Chapter 11: Problem 9
Graph the following equations. $$ r=\frac{2}{1-\cos (\theta)} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph is a lima莽on with an inner loop, symmetric about the polar axis.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Polar Equation
The equation given is a polar equation expressed as \( r = \frac{2}{1 - \cos(\theta)} \). This can be recognized as the equation of a conic section in polar form, specifically a type of lima莽on.
02
Determine the Form of the Lima莽on
The equation \( r = \frac{2}{1 - \cos(\theta)} \) can be compared with the general form for lima莽ons: \( r = \frac{ed}{1 - e\cos(\theta)} \) where \( e = 1 \) when \( d = 2 \). This indicates a lima莽on with an inner loop.
03
Identify Key Angles and Points
Since the lima莽on has an inner loop, it鈥檚 important to identify key angles: \( \theta = 0, \frac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \frac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi \). For example, at \( \theta = \pi \), \( r = \frac{2}{1 - (-1)} = 1 \).
04
Sketch the Complete Graph
Using the key angles, plot points for \( r \) and sketch the lima莽on. The graph will have a loop extending inward towards the pole \((r = 0)\) for certain angles, and an outer loop reaching \( r \rightarrow \infty \) as \( \theta \rightarrow 0 \).
05
Check for Symmetry and Completion
Since the equation involves \( \cos(\theta) \), it is symmetric about the horizontal axis (polar axis). Ensure the graph displays this symmetry before finalizing.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Lima莽ons
Lima莽ons are fascinating curves in the study of polar coordinates. Their distinctive shape varies based on certain parameters in their equations. A lima莽on can appear as a simple loop or have an inner loop, like the equation given in the original exercise. The standard form of a lima莽on is:
- \[ r = rac{ed}{1 - e\cos(\theta)} \]
- If \( e = 1 \), it forms a lima莽on with an inner loop as seen in our exercise.
- If \( e < 1 \), it produces a dimpled lima莽on.
- When \( e > 1 \), the curve becomes a lima莽on without any loops.
Exploring Conic Sections
Conic sections include a variety of shapes such as circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. They are generated by slicing through a cone at different angles and positions. In polar coordinates, conic sections can be represented in a variety of forms. The standard polar equation for conic sections is:
- \[ r = \frac{ed}{1 - e\cos(\theta)} \]
- When \( e = 0 \), the graph is a circle.
- When \( 0 < e < 1 \), it's an ellipse.
- If \( e = 1 \), it鈥檚 a parabola.
- For \( e > 1 \), it forms a hyperbola.
Symmetry in Polar Graphs
Symmetry is a key element when graphing polar equations. It simplifies the drawing by reducing the number of points we need to plot. Different types of symmetry include:
- Symmetry about the x-axis (polar axis): Indicates that the graph looks the same above and below this axis. This type was observed in the original exercise.
- Symmetry about the y-axis: The graph is mirrored at \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{2} \).
- Symmetry about the origin: The plot exhibits rotational symmetry.鈥
Graphing Polar Equations
When graphing polar equations, it helps to follow a systematic approach. For equations like lima莽ons, these steps can guide the process:
- Identify the type of conic section, like a lima莽on.
- Determine the characteristics of the curve by inspecting parameters of the equation.
- Identify key angles such as \( 0, \frac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \frac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi \). Calculating corresponding \( r \) values at these angles provides crucial points.
- Check for symmetry to reduce plotting work.
- Finally, plot key points and sketch the curve, ensuring the graph respects identified symmetries.