Chapter 9: Problem 1
\(1-8=\) Write a polar equation of a conic with the focus at the origin and the given data. Ellipse, eccentricity \(\frac{1}{2}, \quad\) directrix \(x=4\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polar equation of the ellipse is \( r = \frac{4}{2 - \cos\theta} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Components
A conic section can be represented in polar coordinates with the focus at the origin using the formula \( r = \frac{ed}{1 - e\cos\theta} \), where \( e \) is the eccentricity and \( d \) is the distance to the directrix. Here, we have an ellipse (since \( e = \frac{1}{2} < 1 \)) and a directrix at \( x = 4 \).
02
Use the Eccentricity
For an ellipse, the eccentricity \( e \) is given as \( \frac{1}{2} \). This value will be used directly in our formula for the polar equation of the conic.
03
Determine Directrix Distance
The distance \( d \) to the directrix from the focus, positioned at the origin, is \( d = 4 \). We will use this value in the formula \( r = \frac{ed}{1 - e\cos\theta} \) with \( e = \frac{1}{2} \) and \( d = 4 \).
04
Substitute into the Polar Equation
Substituting the values we know into the polar equation formula, we have:\[ r = \frac{\left( \frac{1}{2} \right) \times 4}{1 - \frac{1}{2}\cos\theta} \]Simplify it to get:\[ r = \frac{2}{1 - \frac{1}{2}\cos\theta} \].
05
Simplification of the Polar Equation
Multiple both numerator and denominator by 2 to eliminate fractions in the denominator:\[ r = \frac{4}{2 - \cos\theta} \]. This is the polar form of the ellipse with the given conditions.
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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 the curves formed by the intersection of a plane with a double-napped cone. These include circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas, each having unique properties. They are defined based on the angle at which the plane intersects the cone. For example:
- If the plane is perpendicular to the axis of the cone, it forms a circle.
- When the plane cuts through at an angle but doesn’t pass through the base, it forms an ellipse.
- Cutting parallel to one of the sides of the cone results in a parabola.
- If the plane cuts through both nappes, a hyperbola is formed.
Eccentricity
Eccentricity is a critical concept in understanding conic sections. It is a measure of how much a conic section deviates from being circular. The eccentricity (\(e\)) of each conic:
- For a circle, \(e = 0\)
- The ellipse has \(0 < e < 1\)
- A parabola always has \(e = 1\)
- For a hyperbola, \(e > 1\)
Directrix
The directrix is a fixed reference line used to define and describe a conic section. It works together with eccentricity to define the path of the conic.In polar coordinates, the distance to the directrix from the focus plays a critical role.
- For ellipses and hyperbolas, it is used to define the shape involving both the directrix and eccentricity.
- For parabolas, the focus and directrix work together to define the parabola, with every point equidistant from the focus and the directrix.