Chapter 10: Problem 22
Determine whether the statement is true or false. Explain your answer. If \(d\) is a positive constant, then the conic section with polar equation $$r=\frac{d}{1+\cos \theta}$$ is a parabola.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The statement is true; the conic is a parabola since the eccentricity is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Conic Type
The given polar equation is \( r=\frac{d}{1+\cos \theta} \). This equation has the general form \( r=\frac{ed}{1+e\cos \theta} \) where \( e \) is the eccentricity of the conic. The standard form equation represents different types of conic sections depending on the value of \( e \): a circle if \( e=0 \), an ellipse if \( 01 \). The given equation resembles a parabola equation in polar coordinates because the eccentricity \( e \) is equal to 1.
02
Derive the Eccentricity
To determine the eccentricity, match the given equation \( r=\frac{d}{1+\cos \theta} \) to the standard form \( r=\frac{ed}{1+e\cos \theta} \). Notice that in the given equation's formula, the expression in the denominator, \( 1 + \cos \theta \), suggests an eccentricity \( e = 1 \). This confirms that the conic section is a parabola since \( e=1 \) in the standard form represents a parabola.
03
Conclusion on the Conic
Since the derived value of the eccentricity \( e \) is 1, the conic section described by the polar equation \( r=\frac{d}{1+\cos \theta} \) is indeed a parabola, as per the properties of conic sections defined by their eccentricities.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polar Coordinates
In mathematics, polar coordinates offer a different perspective for visualizing points on a plane. Unlike Cartesian coordinates, which use a grid of x and y values, polar coordinates are based on a point's distance from a central point (the origin) and the angle from a reference direction, usually the positive x-axis.
This system has immense applications in understanding curves and shapes, like conic sections, in a much intuitive way:
This system has immense applications in understanding curves and shapes, like conic sections, in a much intuitive way:
- Point Location: Every point in the polar coordinate system is defined by a pair \( r, \theta \), where \( r \) is the radial distance from the origin, and \( \theta \) is the angle measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.
- Converting Polar Equations: Polar equations can often be converted into more familiar Cartesian formats, which helps in visualizing and solving complex problems.
- Simplifying Conics: Polar coordinates simplify finding and analyzing conic sections, as seen when identifying an equation like \( r=\frac{d}{1+\cos \theta} \). This can help in visualizing how conic sections behave and change under different conditions.
Eccentricity
Eccentricity (\( e \)) is a crucial concept for understanding the shape of conic sections. It determines how "stretched" a conic section is compared to a circle, where every point is equidistant from a center.
Here's a brief overview of what the eccentricity signifies for various conics:
Here's a brief overview of what the eccentricity signifies for various conics:
- Circle: When \( e=0 \), the conic is a perfect circle with no deviation.
- Ellipse: In the case of \( 0 < e < 1 \), the shape is an ellipse, which is elongated but still closed.
- Parabola: An eccentricity of \( e=1 \), as with the given polar equation \( r=\frac{d}{1+\cos \theta} \), forms a parabola which is open and no longer circles back on itself.
- Hyperbola: If \( e > 1 \), the conic becomes a hyperbola, signifying a significant stretching that results in two separate curves.
Parabola
A parabola is a distinct type of conic section identified by its unique geometric properties. It's an open curve with several important characteristics:
- Defining Feature: A parabola is known because it has an eccentricity (\( e \)) of exactly 1. This makes it differ from other conics like ellipses and hyperbolas, which have a wider eccentricity range.
- Focus and Directrix: Every parabola is defined by its focus—a point—and a directrix—a line. The parabola is the locus of points equidistant from both the focus and the directrix.
- Symmetrical Nature: Parabolas have an axis of symmetry, which is a line that passes through the vertex, the highest or lowest point of the curve.
- Real-World Applications: From satellite dishes to reflective properties of headlights, parabolas play a crucial role in many practical applications, enforcing their significance in geometry and physics.