Chapter 8: Problem 50
For the following exercises, find the polar equation of the conic with focus at the origin and the given eccentricity and directrix. Directrix: \(y=\frac{2}{5} ; e=\frac{7}{2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polar equation is \(r = \frac{14/5}{1 + \frac{7}{2}\sin(\theta)}.\)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Type of Conic
Conics are defined by their eccentricity, denoted as \(e\). If \(e = 1\), the conic is a parabola. If \(e < 1\), it is an ellipse. If \(e > 1\), it is a hyperbola. Given \(e = \frac{7}{2} = 3.5 > 1\), this will be a hyperbola.
02
Identify the Orientation
The given directrix is \(y = \frac{2}{5}\), which is a horizontal line. This implies that the conic is vertically oriented. This is important for setting up the polar equation.
03
Recall the Polar Equation of a Conic
The general polar equation for a conic section with the focus at the origin is \(r = \frac{ed}{1 + e\sin(\theta)}\) when the directrix is horizontal and \(r = \frac{ed}{1 + e\cos(\theta)}\) when the directrix is vertical. Here since the directrix is \(y = \frac{2}{5}\), we use \(\sin(\theta)\).
04
Determine the Distance to Directrix
The directrix \(y = \frac{2}{5}\) represents distance \(d\) from the focus (the origin) to the directrix. In this case, \(d = \frac{2}{5}\).
05
Substitute Values into the Equation
Using the polar equation form \(r = \frac{ed}{1 + e\sin(\theta)}\) for a vertical directrix with \(e = \frac{7}{2}\) and \(d = \frac{2}{5}\), we substitute to get:\[r = \frac{\frac{7}{2} \cdot \frac{2}{5}}{1 + \frac{7}{2}\sin(\theta)} = \frac{\frac{7 \times 2}{5 \times 2}}{1 + \frac{7}{2}\sin(\theta)} = \frac{\frac{14}{5}}{1 + \frac{7}{2}\sin(\theta)}.\]
06
Simplify the Polar Equation
After performing the calculations, the polar equation is:\[r = \frac{14/5}{1 + \frac{7}{2}\sin(\theta)}.\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Conic Sections
Conic sections are the curves obtained by slicing a double cone with a plane. Depending on the angle and position of the slice, you get different curves known as conics. Here are the main types of conic sections you might encounter:
- Circle: A slice perpendicular to the cone's axis produces a circle.
- Ellipse: An angled slice hitting both halves without going through the base forms an ellipse.
- Parabola: Slicing parallel to the slant of the cone gives a parabola.
- Hyperbola: Cutting at a steep angle that goes through both cones creates a hyperbola.
Eccentricity Demystified
Eccentricity describes how "stretched" or "squashed" a conic section appears. It's represented by the letter \(e\). Depending on its value, eccentricity helps identify the type of conic section:
- If \(e = 0\), the conic is a circle, typically seen as a special case of an ellipse.
- If \(0 < e < 1\), the conic is an ellipse.
- If \(e = 1\), the conic is a parabola.
- If \(e > 1\), the conic is a hyperbola.
The Role of the Directrix
The directrix is a crucial line related to conic sections, serving as one of the two key reference lines. The properties of conic sections can be expressed in terms of their distances from a particular focus and this directrix.
- A directrix is a straight line that helps define a conic section in conjunction with a focus point.
- For ellipses and hyperbolas, a directrix can provide a frame of reference to understand how the curve bends or stretches.
- The distance from any point on a conic to its focus and directrix always holds a specific ratio, dictated by the eccentricity \(e\).
Decoding Hyperbolas
Hyperbolas are fascinating conic sections that form when a plane intersects both nappes (the two cones) in steep angles. They consist of two separate curves known as branches.
- A hyperbola has two symmetrical parts called branches that open either vertically or horizontally depending on its orientation.
- The hyperbola's axes are defined by the transverse and conjugate axes, where the transverse axis intersects both branches.
- It's described by its eccentricity \(e > 1\), and grows wider as \(e\) increases.