Chapter 8: Problem 187
Convert the given polar equation to a Cartesian equation. Write in the standard form of a conic if possible, and identify the conic section represented. \(r=2 \sec \theta\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Cartesian equation is \( x = 2 \), representing a vertical line.
Step by step solution
01
Recall the Polar to Cartesian Conversion Formulas
To convert from polar to Cartesian coordinates, remember that the formulas are: \ \( x = r \cos \theta \) and \( y = r \sin \theta \). Also, \( r^2 = x^2 + y^2 \).
02
Express Secant in Terms of Cosine
Recall that \( \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} \). Therefore, the given equation \( r = 2 \sec \theta \) can be rewritten as \( r = \frac{2}{\cos \theta} \).
03
Multiply to Clear the Fraction
Multiply both sides by \( \cos \theta \) to clear the fraction: \ \( r \cos \theta = 2 \).
04
Substitute for Cartesian Coordinates
Replace \( r \cos \theta \) with \( x \) using the polar to Cartesian conversion, thus the equation becomes: \ \( x = 2 \).
05
Identify the Conic Section
The equation \( x = 2 \) is a vertical line. It does not represent a conic section, as conic sections are typically ellipses, parabolas, hyperbolas, and circles. However, a line can be considered a degenerate conic.
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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 fascinating curves that arise from slicing a cone with a plane. There are four primary types of conic sections: the circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola. Each type has unique characteristics:
- Circle: All points are equidistant from a single point, called the center.
- Ellipse: Similar to a circle, but with two focal points. All points on the ellipse have a constant sum of distances to the foci.
- Parabola: This has one focus and a directrix. The distance from any point on the parabola to the focus equals its distance to the directrix.
- Hyperbola: Comprises two separate curves. The difference in distances from any point on a hyperbola to two foci is constant.
Cartesian Coordinates
Cartesian coordinates serve as a foundation in mathematics, allowing us to map points in space using two intersecting axes. Originating from the work of René Descartes, this system uses ordered pairs
- X-Axis: The horizontal axis, running left to right in a plane.
- Y-Axis: The vertical axis, running top to bottom in a plane.
- Coordinate Pair: Represents a point by its horizontal (x) and vertical (y) displacement from the origin (0,0).
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates offer a different take on locating points. Instead of relying on horizontal and vertical displacements, they use angles and distances from a fixed point, known as the pole, akin to the origin in Cartesian coordinates.
- Radial Distance (r): The distance from the pole to the point.
- Angle (θ): Measured from a reference direction, typically the positive x-axis.
- Conversion to x: \( x = r \cos \theta \)
- Conversion to y: \( y = r \sin \theta \)