Chapter 10: Problem 30
Exercises \(29-36\) give the eccentricities of conic sections with one focus at the origin, along with the directrix corresponding to that focus. Find a polar equation for each conic section. $$ e=1, \quad y=2 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polar equation is \( r = \frac{2}{1 + \sin \theta} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the type of conic section
The eccentricity given is \( e = 1 \). Since \( e = 1 \), the conic section is a parabola.
02
Recognize the equation form
For a parabola with a focus at the origin and directrix \( y = k \), the polar equation is \( r = \frac{ed}{1 + e \sin \theta} \) if the directrix is horizontal. Here, \( d \) is the distance from the origin to the directrix, and \( e \) is the eccentricity.
03
Identify the parameters for the equation
Since the directrix is \( y = 2 \), \( d = 2 \), and the eccentricity \( e = 1 \). Substitute these values into the polar equation formula for a parabola.
04
Substitute values into the formula
Plug \( e = 1 \) and \( d = 2 \) into the formula \( r = \frac{ed}{1 + e \sin \theta} \) to get \( r = \frac{2 \cdot 1}{1 + 1 \sin \theta} = \frac{2}{1 + \sin \theta} \).
05
Write the final polar equation
The polar equation of the parabola with given eccentricity and directrix is \( r = \frac{2}{1 + \sin \theta} \).
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.
Parabola
A parabola is a unique type of conic section distinguished by its shape, which resembles an open curve. This curve is symmetrical and looks like a U or an inverted U. Parabolas have some fascinating properties that make them important in both mathematics and physics.
- They are defined as the set of all points equidistant from a fixed point called the focus and a line called the directrix.
- In practical terms, a parabola's path can be seen in objects that follow a projectile trajectory, like a thrown ball.
- Parabolas are often used in designs, such as satellite dishes and headlights, to help reflect and focus light efficiently.
Eccentricity
Eccentricity is a fundamental concept when discussing conic sections, including parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas. It defines how "stretched" or "flattened" a conic section is.
- A conic section's eccentricity is denoted by the letter \( e \).
- For a circle, \( e = 0 \), meaning it is perfectly circular.
- An ellipse has an eccentricity where \( 0 < e < 1 \), giving it its oval shape.
- For a parabola, \( e = 1 \), which indicates its distinct property among conics of having a single focus and a directrix with all points being equidistant.
- A hyperbola has \( e > 1 \), which means it forms two open branches.
Directrix
The directrix is an integral element when studying conic sections such as parabolas. It is a fixed straight line that assists in defining a conic section.
- It acts as a reference line ensuring the distance from any point on the conic to the focus is proportional to its perpendicular distance from the directrix.
- For parabolas, the distance from the parabola to the focus is equal to the perpendicular distance from the parabola to the directrix.
- The position of the directrix affects the orientation and equation of the conic section. For instance, with a horizontal directrix at \( y = 2 \), the parabola opens downward or upward.
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates provide a different perspective on the Cartesian coordinate system. This system specifies a point by a distance from a reference point and an angle from a reference direction.
- In polar coordinates, a point is represented as \((r, \theta)\), where \( r \) is the distance from the origin, and \( \theta \) is the angle from the positive x-axis.
- They are particularly advantageous in contexts involving rotational symmetry or when dealing with circular or spiral patterns.
- Converting equations between polar and Cartesian systems can simplify problems, such as when identifying conic sections.
- A conic section like a parabola expressed in polar coordinates may appear as \( r = \frac{ed}{1 + e\sin\theta} \) for a horizontal directrix.