Chapter 10: Problem 33
Replace the polar equations in Exercises \(23-48\) by equivalent Cartesian equations. Then describe or identify the graph. $$ r=\frac{5}{\sin \theta-2 \cos \theta} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polar equation represents the straight line \( y = 2x + 5 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand Polar to Cartesian Conversion
In polar coordinates, each point is determined by the radius \( r \) and angle \( \theta \). We can convert these points into Cartesian coordinates \((x, y)\) using the formulas \( x = r \cos \theta \) and \( y = r \sin \theta \). Also, note that \( \sin \theta = \frac{y}{r} \) and \( \cos \theta = \frac{x}{r} \).
02
Substitute Polar Formulas
Rewrite the polar equation \( r = \frac{5}{\sin \theta - 2 \cos \theta} \) using \( \sin \theta = \frac{y}{r} \) and \( \cos \theta = \frac{x}{r} \). Substitute these into the equation: \[ r = \frac{5}{\frac{y}{r} - 2 \cdot \frac{x}{r}} \]
03
Simplify the Equation
Multiply both sides by the denominator \((\frac{y}{r} - 2 \cdot \frac{x}{r})\) to eliminate it:\[ r \left(\frac{y}{r} - 2 \cdot \frac{x}{r}\right) = 5 \]The \( r \)'s cancel out, resulting in: \[ y - 2x = 5 \].
04
Convert to Cartesian Form
The final result from simplifying is a linear equation: \( y - 2x = 5 \), which is already in Cartesian coordinates. This represents the form \( y = mx + b \) of a straight line, where \( m = 2 \) and \( b = 5 \).
05
Identify the Graph
The Cartesian equation \( y = 2x + 5 \) represents a straight line with a slope of 2 and a y-intercept of 5. This line will have a consistent increase in \( y \) as \( x \) increases, with no curves or deviations.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polar Equations
Polar equations are a way to represent mathematical relationships in terms of a radius and an angle. They are used widely in mathematics and physics because they can simplify the representation of circular and rotational paths.
In a polar coordinate system, each point is described by \( r \) (the distance from the origin) and \( \theta \) (the angle from the positive x-axis).
In a polar coordinate system, each point is described by \( r \) (the distance from the origin) and \( \theta \) (the angle from the positive x-axis).
- The polar coordinate system is handy for equations involving angles, rotations, or circles.
- Common conversions are often needed to translate these into Cartesian coordinates to graph or analyze them further.
- Polar equations can sometimes appear complex but are solvable and interpretable in Cartesian form.
Cartesian Coordinates
Cartesian coordinates are a fundamental way to represent positions on a plane using horizontal and vertical axes, typically labeled as \( x \) and \( y \). They make it easier to describe points and shapes on a flat surface.
- In a 2D coordinate plane, every point is defined by a pair of numbers \((x, y)\).
- These coordinates help simplify the process of plotting graphs and solving geometric problems.
- Converting from polar to Cartesian coordinates involves using the relationships \( x = r \cos \theta \) and \( y = r \sin \theta \).
Linear Equations
Linear equations are mathematical expressions that represent a straight line when graphed on a coordinate plane, characterized by the formula \( y = mx + b \). They play a crucial role in algebra and calculus.
This describes a straight line with a slope of 2 and a y-intercept of 5, clearly identifying a rescaled straight path in a Cartesian coordinate system.
- In this form, \( m \) is the slope of the line - it shows how steep the line is.
- \( b \) is the y-intercept - it indicates where the line crosses the y-axis.
- A linear equation ensures a constant rate of change, making the graph a straight line without curves.
This describes a straight line with a slope of 2 and a y-intercept of 5, clearly identifying a rescaled straight path in a Cartesian coordinate system.