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PC Polar Equations

This document discusses polar equations and graphs. It explains that horizontal and vertical lines can be represented by polar equations involving sine and cosine of theta. Circles are represented by simple equations involving r equals a constant. Rose curves and limaçons, which have petal-like shapes, can be generated polar equations involving sine and cosine of a theta. The number and shape of petals depends on the constants in the equations.

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Hector R.
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162 views6 pages

PC Polar Equations

This document discusses polar equations and graphs. It explains that horizontal and vertical lines can be represented by polar equations involving sine and cosine of theta. Circles are represented by simple equations involving r equals a constant. Rose curves and limaçons, which have petal-like shapes, can be generated polar equations involving sine and cosine of a theta. The number and shape of petals depends on the constants in the equations.

Uploaded by

Hector R.
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPS, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Polar Equations

and Graphs

MATH PROJECT
HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL
LINES
• The graph of r sin θ = a is a horizontal line
a units above the pole if a is positive and |a|
units below the pole if a is negative.
• The graph of r cos θ = a is a vertical line a
units to the right of the pole if a is positive
and |a| units to the left of the pole if a is
negative.
POLAR EQUATIONS OF
CIRCLES
• The equation r = a is a circle of radius |a|
centered at the pole.
• The equation r = acos θ is a circle of radius |
a/2|, passing through the pole, and with center
on θ = 0 or θ = π.
• The equation r = asin θ is a circle of radius |
a/2|, passing through the pole, and with center
on θ = π/2 or θ = 3π/2.
ROSE CURVES
The equations
r = bsin(aθ)
r = bcos(aθ)
both have graphs that are called rose curves.
• The rose curve has 2a leaves (petals) if a is an
even number.
• The rose curve has a leaves (petals) if a is an
odd number.
• The leaves (petals) have length b.
LIMAÇONS
The graphs of the equations
r = a ± bsin θ
r = a ± bcos θ
are called limaçons.
• If |a/b| < 1, then the limaçon has an inner loop.
For example: r = 3 − 4cos θ.
• If |a/b| = 1, then the limaçon is a “heart-
shaped” graph called a cardiod. For example:
r = 3 + 3sin θ.
LIMAÇONS (CONTINUED)
• If 1 < |a/b| < 2, then the limaçon is dimpled.
For example: r = 3 + 2cos θ.
• If |a/b| ≥ 2, then the limaçon is convex. For
example: r = 3 − sin θ.

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