/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 46 Sketch the graph of the polar eq... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

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.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

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 \( \theta \).
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 \( \theta \).
  • Positive \( r \): Points away from the pole.
  • Negative \( r \): Points in the opposite direction of \( \theta \), at distance \( |r| \).
In our example, \( r = -2 \) means that rather than moving outward, we move opposite to the typical direction and place the point 2 units across the pole.
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.
Within our given equation, \( r = -2 \), for every angle \( \theta \), the point's position is noted by extending in the direction opposite to \( \theta \), at a fixed distance of 2.
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.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.