Barycenter

Date: 08/30/97 at 17:15:57
From: Pastor Negrón
Subject: Geometry

I need to know the definition of baricenter and also how to find it. 

I just  found the word. I tried to find the definition in other 
geometry books, but I did not find it. I am a math teacher and this 
is the first time that I have seen the word.

Date: 09/04/97 at 16:41:38
From: Doctor Rob
Subject: Re: Geometry

The correct spelling is "barycenter". 

The definition of the barycenter of a geometric figure is the "center 
of gravity." If the figure were cut out of a thin sheet of material of 
small but not infinitesimal thickness and uniform weight, the 
barycenter would be the center of gravity of the cutout.  It is the 
point at which the figure would balance if supported at that point 
only.

For a triangle, the barycenter is the intersection point of the 
medians of the triangle.

-Doctor Rob,  The Math Forum
 Check out our web site!  http://mathforum.org/dr.math/