A tractrix is a plane curve whose tangent segment from the point of contact to a fixed axis has constant length. For segment length one and a positive acute tangent angle , its height is . The slope relation gives . Integrating yields the displayed axial coordinate up to an additive constant. Conversely these coordinates have the required slope, and their tangent intercept is at distance . Rotating this profile about its axis gives a tractoid.

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Tractrix is a type of curve used in various fields, including physics, engineering, and acoustics. Mathematically, a tractrix is defined as the curve that is generated by a point moving in such a way that its tangent always approaches a fixed point (the focus) at a constant distance. This distance is typically referred to in the context of the curve's asymptote.