Which of the following best describes the graph of the polar curve ?
Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
- OLD 1. Angles and the Trigonometric Functions Coming soon
- OLD 2. Trigonometric Functions graphs, Inverse Trigonometric Functions Coming soon
- OLD 3. Trigonometric Identities and Equations Coming soon
- OLD 4. Laws of Sines, Cosines and Vectors Coming soon
- OLD 5. Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations Coming soon
- NEW (not used) 7. Laws of Sines, Cosines and Vectors Coming soon
- NEW (not used) 8. Vectors Coming soon
- NEW(not used) 9. Polar equations Coming soon
- NEW (not used) 11. Graphing Complex Numbers Coming soon
9. Polar Equations
Graphing Other Common Polar Equations
Problem 39
Textbook Question
In Exercises 35–44, test for symmetry and then graph each polar equation. r = 1 / 1−cos θ
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the given polar equation: \(r = \frac{1}{1 - \cos \theta}\).
Recall the tests for symmetry in polar coordinates:
- Symmetry about the polar axis (x-axis): Replace \(\theta\) by \(-\theta\) and check if the equation remains unchanged.
- Symmetry about the line \(\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}\) (y-axis): Replace \(\theta\) by \(\pi - \theta\) and check if the equation remains unchanged.
- Symmetry about the pole (origin): Replace \(r\) by \(-r\) and \(\theta\) by \(\theta + \pi\) and check if the equation remains unchanged.
Test for symmetry about the polar axis by substituting \(\theta\) with \(-\theta\) in the equation:
\(r = \frac{1}{1 - \cos(-\theta)}\). Use the identity \(\cos(-\theta) = \cos \theta\) to simplify and compare with the original equation.
Test for symmetry about the line \(\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}\) by substituting \(\theta\) with \(\pi - \theta\):
\(r = \frac{1}{1 - \cos(\pi - \theta)}\). Use the identity \(\cos(\pi - \theta) = -\cos \theta\) to simplify and compare with the original equation.
Test for symmetry about the pole by substituting \(r\) with \(-r\) and \(\theta\) with \(\theta + \pi\):
\(-r = \frac{1}{1 - \cos(\theta + \pi)}\). Use the identity \(\cos(\theta + \pi) = -\cos \theta\) to simplify and compare with the original equation.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polar Coordinates and Polar Equations
Polar coordinates represent points using a radius (r) and an angle (θ) from the positive x-axis. Polar equations express relationships between r and θ, describing curves in the plane. Understanding how to interpret and plot these equations is essential for graphing.
Recommended video:
Intro to Polar Coordinates
Symmetry Tests in Polar Graphs
Symmetry in polar graphs can be tested about the polar axis, the line θ = π/2, and the pole (origin). These tests involve substituting θ with -θ, π - θ, or replacing r with -r to check if the equation remains unchanged, helping to predict the shape and simplify graphing.
Recommended video:
Cardioids
Handling and Simplifying Rational Polar Equations
Polar equations like r = 1 / (1 - cos θ) often represent conic sections and require careful algebraic manipulation to analyze. Recognizing singularities (where denominator is zero) and understanding the behavior near these points aids in accurate graphing and interpretation.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Common Polar Equations
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