Chapter 10: Problem 25
Use symmetry to sketch the graph of the polar equation. Use a graphing utility to verify your graph. $$r=3 \sin \theta$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of this equation is a circle with a radius of 3, centered at the origin. It is symmetric with respect to the x-axis.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the polar equation
The given polar equation is \(r = 3\sin \theta\). This is a standard form of a circle in polar coordinates. The sine function returns a range of values between -1 and 1 and therefore, r which is equal to 3 times the sine of theta can take any values from -3 to 3. The fact that the function is \(\sin \theta\) would suggest symptoms of symmetry.
02
Identifying the symmetry
In polar coordinates, we can identify symmetry about the x-axis when for every point on the plot, its reflection over x-axis is also on the plot. Considering the periodicity and nature of sine function, for every theta, the points (-r, theta) and (r, theta + pi) should exist, which means the graph will be symmetric about the x-axis.
03
Sketching the Graph
Make a table with values of \(\theta\) ranging from 0 to 2\(\pi\). Polar graphs are built based on the radial distance from the origin, you will sketch this table onto polar coordinate which helps you to get a coordinated plot for the poles on the graph.
04
Verifying the Graph with Graphing Utility
Use a graphing calculator or any online graphing tool to input the equation \(r = 3 \sin \theta\) to verify your graph. Such a tool will plot the given function in the polar coordinate system and you can check your drawn graph against this.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Symmetry in Graphs
When exploring graphs, particularly in polar coordinates, symmetry can be a remarkable property to identify. For the polar equation \(r = 3 \sin \theta\), symmetry is an inherent feature that simplifies the graphing process.
In polar coordinates, symmetry can be examined in relation to the axes or the origin:
In polar coordinates, symmetry can be examined in relation to the axes or the origin:
- Symmetry over the x-axis implies that if a point \((r, \theta)\) lies on the graph, then \((r, \theta + \pi)\) will also be on the graph.
- You might also encounter symmetry about the y-axis or the origin in other equations, but for \(r = 3 \sin \theta\), the focus is primarily on x-axis symmetry.
Sine Function
The sine function is fundamental in trigonometry and pivotal for polar equations. In the equation \(r = 3 \sin \theta\), the function \(\sin \theta\) directly influences the radius. Let's understand how it operates in this context.
Key characteristics of the sine function relevant to this equation include:
Key characteristics of the sine function relevant to this equation include:
- The sine function oscillates between -1 and 1, meaning \(r\) ranges from -3 to 3 after being multiplied by 3.
- It is a periodic function with a cycle repeating every \(2\pi\), which implies that the graph repeats its pattern after each full rotation.
Graphing Utilities
Graphing utilities can be a great ally when dealing with complex graphs like those in polar coordinates. The technology available today makes plotting graphs a less daunting task.
Using a graphing utility involves a few straightforward steps:
Using a graphing utility involves a few straightforward steps:
- Input the equation \(r = 3 \sin \theta\) into the graphing calculator or an online tool.
- Verify your hand-drawn graph by comparing it with the plotted graph on the utility.