Chapter 10: Problem 28
Name the curve with the given polar equation. If it is a conic, give its eccentricity. Sketch the graph. $$ r=-4 \cos \theta $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The curve is a line, represented by \( x = -4 \). The eccentricity concept does not apply.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Polar Equation
The given polar equation is \( r = -4 \cos \theta \). In polar coordinates, such equations can represent conic sections. We start by comparing this to the standard polar form of conics, which includes the equation: \( r = \frac{ed}{1 - e \cos \theta} \) or \( r = \frac{ed}{1 + e \cos \theta} \).
02
Compare the Equation to Conic Form
The given equation \( r = -4 \cos \theta \) can be considered a special case of the conic form with \( e = 1 \) (since \( r = e \cdot d \cdot \cos \theta \)). It matches more with this special form due to \( -4 \) being a constant multiplier of \( \cos \theta \). This indicates a conic section degenerates into a line.
03
Determine the Type of Curve
Because the polar equation takes the form \( r = -d \cos \theta \) (where \( d = 4 \)), this signifies a line. In polar coordinates, when \( r = -a \cos \theta \) (or \( r = -a \sin \theta \)), it represents a line through the origin. Hence, \( r = -4 \cos \theta \) is a straight line.
04
Eccentricity and Conic Identification
For a line represented by a polar equation like \( r = -4 \cos \theta \), the concept of eccentricity is moot since it does not form a typical conic section. If treated as a degenerate conic, it would have an undefined eccentricity (considered as infinity in conics' terms).
05
Sketch the Graph
To sketch \( r = -4 \cos \theta \), recall that it represents a vertical line when translated to Cartesian coordinates. The conversion gives us \( x = -4 \). This line is essentially full for all \( \theta \), presenting a vertical line crossing the x-axis at -4.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Conic Sections
Conic sections are curves obtained by intersecting a plane with a double-napped cone. These intersections can create several types of curves, such as circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. Each has a unique geometric shape and properties:
- Circles: These occur when the plane cuts the cone parallel to its base.
- Ellipses: Result from a plane intersecting at an angle less than the cone's opening.
- Parabolas: Form when the intersecting plane is parallel to the cone's slant edge.
- Hyperbolas: Appear when the plane cuts through both nappes of the cone.
Eccentricity of Conics
Eccentricity \( e \) is a fundamental property of conic sections that characterizes their shapes. It is a non-negative real number that tells us how much a conic deviates from being circular:
- Circle: Eccentricity \( e = 0 \). The circle is the least eccentric conic.
- Ellipse: Eccentricity is between 0 and 1 (\( 0 < e < 1 \)). An ellipse looks like a stretched circle.
- Parabola: Eccentricity \( e = 1 \). Parabolas have a distinct U-shape.
- Hyperbola: Eccentricity \( e > 1 \). Hyperbolas appear as two symmetrical open curves.
Graph Sketching in Polar Coordinates
Sketching graphs in polar coordinates involves visualizing how the radius \( r \) changes with the angle \( \theta \). Polar equations define the relationship between \( r \) and \( \theta \), allowing us to trace curves in a polar plot:
- Identify the Form: Determine if the equation is conic or another type by examining its structure. For instance, \( r = -4 \cos \theta \) can be taken as a degenerate line.
- Convert to Cartesian: Sometimes, translating it into Cartesian coordinates helps. Here, the equation becomes \( x = -4 \), simplifying the graphing process.
- Plot Points: Choose specific angles, compute \( r \), and plot the points. This method is useful for more detailed curves.