Chapter 10: Problem 50
Determine whether the statement is true or false. Explain your answer. The graph of a dimpled limaçon passes through the polar origin.
Short Answer
Expert verified
False, a dimpled limaçon does not pass through the polar origin since its minimum \(r\) value is greater than zero.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Limaçon
A limaçon is a type of polar graph given by the equation \( r = a + b \cos\theta \) or \( r = a + b \sin\theta \). The graph's shape depends on the values of \(a\) and \(b\). If \(|a| < |b|\), the limaçon will be a limacon with an inner loop; if \(|a| = |b|\), it is a cardioid; and if \( |a| > |b| \), it is a dimpled limaçon.
02
Condition for Passing Through the Polar Origin
For any polar graph \(r = f(\theta)\) to pass through the polar origin (or the point \(r = 0\)), there must exist some angle \(\theta\) such that \(f(\theta) = 0\). For a limaçon given by \(r = a + b \cos\theta\) (or \(r = a + b \sin\theta\)), this means we need \(a + b\cos\theta = 0\) (or \(a + b\sin\theta = 0\)).
03
Analyzing the Dimpled Limaçon
For a dimpled limaçon where \(|a| > |b|\), we consider \(r = a + b\cos\theta\) (or \(r = a + b\sin\theta\)). The expression \(a + b\cos\theta\) ranges from \(a - |b|\) to \(a + |b|\) as \(\theta\) varies from 0 to \(2\pi\). Because \(|a| > |b|\), the minimum value \(a - |b|\) is greater than zero.
04
Conclusion
Since the minimum of \(r = a + b\cos\theta\) is greater than zero for a dimpled limaçon, \(r\) never equals zero. Therefore, a dimpled limaçon does not pass through the polar origin.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates provide a unique way to express the location of a point in the plane. Instead of describing a point by its horizontal and vertical distances, like in the Cartesian coordinate system, polar coordinates use a radial distance and an angle.
- The distance from the origin to the point is called the radial coordinate, denoted by \( r \).
- The angle measured from the positive x-axis to the line connecting the point and the origin is the angular coordinate, denoted by \( \theta \).
Dimpled Limaçon
The dimpled limaçon is a fascinating type of curve. It is described in polar coordinates by the equation \( r = a + b \cos\theta \) or \( r = a + b \sin\theta \), where the constants \( a \) and \( b \) dictate the curve's shape.When \(|a| > |b|\), the shape becomes what we call a "dimpled" limaçon. Here are some important features:
- Shape: The curve resembles a limaçon with a slight inward curve or "dimple" and lacks an inner loop.
- Range: The values of \( r \) for a dimpled limaçon range from \( a - |b| \) to \( a + |b| \), which means it never actually becomes zero.
Cardioid
A cardioid is a special type of limaçon that has a heart-like shape, hence the name "cardioid." It is defined by the condition \(|a| = |b|\) and takes the form \( r = a + a \cos\theta \) or \( r = a + a \sin\theta \).Key characteristics of a cardioid include:
- Geometry: The shape is symmetrical and looks like a rounded heart. It has just one "dimple" that reaches the origin, creating a single cusp or point.
- Origin Passage: The cardioid passes through the origin exactly once where the equation \( r = 0 \) is satisfied.
- Rotation: Depending on whether cosine or sine is used, the cardioid's orientation in the plane will change (e.g., left-right versus up-down orientation).