Chapter 8: Problem 54
Give an example of: A polar curve \(r=f(\theta)\) that is symmetric about neither the \(x\) -axis nor the \(y\) -axis.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Polar curve \( r = 2 + \cos(\theta)\sin(\theta) \) is an example.
Step by step solution
01
Understand Polar Symmetry
In polar coordinates, a curve given by the function \( r = f(\theta) \) can exhibit symmetry in different ways. A curve is symmetric about the x-axis if \( f(\theta) = f(-\theta) \), about the y-axis if \( f(\theta) = f(\pi - \theta) \), and about the pole if \( f(\theta) = -f(\theta + \pi) \). To find a curve that is not symmetric about the x-axis or y-axis, it must not satisfy these conditions.
02
Choose a Non-Symmetric Function
Consider the polar curve given by the function \( r = 2 + \cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) \). This function does not satisfy the conditions for symmetry because substituting \(-\theta\) or \(\pi - \theta\) does not result in the same function.
03
Verify Non-Symmetry for the x-axis
Substitute \(-\theta\) into the curve: \( r = 2 + \cos(-\theta) \sin(-\theta) = 2 - \cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) \). Since \( 2 + \cos(\theta)\sin(\theta) eq 2 - \cos(\theta)\sin(\theta) \), this function is not symmetric about the x-axis.
04
Verify Non-Symmetry for the y-axis
Substitute \(\pi - \theta\) into the curve: \( r = 2 + \cos(\pi - \theta) \sin(\pi - \theta) = 2 - \cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) \). Since \( 2 + \cos(\theta)\sin(\theta) eq 2 - \cos(\theta)\sin(\theta) \), this function is not symmetric about the y-axis.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polar Curves
Polar curves are a unique way to represent mathematical functions and curves in the coordinate system. Instead of the traditional Cartesian coordinates (x, y), polar coordinates use a radius and an angle, denoted as \(r\) and \(\theta\). The function of a polar curve is typically represented as \(r = f(\theta)\).
In polar coordinates:
In polar coordinates:
- \(r\) is the distance from the pole (equivalent to the origin in Cartesian coordinates) to a point on the curve.
- \(\theta\) is the angle measured from the positive x-axis.
Symmetry in Polar Coordinates
To determine if a polar curve is symmetric, we check how the function \(r = f(\theta)\) behaves when we apply changes to \(\theta\). There are distinct tests to assess symmetry:
- Symmetric about the x-axis: If substituting \(-\theta\) into the function gives back the original function, i.e., \( f(\theta) = f(-\theta) \), the curve is symmetric about the x-axis.
- Symmetric about the y-axis: If substituting \(\pi - \theta\) into the function results in the same function, i.e., \( f(\theta) = f(\pi - \theta) \), the curve is symmetric about the y-axis.
- Symmetric about the pole: If \( f(\theta) = -f(\theta + \pi) \), the curve is symmetric about the pole (origin).
Non-Symmetric Functions
Sometimes, a polar curve does not exhibit any of the familiar symmetries. A non-symmetric function is a great example of this.
In examining such functions, like \( r = 2 + \cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) \), it becomes clear how asymmetrical curves behave. This particular function doesn't meet any of the symmetry conditions outlined in polar coordinates.
In examining such functions, like \( r = 2 + \cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) \), it becomes clear how asymmetrical curves behave. This particular function doesn't meet any of the symmetry conditions outlined in polar coordinates.
- Substituting \(-\theta\): \( r = 2 - \cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) \) is not equal to \( r = 2 + \cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) \), disproving x-axis symmetry.
- Substituting \(\pi - \theta\): \( r = 2 - \cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) \) again gives a different result, proving no y-axis symmetry.