In Exercises 13–34, test for symmetry and then graph each polar equation. r = 1 − 3 sin θ
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
Polar Coordinate System
Problem 35
Textbook Question
In Exercises 35–44, test for symmetry and then graph each polar equation. r = cos θ/2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the given polar equation: \(r = \cos \frac{\theta}{2}\).
Test for symmetry about the polar axis (the horizontal axis): Replace \(\theta\) with \(-\theta\) and check if the equation remains unchanged. That is, check if \(r(\theta) = r(-\theta)\).
Test for symmetry about the line \(\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}\) (the vertical axis): Replace \(\theta\) with \(\pi - \theta\) and check if the equation remains unchanged. That is, check if \(r(\theta) = r(\pi - \theta)\).
Test for symmetry about the pole (origin): Replace \(r\) with \(-r\) and \(\theta\) with \(\theta + \pi\) and check if the equation remains unchanged. That is, check if \(r(\theta) = -r(\theta + \pi)\).
Use the results of the symmetry tests to determine which symmetries the graph has, then plot points for various values of \(\theta\) to sketch the graph of \(r = \cos \frac{\theta}{2}\).
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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 r as a function of θ, describing curves in the plane. Understanding how to interpret and plot these equations is essential for graphing.
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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, π - θ, or -r into the equation to check if the equation remains unchanged, helping to simplify graphing.
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Graphing r = cos(θ/2)
The equation r = cos(θ/2) involves a half-angle, which affects the periodicity and shape of the graph. Recognizing how the cosine function behaves with θ/2 helps predict the number of petals or loops and their orientation in the polar plot.
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Graphing Intercepts
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