Chapter 12: Problem 7
Explain three symmetries in polar graphs and how they are detected in equations.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The three symmetries in polar graphs are (a) symmetry about the polar axis, (b) symmetry about the line θ = π/2, and (c) symmetry with respect to the origin. They can be detected in equations by the following conditions:
1. Symmetry about the polar axis: If replacing (r, θ) with (r, -θ) or (-r, π - θ) results in the same equation.
2. Symmetry about the line θ = π/2: If replacing (r, θ) with (r, π - θ) or (-r, π + θ) results in the same equation.
3. Symmetry with respect to the origin: If replacing (r, θ) with (-r, θ) or (r, θ + π) results in the same equation.
Step by step solution
01
1. Introduction to Polar Graphs and Symmetries
Polar graphs are a way to represent functions and geometric shapes using polar coordinates. In polar coordinates, the location of a point is described by its distance from the origin (r) and its angle from the polar axis (θ). There are three types of symmetries commonly found in polar graphs: (a) symmetry about the polar axis, (b) symmetry about the line θ = π/2, and (c) symmetry with respect to the origin.
02
2. Symmetry about the Polar Axis
A polar graph has symmetry about the polar axis if replacing (r, θ) with (r, -θ) or (-r, π - θ) result in the same equation. In other words, if the equation remains unchanged when θ is replaced with -θ, or when r and θ are both negated, the graph is symmetric about the polar axis.
03
Example 1: Symmetry about the Polar Axis
For example, consider the equation r = 2cos(θ). Replacing θ with -θ, we get r = 2cos(-θ), and since cosine is an even function, cos(-θ) = cos(θ), leading to r = 2cos(θ). So, this equation is symmetric about the polar axis.
Similarly, replacing r with -r and θ with π - θ, we get -r = 2cos(π - θ). Applying the cosine subtraction formula, cos(π - θ) = -cos(θ), we obtain -r = -2cos(θ), which simplifies back to r = 2cos(θ). This confirms the symmetry about the polar axis.
04
3. Symmetry about the Line θ = π/2
A polar graph has symmetry about the line θ = π/2 (the vertical axis) if replacing (r, θ) with (r, π - θ) or (-r, π + θ) results in the same equation. If the polar equation remains unchanged upon substituting θ with π - θ or when r and θ are replaced by -r and π + θ, respectively, then the graph is symmetric about the line θ = π/2.
05
Example 2: Symmetry about the Line θ = π/2
For example, consider the equation r = 2sin(θ). Replacing θ with π - θ, we get r = 2sin(π - θ). Using the sine subtraction formula, sin(π - θ) = sin(θ), so r = 2sin(θ). Hence, this equation is symmetric about the line θ = π/2.
Additionally, replacing r with -r and θ with π + θ, we get -r = 2sin(π + θ). The sine function satisfies sin(π + θ) = -sin(θ), so -r = -2sin(θ). Simplifying, we get r = 2sin(θ), confirming the symmetry about the line θ = π/2.
06
4. Symmetry with Respect to the Origin
A polar graph has symmetry with respect to the origin if replacing (r, θ) with (-r, θ) or (r, θ + π) results in the same equation. If the polar equation remains unchanged when r is replaced with -r or when θ is replaced with θ + π, then the graph is symmetric with respect to the origin.
07
Example 3: Symmetry with Respect to the Origin
For example, consider the equation r = θ. Replacing r with -r, we get -r = θ. This equation is not the same as the original equation, so this graph is not symmetric with respect to the origin by this condition. However, replacing θ with θ + π, we get r = θ + π. By subtracting π from both sides, we arrive at the equation r - π = θ, which describes the same graph as r = θ. So, this equation is symmetric with respect to the origin.
In summary, we have explained three symmetries in polar graphs, symmetry about the polar axis, symmetry about the line θ = π/2, and symmetry with respect to the origin, and demonstrated how to detect each of them in polar equations through examples.
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 offer a unique system to describe the position of points on a plane. Instead of using the usual x and y Cartesian coordinates, polar coordinates define a point with two values:
Visualizing concepts like circles with this system can be straightforward. For example, a circle of radius 3 centered at the origin can be represented simply as \( r = 3 \). Understanding polar coordinates serves as a foundation for exploring polar graphs and their properties.
- The distance from the origin, labeled as \( r \).
- The angle from the polar axis (positive x-axis), denoted by \( \theta \).
Visualizing concepts like circles with this system can be straightforward. For example, a circle of radius 3 centered at the origin can be represented simply as \( r = 3 \). Understanding polar coordinates serves as a foundation for exploring polar graphs and their properties.
Symmetry
In mathematics, symmetry refers to an attribute where a figure, graph, or equation remains unchanged under certain transformations. Polar graphs, in particular, often exhibit three types of symmetry:
- Symmetry about the polar axis.
- Symmetry about the line \( \theta = \pi/2 \).
- Symmetry with respect to the origin.
Polar Axis Symmetry
Polar axis symmetry occurs when a polar graph remains unchanged if either:
Finding this type of symmetry can simplify graph analysis significantly, particularly for figures aligned with the horizontal axis.
- Replace \( (r, \theta) \) with \( (r, -\theta) \).
- Replace \( (r, \theta) \) with \( (-r, \pi - \theta) \).
Finding this type of symmetry can simplify graph analysis significantly, particularly for figures aligned with the horizontal axis.
Line θ = π/2 Symmetry
Line \( \theta = \pi/2 \) symmetry is present if the graph is unchanged when:
- Replace \( (r, \theta) \) with \( (r, \pi - \theta) \).
- Replace \( (r, \theta) \) with \( (-r, \pi + \theta) \).
Origin Symmetry
Origin symmetry indicates the graph looks the same when:
Understanding this type of symmetry can aid in identifying rotational characteristics of the graph, making complex symmetric figures easier to interpret.
- Replace \( (r, \theta) \) with \( (-r, \theta) \).
- Replace \( (r, \theta) \) with \( (r, \theta + \pi) \).
Understanding this type of symmetry can aid in identifying rotational characteristics of the graph, making complex symmetric figures easier to interpret.