Chapter 10: Problem 8
Write a polar equation of a conic with the focus at the origin and the given data. Hyperbola, eccentricity \(3, \quad\) directrix \(r=-6 \csc \theta\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polar equation is \( r = \frac{18}{1 + 3 \sin \theta} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to write the polar equation of a hyperbola, given its eccentricity and a vertical directrix. The conic section is centered at the origin in polar coordinates.
02
Recall the Polar Equation of a Conic
The general polar equation of a conic section with the focus at the origin is given by: \[ r = \frac{ed}{1 - e \sin \theta} \] or \[ r = \frac{ed}{1 - e \cos \theta} \]. Since our directrix is vertical (involving \( \csc \theta \)), we'll use the equation with \( \sin \theta \).
03
Interpret Given Directrix
The directrix is given by \( r = -6 \csc \theta \), which implies that the conic's directrix line is \( y = -6 \). The distance from the origin to this directrix is \( d = 6 \).
04
Apply Provided Data
Given the eccentricity \( e = 3 \), and knowing the form of the hyperbola with the directrix in terms of \( \sin \theta \), we substitute into the formula: \[ r = \frac{3 \times 6}{1 + 3 \sin \theta} \].
05
Simplify the Polar Equation
Simplify the equation: \[ r = \frac{18}{1 + 3 \sin \theta} \] is the polar equation of the hyperbola.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Hyperbola in Conics
A hyperbola is one of the several types of conic sections that can be formed by slicing a plane through a double-napped cone. Unlike the circle or the ellipse, a hyperbola consists of two distinct curves called branches. These branches appear as mirror images of one another and open outward. For a hyperbola, there are key defining features:
- Two foci: distinct points on the plane where the difference in distances from any point on the hyperbola to these foci is constant.
- Two asymptotes: lines that each branch of the hyperbola approaches but never actually touches.
Eccentricity and Its Role
Eccentricity, denoted as \( e \), measures the deviation of a conic section from being circular. For a hyperbola, the eccentricity is always greater than 1. As \( e \) increases, the branches of the hyperbola open wider. Key points to remember about eccentricity include:
- Eccentricity provides insight into the shape and proportion of the hyperbola.
- Higher values of eccentricity mean the conic section is more elongated.
- The eccentricity for our exercise was given as 3, indicating a relatively stretched shape.
Defining Directrix in Conics
A directrix is a line used in the definition of conics that assists in controlling their shape and positioning. For conics, there is a simple relationship between the directrix, the conic itself, and the focus:
- The ratio of the distance of any point from the focus to its perpendicular distance from the directrix is constant and equals the eccentricity \( e \).
- For hyperbolas, this helps set the orientation of their branches and specifies direction.
Using Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates provide a different way to describe points on a plane using the distance from a reference point (usually the origin) and an angle from a reference direction, commonly the positive x-axis. This can be incredibly useful for conic sections:
- In polar coordinates, the origin often coincides with a focus, not the center.
- This system simplifies the mathematical description of conics like hyperbolas, where focus-centered attributes are significant.
- Using polar coordinates can transform complex cartesian equations into more manageable forms by aligning the focus.