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Ch.12 - Parametric and Polar Curves
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 12, Problem 12.4.58

57–62. Polar equations for conic sections Graph the following conic sections, labeling the vertices, foci, directrices, and asymptotes (if they exist). Use a graphing utility to check your work.


r = 3/(2 + cos θ)

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1
Identify the form of the polar equation given: \(r = \frac{3}{2 + \cos \theta}\). This resembles the general form for conic sections in polar coordinates: \(r = \frac{ed}{1 + e \cos \theta}\) or \(r = \frac{ed}{1 + e \sin \theta}\), where \(e\) is the eccentricity and \(d\) is the distance from the focus to the directrix.
Rewrite the denominator to match the standard form. Notice that the denominator is \(2 + \cos \theta\), which can be expressed as \(2 + 1 \cdot \cos \theta\). Compare this with \(1 + e \cos \theta\) to identify \(e\) and \(d\) by factoring appropriately.
Determine the eccentricity \(e\) and the parameter \(d\) by equating the given equation to the standard form. This involves expressing \(r = \frac{ed}{1 + e \cos \theta}\) and solving for \(e\) and \(d\) using the constants in the numerator and denominator.
Once \(e\) and \(d\) are found, classify the conic section based on the value of \(e\): if \(e < 1\), it is an ellipse; if \(e = 1\), a parabola; if \(e > 1\), a hyperbola. This classification helps in understanding the shape and properties of the graph.
Identify and label the key features: vertices (points where \(r\) is minimum or maximum), focus (at the pole), directrix (a line related to \(d\) and \(e\)), and asymptotes if the conic is a hyperbola. Use these to sketch the graph and verify with a graphing utility.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Polar Equations of Conic Sections

Polar equations describe conic sections using the radius r and angle θ from the pole. The general form r = ed / (1 + e cos θ) or r = ed / (1 + e sin θ) defines ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas based on the eccentricity e. Understanding this form helps identify the type of conic and its properties.
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Parabolas as Conic Sections

Eccentricity and Its Role

Eccentricity (e) measures how much a conic deviates from being circular. If e < 1, the conic is an ellipse; if e = 1, a parabola; and if e > 1, a hyperbola. It determines the shape and position of the conic relative to its focus and directrix.
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Classifying Differential Equations

Graphing and Identifying Key Features

Graphing polar conics involves plotting points for various θ values and labeling vertices, foci, and directrices. Vertices are points closest or farthest from the pole, foci are fixed points defining the conic, and directrices are lines related to eccentricity. Asymptotes appear only for hyperbolas.
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Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions
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