Chapter 10: Problem 65
Sketch the graph of the polar equation. $$r=3 \cos \theta$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \( r = 3\cos\theta \) is a circle centered at (1.5, 0) with radius 1.5.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the polar equation form
The given equation is in the form of \( r = a \cos \theta \), where \( a = 3 \). This is a specific type of polar equation known as a limaçon, and when \( a \) is positive, the graph is symmetric about the polar axis (the horizontal axis in a polar coordinate system).
02
Identify key points
To sketch the graph, determine the values of \( r \) for standard angles such as \( \theta = 0, \frac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \frac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi \).- When \( \theta = 0 \), \( r = 3\cos(0) = 3 \).- When \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{2} \), \( r = 3\cos(\frac{\pi}{2}) = 0 \).- When \( \theta = \pi \), \( r = 3\cos(\pi) = -3 \). Since \( r \) is negative, this point is plotted at \( 3 \) units in the opposite direction.- When \( \theta = \frac{3\pi}{2} \), \( r = 3\cos(\frac{3\pi}{2}) = 0 \).- When \( \theta = 2\pi \), \( r = 3\cos(2\pi) = 3 \).
03
Sketch the graph
Using the key points calculated, the graph can be plotted. Begin by drawing the entire pole (origin) and the radial line for \( \theta = 0 \). Plot the point at \( 3 \) along this line. Then plot the points at \( 0 \), \(-3\), and \( 0 \) at \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \frac{3\pi}{2} \) respectively.The graph will be a circle with a radius of 1.5 centered at \( (1.5, 0) \) in the polar coordinate plane, corresponding to a circle with center \( (1.5, 0) \) and radius \( 1.5 \) in Cartesian coordinates.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
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A limaçon is a unique type of curve that can be defined using polar coordinates. The name "limaçon" comes from the French word for "snail," aptly describing its snail-like shape.
- It is defined by the polar equation form: \( r = a + b \cos(\theta) \) or \( r = a + b \sin(\theta) \).
- The appearance of a limaçon can vary widely depending on the relation between the constants \(a\) and \(b\).
- When \( b = a \), the limaçon takes the form of a cardioid.
Polar Equation Graphing
Polar equation graphing involves plotting points in a coordinate system that uses the radius and angle, rather than the traditional x and y Cartesian coordinates. Here's how to graph such equations effectively:
- Start with the given polar equation, such as \( r = 3 \cos(\theta) \).
- Choose standard angles—these are usually \( 0, \frac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \frac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi \).
- Use the equation to calculate the radius \( r \) for each of these angles.
Cosine Function
The cosine function is a fundamental trigonometric function that was crucial in plotting the given polar equation, \( r = 3 \cos(\theta) \). This function oscillates between -1 and 1 as \( \theta \) varies from 0 to \( 2\pi \).
- It is important to understand how the cosine function modifies the radius \( r \) across different angles.
- The maximum value of \( \cos(\theta) \) is 1, occurring at \( \theta = 0, 2\pi \), contributing the positive maximum radius of 3 in this example.
- At \( \theta = \pi \),\( \cos(\theta) \) is -1, reflecting r=-3, but in polar terms, this represents a point at 3 units opposite to the angle's direction.