2006-10-30 22:14:56 · 6 answers · asked by edi d 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
Actually, the shortest distance between two points IS a straight line. Whether a person could travel along that line is a different matter.
If it's along the surface of a solid, the distance could be an arc or angle.
2006-10-30 22:23:07 · answer #1 · answered by bks33691 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You allude to the Great Circle. That is the shortest distance travelling over the surface of the Earth. But the straight line from say Bangkok to New York passes through the Earth and is still the shortest.
2006-10-31 22:40:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shortest distance between two points is always a straight line between those points.
2006-10-30 22:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by Skipper S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends entirely on what geometry you're in. Since we're in the geography department, I'll assume we're basically on a sphere, in which case the shortest distance between two points is along a great circle that passes through those two points.
2006-10-30 22:18:22 · answer #4 · answered by robcraine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have the technology to fold space itself such that you can reach one point to the other instantly, the shortest distance between 2 points, as current technology permits, is a straight line.
2006-10-31 01:23:11 · answer #5 · answered by naike_10021980 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What? No 1200 line cut and paste replies on non Euclidean geometry?
2006-10-31 10:59:42 · answer #6 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋