designs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
What's the main difference between an epicycloid and a hypocycloid?
An epicycloid is formed outside a circle, while a hypocycloid is inside.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Do epicycloids always form outside the circle?
Yes, epicycloids are always formed when a circle rolls externally.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
