The worm problem of Leo Moser (Q1184159): Difference between revisions

Blaschke's selection theorem shows that there is a (not necessarily unique) planar convex body \(M\) of minimal area \(A\) by which every planar arc of length one can be covered. It was known that \(0.21946 < A < 0.28610\). The authors show that \(A<0.27524\). For that purpose, they prove that a region consisting of a \(60^ \circ\) sector of radius \(0.5\) with two adjacent \(30^ \circ60^ \circ90^ \circ\) triangles has the covering property. They also present some conjectures about the shape of minimal bodies \(M\).