Chapter 12: Problem 63
Find the length of the following polar curves. The complete circle \(r=a \sin \theta,\) where \(a>0\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The length of the polar curve is \(L = 2\pi a\).
Step by step solution
01
Find the derivative of r with respect to θ
The polar equation is given by \(r = a\sin\theta\). To find its derivative with respect to \(\theta\), we'll use the chain rule:
\(\frac{dr}{d\theta} = a\cos\theta\)
02
Determine the bounds of integration
Since the polar equation represents a complete circle, it will cover the range from \(\theta = 0\) to \(\theta = 2\pi\).
03
Apply the polar arc length formula
The polar arc length formula is given by
\(L = \int_\alpha^\beta\sqrt{r^2 + \left(\frac{dr}{d\theta}\right)^2}d\theta\)
Plugging in the values for \(r\) and \(\frac{dr}{d\theta}\), we get:
\(L = \int_0^{2\pi}\sqrt{(a\sin\theta)^2 + (a\cos\theta)^2}d\theta\)
04
Simplify and integrate
The integrand can be simplified by factoring out \(a^2\):
\(L = \int_0^{2\pi}\sqrt{a^2(\sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta)}d\theta\)
Recall that \(\sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1\). Then,
\(L = \int_0^{2\pi}\sqrt{a^2}d\theta\)
\(L = a\int_0^{2\pi}d\theta\)
Now, integrate:
\(L = a[\theta]_0^{2\pi} = a(2\pi - 0)\)
05
Write the final result
The length of the polar curve is
\( L = 2\pi a \)
where \(a>0\).
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.
Arc Length
When working with polar curves, finding the arc length involves a specific formula that helps to measure the distance along the curve. The arc length of a curve in polar coordinates, such as a circle or spiral, can be calculated using:
- the formula: \( L = \int_\alpha^\beta\sqrt{r^2 + \left(\frac{dr}{d\theta}\right)^2}d\theta \)
- where \( r \) is the radial coordinate representing the curve's distance from the origin.
- \( \alpha \) and \( \beta \) are the limits of integration, representing the starting and ending angles.
Chain Rule
The chain rule is a fundamental technique in calculus, used here to find the derivative of \( r = a\sin\theta \) with respect to \( \theta \). In simple terms, the chain rule provides a way to differentiate composite functions.For the polar equation given, the process is:
- Recognize that \( a\sin\theta \) involves a multiplication of a constant \( a \) with \( \sin\theta \), which is our inner function.
- The derivative of \( \sin\theta \) is \( \cos\theta \).
- Apply the chain rule: differentiate \( a\sin\theta \), yielding \( \frac{dr}{d\theta} = a\cos\theta \).
Derivatives
In the context of polar curves, derivatives play a vital role in evaluating the changing rates along the curve. Here, we compute the derivative of the function \( r = a\sin\theta \) to gain insight into the curve's orientation and velocity at different points.A derivative, in this setting, reveals:
- The relationship between changes in \( r \) and \( \theta \).
- Identifies the maxima and minima points of the curve, indicative of directional shifts.
Integration Bounds
The bounds of integration are essential in defining the section of a curve you're interested in measuring or analyzing. For entire curves like complete circles in polar coordinates, these bounds encompass a full cycle.Consider:
- For a complete circle represented by \( r = a\sin\theta \), the bounds are from \( 0 \) to \( 2\pi \).
- These bounds ensure that the integration covers the entire curve, from its inception back to the initial point.