Chapter 10: Problem 32
Find an equation in \(x\) and \(y\) that has the same graph as the polar equation. Use it to help sketch the graph In an \(r \theta\) -plane. $$r=4 \sec \theta$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation is \(x = 4\); it graphically represents a vertical line at \(x = 4\).
Step by step solution
01
Convert Secant to Cartesian Coordinates
The polar equation given is \( r = 4 \sec \theta \). Recall that \( \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} \), so this is equivalent to \( r = \frac{4}{\cos \theta} \). Multiply through by \( \cos \theta \) to get \( r \cos \theta = 4 \).
02
Identify Cartesian Coordinates Relationships
We know the relationships between polar and Cartesian coordinates: \( x = r \cos \theta \) and \( y = r \sin \theta \). From the equation \( r \cos \theta = 4 \), substitute \( x \) to get \( x = 4 \).
03
Equation in Cartesian Coordinates
The final step is simply recognizing that the equation \( x = 4 \) is already in Cartesian coordinates. This describes a vertical line in the Cartesian coordinate plane at \( x = 4 \).
04
Graph the Equation
To sketch the graph in the \( r \theta \)-plane, consider that for \( x = 4 \), the radius remains constant for given \( \theta \), so \( r \) varies as \( \theta \) changes, resulting in a straight vertical line when seen from any point in space.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polar Coordinates
Polar Coordinates are a system of describing points in a plane using a distance from a reference point and an angle from a reference direction. The reference point is known as the pole, and the angle is measured from the positive x-axis, wrapping counterclockwise.
In Polar Coordinates, we often use the variables \( r \) and \( \theta \).
In Polar Coordinates, we often use the variables \( r \) and \( \theta \).
- \( r \) represents the radial distance from the pole.
- \( \theta \) denotes the angle in radians.
- \( x = r \cos \theta \)
- \( y = r \sin \theta \)
Secant Function
The Secant Function, represented as \( \sec \theta \), is closely related to the cosine function. Specifically, it is the reciprocal of the cosine function:
- \( \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} \)
- The equation becomes \( r = \frac{4}{\cos \theta} \).
Cartesian Coordinates
Cartesian Coordinates identify points in a plane using ordered pairs \((x, y)\). This method is based on two perpendicular axes intersecting at a point called the origin.
- \( x \) represents the horizontal distance from the origin.
- \( y \) indicates the vertical distance from the origin.
- \( x = r \cos \theta \)
- \( y = r \sin \theta \)
Graphing Equations
Graphing Equations serves as a powerful visual tool in understanding mathematical relationships. Moving between polar and Cartesian systems can significantly change how we perceive a graph.
When graphing the equation \( x = 4 \) in Cartesian coordinates:
When graphing the equation \( x = 4 \) in Cartesian coordinates:
- It appears as a vertical line crossing the x-axis at the point (4, y).
- For various \( \theta \) values, the radius \( r \) changes to maintain the point on the line, perceived as \( x = 4 \).