Chapter 12: Problem 92
Consider the family of limaçons \(r=1+b \cos \theta .\) Describe how the curves change as \(b \rightarrow \infty\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: As \(b \rightarrow \infty\), the limaçon curve approaches a vertical line at \(r=0\) on the polar plane, with angles \(\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(\theta = \frac{3\pi}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding limaçons in polar coordinates
³¢¾±³¾²¹Ã§´Ç²Ô²õ are curves represented by the equation \(r = a + b \cos \theta\) or \(r = a + b \sin \theta\) in polar coordinates, where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants, and \(\theta\) is the angle. In this exercise, we are considering the family of limaçons given by \(r = 1 + b \cos \theta\), where \(b\) is the variable parameter.
02
Cases for the value of b
These curves have different shapes depending on the value of \(b\):
1. If \(b < 1\), the limaçon is a "diminishing" curve with a loop.
2. If \(b = 1\), the limaçon is a cardioid.
3. If \(b > 1\), the limaçon does not have a loop but has a "dent" or "cusp" on the inner part.
4. If \(b \rightarrow \infty\), we need to analyze the behavior of the limaçon.
03
Analyzing the behavior of the limaçon as b approaches infinity
To study the behavior of the limaçon as \(b \rightarrow \infty\), we can observe the equation \(r = 1 + b \cos \theta\). As \(b\) becomes larger, the value of \(b \cos \theta\) will dominate the equation, and the constant term \(1\) becomes negligible. The equation looks like: \(r \approx b\cos\theta\). By dividing both sides of the equation by \(b\), we get \(\frac{r}{b} \approx \cos \theta\). As \(b \rightarrow \infty\), the fraction \(\frac{r}{b}\) approaches \(0\), so we have \(0 \approx \cos\theta\). The solution of this equation is \(\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}\) or \(\theta = \frac{3\pi}{2}\)
04
Concluding the behavior of the limaçon as b approaches infinity
As \(b\) becomes larger, the limaçon curve becomes closer and closer to a vertical line passing through \(r=0\), and with angles \(\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(\theta = \frac{3\pi}{2}\). So, as \(b \rightarrow \infty\), the limaçon curve approaches a vertical line at \(r=0\) on the polar plane.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
³¢¾±³¾²¹Ã§´Ç²Ô²õ
³¢¾±³¾²¹Ã§´Ç²Ô²õ are an intriguing family of curves in polar coordinates identified by equations of the form \(r = a + b \cos \theta\) or \(r = a + b \sin \theta\). Here, \(a\) and \(b\) are constants, and \(\theta\) is the angle in radians. These curves are known for their diverse shapes, potentially exhibiting loops, dimples, or resembling a circle depending on the respective values of \(a\) and \(b\).
The exercise in question focuses on a specific type of limaçon where the equation is \(r = 1 + b \cos \theta\). This reveals how the parameter \(b\) drastically alters the curve's appearance:
The exercise in question focuses on a specific type of limaçon where the equation is \(r = 1 + b \cos \theta\). This reveals how the parameter \(b\) drastically alters the curve's appearance:
- If \(b < 1\), the curve manifests as a dimpling or looping structure, hinting at a smaller enclosed area.
- If \(b = 1\), it transitions into a unique heart-shaped curve termed a "cardioid".
- When \(b > 1\), the limaçon loses its loop but retains a cusp-like appearance, forming a defined dimple.
Cardioid
Among the fascinating shapes limaçons take is the cardioid, which occurs specifically when \(b = 1\) in the equation \(r = 1 + b \cos \theta\). A cardioid, deriving its name from the Greek word for "heart," resembles the shape of a heart and is a particularly symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing curve.
This charm arises from its balanced properties:
This charm arises from its balanced properties:
- All points on a cardioid are equidistant from the radial line, which contributes to its symmetry.
- The curve lacks the internal loop seen in some other limaçons, maintaining a continuous and smooth outline.
Infinity Behavior
Understanding the behavior of limaçons as \(b\) approaches infinity provides insight into the fundamental dynamics of polar coordinates. As we analyze the equation \(r = 1 + b \cos \theta\), it becomes evident that as \(b\) increases significantly, the influence of the term \(b \cos \theta\) overshadows the constant term 1.
The behavior can be described as follows:
The behavior can be described as follows:
- In the limit where \(b\) is extremely large, the equation simplifies to \(r \approx b \cos \theta\).
- Analyzing this form, by dividing through by \(b\), we find \(\frac{r}{b} \approx \cos \theta\), which converges to 0 as \(b\) goes to infinity.
- Thus, \(\cos \theta\) centers around 0, meaning \(\theta\) approaches \(\frac{\pi}{2}\) or \(\frac{3\pi}{2}\), indicating the curve approximates the vertical line at \(r = 0\).