Chapter 6: Problem 49
Sketch the graph of each polar equation. $$ r=1+\cos \theta(\text { cardioid }) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Sketch a cardioid symmetric about the x-axis with key points where \(\theta = 0, \pi\/2, \pi,\) and \(3\pi\/2\).
Step by step solution
01
- Identify the Polar Equation
Recognize that the given polar equation is of the form \(r = 1 + \cos \theta\), which is a standard form of a cardioid.
02
- Plot Key Points
Determine key points by evaluating the equation at specific values of \(\theta\). For example, at \(\theta = 0\), \(r = 2\); at \(\theta = \pi\/2\), \(r = 1\); at \(\theta = \pi\), \(r = 0\); and at \(\theta = 3\pi\/2\), \(r = 1\).
03
- Determine Symmetry
Check the symmetry of the equation. This particular cardioid is symmetric about the polar axis (the x-axis) because \(\cos \theta\) is an even function.
04
- Sketch the Graph
Using the key points and the symmetry determined, sketch the curve. Start from \(\theta = 0\) and draw smoothly through the key points. The graph should exhibit the characteristic heart shape of a cardioid.
05
- Verify the Shape
As the range of \(r\) values and the smooth curve through the key points support the shape of a cardioid, verify that the overall shape is correct and they reflect across the polar axis as expected.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cardioid
A cardioid is a special type of curve in polar coordinates defined by equations like \( r = a + b \, \text{cos} \, \theta \) or \( r = a + b \, \text{sin} \, \theta \). The shape resembles a heart, which is why it is named after the Greek word 'kardia', meaning heart. In our exercise, the equation is \( r = 1 + \, \text{cos} \, \theta \). This is a standard cardioid equation.
- When \( \text{cos} \, \theta \) reaches its maximum at \( \theta = 0 \), \( r = 2 \).
- As \( \theta \) changes, \( \text{cos} \, \theta \) varies between -1 and 1.
Polar Coordinates
Understanding polar coordinates is key to graphing the given equation. Instead of using x and y coordinates, in polar coordinates we use \( r \) and \( \theta \).
- \( r \) represents the distance from the origin (pole).
- \( \theta \) represents the angle from the polar axis (usually the x-axis).
Graphing Polar Equations
Graphing polar equations involves several key steps. First, identify key points by substituting specific angles in radians into the equation. For our cardioid example, key points include:
- At \( \theta = 0 \), \( r = 2 \).
- At \( \theta = \frac{\text{Ï€}}{2} \), \( r = 1 \).
- At \( \theta = \text{Ï€} \), \( r = 0 \).
- At \( \theta = \frac{3\text{Ï€}}{2} \), \( r = 1 \).
Cosine Function Symmetry
The symmetry of the cosine function plays a crucial role in sketching the graph of our cardioid. Cosine functions, \( \text{cos} \, \theta \), are even functions. This implies that \( \text{cos}(-\theta) = \text{cos}(\theta) \).
- For our cardioid, the equation \( r = 1 + \, \text{cos} \, \theta \) presents symmetry about the polar axis (x-axis).
- Such symmetry simplifies the graphing process as we need to plot points for only half of the graph and then reflect them about the axis.