Chapter 10: Problem 59
Write the equation in rectangular coordinates and identify the curve. $$r=\frac{4}{2-\cos \theta}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Cartesian equation of the given polar equation \(r=\frac{4}{2-\cos\theta}\) is \(x^3 - 3x^2 + 2xy^2 - y^2 + y^4 = 0\). After graphing this equation, it is found to be a limaçon curve.
Step by step solution
01
Convert the polar equation to Cartesian form using conversion formulas
Begin by writing down the conversion formulas: \(x = r\cos\theta\) and \(y = r\sin\theta\).
Now, multiply both sides of the polar equation by \(r\):
\(r^2 = 4r \div (2 - \cos\theta)\)
Substitute the conversion formulas into the equation, replacing \(r^2\) with \(x^2 + y^2\) and \(r\) with \(x\div\cos\theta\):
\(x^2 + y^2 = 4\left(\frac{x}{\cos\theta} \div (2 - \cos\theta)\right)\)
02
Simplify the equation further
The current equation is still not solved for x and y. Explore methods to simplify the equation further.
\(x^2 + y^2 = 4\left(\frac{x}{\cos\theta} \div (2 - \cos\theta)\right)\)
Expand the denominator by multiplying both sides by \((2 - \cos\theta)\):
\((x^2 + y^2)(2 - \cos\theta) = 4x\)
Rewrite the term \(\cos\theta\) as \(x \div r\), and use the conversion formula \(r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}\):
\((x^2 + y^2)\left(2 - \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 +y^2}}\right) = 4x\)
Multiply both sides by \(\sqrt{x^2 +y^2}\):
\((x^2 + y^2)(2\sqrt{x^2 + y^2} - x) = 4x\sqrt{x^2 +y^2}\)
03
Identify the curve
Now that we've rewritten the equation in terms of x and y, we can attempt to recognize the resulting equation as a particular type of curve.
\((x^2 + y^2)(2\sqrt{x^2 + y^2} - x) = 4x\sqrt{x^2 +y^2}\)
At a glance, we can see that this is a conic section equation. We can further simplify it to make it more identifiable.
Move all terms to one side:
\(x^3 - 3x^2 + 2xy^2 - y^2 + y^4 = 0\)
From looking at this equation, we can notice a pattern.
\(x^2(x - 3) + y^2(2x - 1) + y^4 = 0\)
It still isn't clear what type of curve this is, and it could be challenging to continue simplifying. However, a common approach to identifying curves is to use a graphing calculator or plotting software to visualize the equation. When graphing this equation, we can see that it forms a limaçon curve.
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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 that are formed by the intersection of a plane and a cone. Understanding different kinds of conic sections helps us analyze various geometrical shapes.
These shapes are defined by their unique equations and include:
These shapes are defined by their unique equations and include:
- Circle: The set of points equidistant from a center point.
- Ellipse: An elongated circle or oval shape.
- Parabola: A mirror-symmetrical, U-shaped curve.
- Hyperbola: Consists of two separate curves pointing away from each other.
Limaçon Curve
A Limaçon curve is a fascinating type of polar curve. It's defined by polar equations with forms like \(r = a + b \, \cos\theta\) or \(r = a + b \, \sin\theta\). These curves can exhibit interesting shapes depending on the values of \(a\) and \(b\), including:
- A cardioid when \(a = b\).
- An inner loop when \(|a| < |b|\).
- A dimpled curve when \(|a| > |b|\), but \(a + b eq 0\).
- A convex shape when \(a = 0\).
Cartesian Conversion
Cartesian conversion involves changing an equation from polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates. Polar coordinates are often given in the form \(r = f(\theta)\), while Cartesian coordinates are expressed as \(x\) and \(y\).
To interface between these systems, we use specific conversion formulas:
To interface between these systems, we use specific conversion formulas:
- \(x = r \cos\theta\)
- \(y = r \sin\theta\)
- \(r^2 = x^2 + y^2\)
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates are a two-dimensional coordinate system where each point is determined by a distance and an angle. Unlike Cartesian coordinates that use \(x\) and \(y\), polar coordinates use:
In converting equations, as in our exercise, polar coordinates provide a different perspective and facilitate understanding of rotational and radial dynamics. They are widely used in fields like engineering, navigation, and physics to describe systems involving angles and distances from a central point.
- \(r\): the radial distance from the origin to the point.
- \(\theta\): the angle measured from the positive x-axis to the point.
In converting equations, as in our exercise, polar coordinates provide a different perspective and facilitate understanding of rotational and radial dynamics. They are widely used in fields like engineering, navigation, and physics to describe systems involving angles and distances from a central point.