Chapter 10: Problem 46
Sketch the graph of the polar equation. $$r=-2$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \( r = -2 \) is a circle of radius 2, centered at the pole, with points plotted in the opposite direction.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Polar Equation
A polar equation describes the relationship between the radius \( r \) and the angle \( \theta \) in polar coordinates. In this case, the equation \( r = -2 \) specifies that the radius is \(-2\), which means the point is located 2 units in the opposite direction from the pole along the given angle.
02
Identifying the Graph Type
Since \( r = -2 \) is a constant value, we can identify this polar graph as a circle with a fixed radius of 2. However, because the radius is negative, each point on this circle would be plotted 2 units in the opposite direction from where a positive \( r = 2 \) point would be.
03
Plotting Points in Polar Coordinates
In polar coordinates, every point can be represented as \((r, \theta)\). For \( r = -2 \), this implies that for every angle \( \theta \) (ranging from \( 0 \) to \( 2\pi \)), we plot the point in the direction opposite to the angle \( \theta \) at a distance of 2 units from the pole.
04
Drawing the Graph
The graph will be a circle centered at the pole. The circle is drawn with radius 2, but since \( r = -2 \), it will appear as a circle shifted through the pole. All points are effectively diametrically opposite their equivalent positions if \( r \) were positive.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polar Equation
A polar equation provides a way to describe the relationship between the radius and the angle using polar coordinates. Polar coordinates are particularly useful for scenarios involving circular or rotational symmetry. An example of a polar equation can be as simple as \( r = c \), where \( r \) is the radius and \( c \) is a constant value, either positive or negative.
This form simplifies the visualization of shapes like circles, spirals, or complex curves. With \( r = -2 \) as in the example, the radius is a constant, but negative, suggesting a reflection through the pole for all plotted angles \( \theta \).
This form simplifies the visualization of shapes like circles, spirals, or complex curves. With \( r = -2 \) as in the example, the radius is a constant, but negative, suggesting a reflection through the pole for all plotted angles \( \theta \).
Radius
The radius in polar coordinates determines how far a point is from the pole, which is the center or origin of the polar coordinate system. Typically, it's denoted by \( r \).
When \( r \) is positive, the point is located at distance \( r \) away from the pole, in the direction dictated by \( \theta \).
When \( r \) is positive, the point is located at distance \( r \) away from the pole, in the direction dictated by \( \theta \).
- Positive \( r \): Points away from the pole.
- Negative \( r \): Points in the opposite direction of \( \theta \), at distance \( |r| \).
Angle
In polar systems, the angle \( \theta \)—often measured in radians—locates the direction from the pole. It's similar to how the hands of a clock relate the position over time, providing orientation for where \( r \) will extend or contract.
- \( \theta = 0 \): Points directly to the right on standard polar graphs.
- \( \theta = \pi/2 \): Points upwards.
- \( \theta = \pi \): To the left.
- \( \theta = 3\pi/2 \): Points downwards.
Graph of Polar Equations
Graphing polar equations involves plotting all possible points defined by the equation onto polar coordinate axes. Each point corresponds to a pair \((r, \theta)\). Given our polar equation, \( r = -2 \), the graph forms a unique circle.
This circle, unlike one with a positive radius, appears shifted because every point is plotted in the direction opposite its angle. This concept means that all the resulting points are diametrically opposed to what would be a traditional circle of radius 2. Look on your graph for a complete circle centered at the pole, reflecting how every negative radius forms a mirrored outward movement.
This circle, unlike one with a positive radius, appears shifted because every point is plotted in the direction opposite its angle. This concept means that all the resulting points are diametrically opposed to what would be a traditional circle of radius 2. Look on your graph for a complete circle centered at the pole, reflecting how every negative radius forms a mirrored outward movement.