11

Curve Tracin O'

t5
purpose of_curve tracing is 10 obtain~~----:-
11 · of a curve, without plotting a large number :PPf?XI-
.,,ate sh1aPh~ following rules help -in determining the shape o1 a pomts
w 1 ·t curve.
on_ • procedure' for ~racing of Cartesian Curves
11 z. 1. Sy_,:n,:netry. (a) If even and_o~ly even P?wers of y occur
qua ti on of a curve then the cun e 1s symmetncal about x-axis
io thee for a given value of x, .we obtain two equal and opposite
b!f!~s~f
V •
y. For example the parabola i=4ax is symmetr~cal about
.
x-aXIS, 1
(b) If even and o~ Y even P~wers of x occur in the equation of
curv e then the curveb1s symmetrical
• · about y-axis ' because for a
a_ nvalue of y, we o tam two equal and opposite values of x For
giv~ple the parabola xi=4ay is symmetrical about y-axis. ·
~a . h .
(c) If on mterc ang1~g x and~' the equation of the curve
mains unaltered, the curve is symmetrical about the line y=x. For
~~ample the curve X +Y . 3axy is symmetrical about the line y = x.
3 3

(d) If on changing~ to - x and y to, -y, the equation of a

curve remains-unch_anged, tlfe curve is symmetrical in opposite quad-
rants. _For example the curve xy=k 2 is symmetrical in opposite
quadrants.
(e) If on changing x to.-y and y to-x, the equation 'of a curve
remains unchanged, the curve is symmetrical about the line y =- x.
Thus the curve_x3 -y3 =3axy is symmetrical about the-line y.:.... ::.:·x.
2. Origin. (a) Find if the curve passes through the origin. It
will pass through the origin if the equation of the curve has no
constant term in i;t.
1

(b) If the curve passes through the origin, find the ~quatio~s
of the tangents at the origin, by equating the lowest degree terms m
the equation of the curve to zero.
(c) If there are two or more tangents at the origin, then it is
~ailed.1a multiple point. Further the origin is called a node,_ a cusp
ranandsolated
real point according
c . ·ct ' . . as the tangents are real and different,
omc1 ent or 1magmary.
3
cu . Intersection with Axes. (a) Find t~e points w~ere the
th rve meets the axis of x by substituting y=O, m the equatw~ of
Y,\curve.. Also find the points where the curve meets the axis of
Ysubstituting x=O.

265
r U6
by sh1f~d gree terms_!!!_the ~hanged e ~ ~e"
the lowest e=----- --:- · l~b

ENGINEE
) f' d the tangents at'thes~ points. Thi
_(b_ ~ ~ m t s of inters~e ,1_ \

•~o
1.t.4.lli~~
O Zer " e 'lliL
) If the curve 1s sym~etnca a out the line o. %1~ f!le ets J. 5pec

01
~G
~- i,,<•
tbe

•011
co· 0 rdin•t•
1•111

with Co-ordi_n~te axes.

<If, 'fY-" rs ect• axes only at the ongm.
The curve
·u0 ints. From the equation of the curve,
=
,a/i
Y ,/ a-x
x .

267
(taking positive sign only)
oints of intersect~on of the curve Witli::::::,; or ·,
find t e Pngents at these pomts. these I'>'::-\
Find the ta .. f h 1ne i 3 x 1r(a-x)112+ --;--
l (a-x)-111 ...a,
) Find the pos1t1on o t e curve relative 8a,~,
dy ---
2 •A ·
2
. (dd. steps (b) or (c) whether the curve lies bto the ·
obtame 10
the tangents. . .
a ove tang
or be~
dx= (a-x)
Th IS. can be done. .
by find mg the ordinates of the CU I~ _.fx (3a-2x)
tangent, near the ongm. rve and - 2 (a-x)3''
4 Special Points. (a) Solve the equation f
Y (or x)· if poss1b .l O the
e. curve }y_=O when x=O or x==3a/2
d 1 dx
(b) Find _y_ and the points on the curve wher h ;. . the value x=3a/2, because y is imaginary when
dx et e tang Rejecting
to the x-axis. or. y-axis, dy
. accor d'mg as --==o enti1
pa rallel , dx or ~. lJ ::: 3af2. tat x=O is parallel to x-axis.
at such points the absc_issa or the or~inate of the curve c sua1ry t '{he tangen
character from increasmg to decreasing or vice versa. hanges ib
y,
(c) Find the points of inflexion, if any.
5 J111aginary Values. Find the regions where
the cu~ve lies. This regi9n ca!1 be . found by solvin;~h~a~ ol
equation of the curve for one vanable m terms of the oth &iveo
v in terms of x and then finding those values of x for whichr, sai
comes imaginary. Yoe.
6. Asymptotes. Find the asymptotes of the curve if the~
exist. Usually asymptotes parallel to the axes are needed and th
can be found by inspection as explained in the previous chapter, e~
,
7. Region. (a) Consi~er the v_ariation ?f one of the variabl~ X I
say y as other say x vane.s, paying special attention when x 0~ I
increases and finally approaches oo. I
,o
(b) Similarly observe the variation of y as x decreases an! ,u
,finally approaches -:xi. •H
I
Important Note. Make use of only as many steps of tne I
above procedure as would be sufficient to give an approximate shal'( I
of the curve. I
I
Example 1. Trace the curve l (a- x)=x 3• I
1. Symmetry. The curve is symmetrical abo~t x-axis, 31 y' ••
there are even and only even powers of y in the equation of tne
curve. Fig. il·l
is ima~inalmaginary values. If x<O, v~ ~ec~mes negative and Y
2. Origin. (a) The curve passes through the origin.
third quadry. Hence no part of the curve ltes ID the second and the
y==O. (b) The tangents at the origin are given by y2==0, i.e. ;d · rants.
lies heif ·Y> a, Y becomes imaginary, Hence no part of 11c
curve Also
1.
s·
• . 1s_mce th · · · i
a cusp.c two tangents arc real and coincident, there ore Yond the point x=a.
....
origin
 I '

· ENG INin,.,. .
68 ..~INo At
2 E t' t .\~ ...,;.Cl~
s ptotes. qua mg o zero the coe ' lit). 1r- ( 3 3 )
6. A ~rm in y, the asymptote parallel t flic1ent
h.ghest degree o Y·aic ~f y!
¾C1)9-vf, .r a
J.d;::::-= 1 . - x1 ' 2 --E..x-t12-
2 2
i Is is ' u ,,, 3'Y
br x==a. e no asymptotes parallel to the x-ai( ~,Q ~ _ l_(x-a)
There ar is. 1 r- z-;J" ax
Region. As x in<:eases Y also increases an
7. Also when x=0, y-0 d When
f h . h -t-, dJ' ::::=Oat x=a, thus the tangent at X==a
Hence the shape o t e c_urve_ is as s own in the fi q, 15 parallel to
is known as c1ssmd. &lire;
~ow ;,,.:--
dX
The curv e
Exainple 2. Trace the curve 9ay 2=x(x~3a)a. t~js. x-0 EdY_ becomes infinite and hence the
when - ' x 1angent
l .Symmetry. The curve is symmetrical A!SO . • th ..
· re even a ~ only even powers of y in the about ,1:• . . JS
·g10 . parallel to y-axis 1.e., e y axis itself is the tangent 0
as there a
. .
equation the on t the ongm. 1
curve. ----.. of~
a~e clirve a
1 ·nary Values. If x<0, l becomes negative d ,
2 Origin. (a) The c asses throuJ:?h the •. . 5, JJll.agl:liencc no part of the curve lies in second and at,,- Jd
· . . . ;~ Orig1n.
· arY .
(b) The tangents at the ongm are g1v ···by 9a9x::::::o . i01ag1n 1r

3. Intersection with axes. . The curve meets thOr x,0 ' · :uadr:~ts~sy1J1ptotes. The curve has no asymptotes parallel to
(0, 0) and at (3a, O) _and the y-axis at the origin only. ew:~isij
find tangents at the pomt (3a, 0). s\~ h axes. }legion. As x mcreases
te
· f rom O to a, ya Iso mcreases
·
To shift the origin to the point (3a, O), let 7.. 1 ) and when x increases from a t~ 3a, y ~ecreases to :mo.
X=x-3a, Y=y. When X merYeases beyond 3a, y also g9es on mcreasmg and as
(oumenc~l oc ,
The equation of the curve becomes rro. -O ' y=0 .
Also when x-
9aY1=(X+3a) X 2
Hence the shape of the curve is as shown in figure.
.1
Now tangents at the new origin are obtained by equating!~
(' lowest degree terms to zero, thus tangents are V
l'I
9aY 2
- 3aX =0
1
,
Y=± --x
1 I
or I
v'3 I
1 ,
or y=± v3(x-3a). X X

Ii
,I The tangents at (3a, O) are inclined at an angle of tan- 1( 7i\
,
''
I'1,
1,1
I
i.e., 30° to the x-ax~s.

The ordinate of the curve in neighbourhood of the point?,il y'

" '
is greater than the ordinate of tangent at this point. (see figure·
'11
4. Special Points. From the equation of the curve,
I 11
I
I
8a 3
I I
1 - • . value onli Trace the curve y= (x~+ 4l)
l::xa111ple 3. _
y= 3,.[a (x-3a). ,.[X (taking posiuve . I about y-axis as
I

t.
!he I. Symmetry. The curve is symm~t_nc~,e equation of the
re are even and only even powers of ., rn
curve.
= 3.v
A~=-
a
(x311_3 axl/2)
2 tbrou{!h the origin.
· Origin. · The curve docs not pass
 ENGINEER.IN
270 G1.t>.1'!{
t rsection with ax.es. The curve Ille t ¾\
~- In ;a)
the pomt (OJ ·t does not meet the x-axis. We shau'~Jhe
l
which is obtained by putting x::::::o 8 the Y•a. y
of curve an !t the point (0, 2a). the tan!t't.\
to the curve
(0,2a)
To shift the origin to the point (0, 2a), let
X=x, Y=y-2a.
The equation of the curve becomes,
(Y + 2a)(.XS+4a2)=8a3•

The tangents at. the new origin are obtained by e u .

lowest degree terms to zero. Thus the tangent is q ating t~
4a' Y=0 or Y=O 2
gs:alllPle 4. Trace the curve Y2<a'+x )::::x2(ai- x1) .
y-2a=0.
S Jllm.etry. The curve is symmetrical about both th
1. Ye even and only even powers of both x and e. axes,
The tangent at the point (0, 2a) is a line parallel to x-a•· as the!e ar f the curve. Y, in the
.
distance 2a from it. ,1s ata equation o
4. Special Points. From the equation of the curve, , Z. Origin. (a) The curve passes through the origin.
(b) Tangent at the origin are
8a 3 y 2 =x1 or Y=± x.
y= (x2 +4a 2 )
Since the tangents are real and different, the origin is a node.
dy 3 , 2 + 2 )_ 2 _ 16a3x
dx =- 16a XlX 4a - - (x2+4a1)2 3. Intersection with the axes, The curve meets the x-axis
at (a, O) and (- a, OJ. To find tangents at (a, 0), shift origin to
this point, let X=x-a, Y=y
Now dy
dx =0 when x=0 and, therefore, y=2a (from the equa- The equation of the curve becomes
tion of the curve).
2
Y [a
1
+(X +a)
= (X+a)2[a2 -(X+a)2]
2
]

Y (2a +2aX+ X )= -(X +a) 1(2aX t X').

2 2 1
or
Hence the tangent is parallel to x-axis at the point (0, 2a), a
fact already established in (3). . The tangent at the new origin are obtained by equating the
lowest degree terms to zero, Thus the tangent at (a, O) is
5, Imaginary values. Solving the given equation of the
curve for x. -2a3X=O or X=0
x-a-o,
2
x=2a a;·y (taking positive sign only) d' Thus the t~ngents at (a, O) is a line parallel I? y-axis at a
Y·ax1s.a·from 1t. By symmetry tangent at (-a, 0) 1s also parallel
to!Slane:
, Ify<0 or if y>2a, xis imaginary. Thus no part of the curie
lies ,below the x-axis or above the line y=2a. f 1 4
· Special points
6. Asymptotes. Equating to zero, the co-efficient· •s ois x'an liere Y=x f a -x 2 2
the higheat degree term in x, we get y=0. Hence x-axi
asymptote of the curve. \J a~+x 3

The curve has no real asymptotes parallel to y-axis. decrease!

from 7.2a toRegion,
O. As x increases steadily from Oto 00 • y

Also when x=O, yao2a,

 272 ENGINEER.IN
G l.t>.l'
2- 2a2± .f:ia4+4a4 - 2( lfe&t~11~ CJl"O 273
or x- -2 ~a ~I:t:v2) (!~ f1l' 5 Trace the curve (~)
113
+( lb ) 1'3==I.
2

ii~,,,pie • . a
x=± a.f(v 2-1) etrY• The curve 1s symmetrical about b h
1 5ylllJll0 and only even powers of both x a~d th~ axes,
(Rejecting the other value for Wh' h .
IC XIS.
t~ere. are
O
eve cu rve.
f the Y in the
Thus the tangents are parallel to x-axis at• x=-=::1:aJl1Jagi01~) is atioll • in The curve does not pass through the . .
eiJU Orig ' origin.
Al sO - dy
-=co, at x=± a. ~ ) z. section with the axes. The curve meets .
dx 1
3. (~:ro) and y-axis (put x=0) at (0, ± b). x-axis (put
Thus tangents are parall~l to y-axis at (± a, O), y"'O) at special points. From the equation of the curve,

have
S. Imaginary ~alue. From the equation
of the curv
4.. ({ t3 =1-(: Y'3 "(I)
ei·c
y=± x"' I_
q_23 2( Y_)-1/3 _1_ 3J!.. = - -2-( ~-)-l/3J
'V a!+x~ 3 b h dx 3 a a
dy ""_ b._(y/b) 113
b'y )l/3
x·
_ (
If x2>a\ i.e . I x I >a, then y is im~ginary. or dx Q (x/a) 113 -- a2
Hence 110 part of the curve lies beyond the lines .\'=c, ±a
I 'f
6. Asymptotes. The curve has no asymptotes.
7, Region. From the equation of the curve, we have \

y=x,V :: :: (Taking +ve value only)

B(O,b)
When x=O, y=O.
As x increases from to av (V
O goes on increasing,
2 - I), Y
,1 --- dv
At x=aV(v'2-1) i,;=0
I'
Further as x increases from
ultimately to zero.
(\12- I) to a, y decreases

The shape of the curve is as shown in the figure.

D(O,-bl
y

Now .!!x_ =O
dx
when y=O.
From (I), when y =0, x= ± a
Hence the tangents are parallel to x-axis at the points (± a, O)
Also .!!.Y.
dx
- oo
'
when x=O.
y From (I), when x=O, Y =± b
· the tangents •are parallel to y-axis· at the points (0, ± b).
lI ence

111111
274 i:No1Nl:h.
S. Imaginary values. From (l), We h -~1\%:; Al>.! \.
. ( y )r ,a ave '11
When Ix! >a, b <O, thus Y is irna. y =1 ~ 275
. &1nary x -1
Hence no part of the curve hes beyond the r ·
x=±a. ines dy =~~2x(xi+I) ···Ol
dx (x•-1r-,:--
Similarly we can show that no Part of the c 4x
=--;---,_
the lines Urve lies i (x~-1)2
Y=± b. ct dy
6 Asymptotes. The curve has no asy"' :NoW dx =O, when xc:::o
.
7_ Region. From (l) above, · from ( l) when X= 0, Y== - l
when x=O, Y'== ± b I-Jenee tangent is parallel to x-axis at (O, -1).
and when y=O, Xc::±a dy
Also when X::::±1
Also as x increases from O to a, y decreases f
.
first quadrant. rorn btoO, But when x= ±I, from (!), we have
The shape of the curve is as shown in the figure, Th S the tangents are parallel to Y-axis at co h
This curve is known as hypocycloid. u
ill be asymptotes. , ence x=± I
w S. Imaginary values. From (I), we have
Example 6. Trace the . curve y ""- xi+l
·.- -·
x·-J x2= y+I
y-l
I. Symmeh·y. The curve is symmetrical about Y·axisas
are even and only even powers of x. when y lies between -1 and 1, x2 is negative and hence x is
2. Origin. The curve does not pass through origin. imaginary.
3. lntersecti~n with th! axes. The curve does not m1tt Thus no portion of the curve lies between the lines Y=±I.
x-axis but meets y-axis at the pomt (0, -!). 6. Asympto~es. _(i) ~qua ting to zero the coefficient of the
_ To find the tangents at the new origin, we shirt the ori/i highest degree term m x, 1.e. x·, we have
(0, -1). y-l=0,
let X=x the asymptote is parallel to x-axis.
Y=y +I (ii) Equating •to zero the coefficient of !he highest degree
term in y, i.e. y, we have
The equation of the curve becomes
x 2 -l=0
Y-1 =
X ' +I
x~-
I or x=±l
or (Y-\)(X~ - l)=X 2 +I as the asymptotes parallel to y-axis.
7. Reg1on.
• . Solv1·ng the equation of the curve for x, we have
or X·Y-2X~-Y=0. . I
. Tar.gent at the new origin is obtained by er1~tmg the x= .. /y+f""
degree terms to zero. Thus the tangent at (O, - J rs 'V y-1
Y=0 In first quadrant as Y decreases from 00 to I' x increases from
I to co. · d I as y
or / +
Y l =O. t i-aii;t . _for the portion of t~e curve 10
Also . mfourth
to 1. qua ran ,
Hence the tangent at (0, -1) is a line parallel O· decreases from - l to - oo, x mcreases fr 0 0. h e the shape
distance -1 from it. h cu~e. 1 As the curve is symmetncal. abou t y-axis, we av
S
4. pec1a• I points.
• From the equation or t e . as shown in the figure.
have
 ENGINEER.IN
G I.J.\ oir-0 . 277
.216
y I ' l1 vf, 191- a) Elirninatmg the parameter I from
I I l e,vf- J. (e bave tbe Biven

J\__ __ __l~
x1-+y'=a 2 (cos 2 t+sin2 t) ... 0 2
0
~JlS, W
e4ilatl x~+y2=a', '

~-r , Y=1 -- . Je with centre at the origin and radius a and h

--- I ( ct re .. cncc
I
I
I
o ·ell- js aced east 1Y·
iVP1 bC tfll x=a cos t
X
I o I ~X· 11
c$ (b) f-Jere y=b sin t

~-----
--+- 1

I
A (0,-1) I
--+---------
I
£=cost
a ••. (1)
I I
11 ·,
,,, ,';i
I p<
V' . g and adding, corresponamg sides of (I) and (2), we
squartn
, 1
EXERCISE 11 (a)
£+L=cos 2 t+sin2 t=l
Trace the following curves : a~ b' ' \

1. ayzc=xa.
2.
a-y·=x (2a-x).
• • 3
x2 y2
y 2(2a-x)=x3,4. -.-+-bz=l,
a·
3. 3ayi =x(x-a)2. or
s. a"y'=a'-x2-x4. 6. ay 2 =x'(x-a).
. . the standard equation of an ellipse with centre at the
7. a4y2=x&(2a-x).
8. Y=(x-2)(x+1)2. wl:1~h ~nd the co-or~in_ate axes as the axes of t_he ~llipse. The length
origin 5eroi·-maJ·or axis 1s a and that of the sem1-mtnor axis is b
9. y2(a+x) =x'(3a-x). 10. x,:2+(x+a)2(::+ia)::fr. of the - •

11. xy!=a'(a-x). 12. y·=(x-2) 2(x-5). The shape of the curve can be obtained by the procedure ex-
2 plained earlier.
13. y1(1-x )=x (l+x ). 14. y+x=x •
2 0
3
··,
1/
. IS. yt(x+3a)=x(x-a)(x-2a). The 'shape of the curve is shown in the figure .
16. (x2-a2)(yz-bi)=a2~
17. a•x!=y3(2a -y). y
tt·3. P~oceduTe for Tracing of Parametric Curves
Equation of a curve in the from X =J(t) and y=~ (t) is kno11 8(0,b)
as parametric equations of the curve, with .t as a parameter. To 11111
such curves the following methods are employed.
Method 1.' If possible, eliminate the parameter I betwen b
x=f(t) and y=,f,(t) to obtain the corresponding cartesian equati1 A X
of the curve which then can be traced as explained earlier. A
0 (a,O)
Example 1. Trace the following curves: (-a,O)
(a) x=a cos t, y=a sin t (Circle)
(b) x=a cost, y=b sin t (Ellipse)
3 8'(0, -bl
(c) x=a cos t, y=b sin 3 t (Hypocycloli
sin t 3
I
I
(d) x=-a sin 2 t,
y=a cost (Cissoid)

I
 278'
cirJ" 279
(c) Here
x=a eos3 t "t fJl~ • tiotl of the curve. If possible find
1
y=b sin t . i,iitlsta of x and_ y and hence the lines pa t1f :east and
(: r 3
=cos t
4, t va_Jui.e 5tile curve hes.
elites w111c11 .
ra c to the

and ( rs =sin t 11
ef..,itJtill
,,,1 eS " ,- 6yftl
ptotes. Fmd the asymptotes of the curv ·r h

d
F'md dxy for the curve and find th
e I t ese

' Squaring and adding corresponding sides of {l) ,,,~ ·st• spec
jal points.
d
2,a ( y )111 and (2) 6·
curve for h.ic h dxy -o or · where the tangents
C

( : ) + b =cos' t+sin t=l •we~

1 · w - co ,.e.
·11 the
jots O the co-ordinate axes.
X )1/3 ( y )2 /3 _
or -; + ( ·f -1. paraJlel to. ii (a) Find the regions where no part of the
7. ll~IP 0 the imaginary values of'x or y. curve
(which has been traced in example (5), page 273 ) studying d
(d) We have x=a sin 2 t ' ,t ,\ esbY sider the values of x, Y and -d~ for suitable vain...
. (b) con x -
a 1:sin1 t '' ,
y= ~OS t ft. x==f(t) andy=ef>(t~ are periodicfunctionsoft having
y2 =a2 .
• • (c) If eriod, the curve 1s to be traced for one period only .
co[ll!llon Je of will repeat th~ same curve over and over again
cos• t 1 5 1
0rtber va branch of the curve 1s traced.
dno new
, a• . (sin2 t)3 a2 . (
y ·= -,--"--~ = a
)s , Sollle JJJlportant Curves
1s, Cycloid. ~he eyeI~1'd ts . t he I~cus of ~omt · on the
(1-sin~ t) ( x) . 1ference of a circle which rolls, without shdmg, along a
1--
a ircurn tal line. The horizontal line on which the circle rolls
or i(a-x)=x3 on~f~ the base of this cycloid. One complete revolution of the
.cale along the horizontal line generates one arch of the cycloid.
which is the cartesian equation of the curve dh . number of congruent arches on
• fi mte
example (1) (page 266.) an as been traced in !IChe curve
' ·consists
' of an m
oth sides of y-axis and hence an infinite number of cusps (see ~re
· 11'4. Method II example 1). The arc of the curve b~tween . two .consecutive
0
usps is known as one arch of the cycl01d. The pomt on the
. . This method i~ used when ~he parameter t cannot be easi urve at the greatest distance from the base is called the vertex of
ehmmated fro~ th~ given parametnc equations x=f (t) and ,.,,(fl
The procedure 1s given as under. Y rl. ycloid.
2. Catenary. The curve in which a heavy perfectly flexible
i
,y= 1 i Symmetry. _(a) If x___~f (t) is an ev~n functio~ _ol! an~ Iring hangs when suspended between two points is called catenary
x,ats( ) un_odd.filoGtion-of_ t then the Clll'Ye 1s_symmetncal .about r chainette.
.....,.__,(x, because for every pomt (x, y) on the curve there exists ·a
pomt x,-y) on it. Example 1. Trace the cycloid
fu /b) If x=l(t) is an odd function oft and y=~ (t) is an even x= a (8+sin 6), y=a (Jtcos 8).
fo~c ion of.~, then the curve is symmetrical about y-axis because f I. Symmetry. Here x=a (9+sin 8) is an odd func'. th
every pomt (x, y) on .the curve there exists a point (-x: y) onil, ion°~ 6 and y=a (1 +cos 6) is an even function of 6, therefore, e
the 2· 0 rigin. · · If for a real value oft both x and y are zero, cum IS symmetrical about y-axis.
cu;v;:asses through the origin. 2· Origin. Putting x=O we have (e+sin 9)=0 or B==O. Now
th
h thheen ,8~0, y=2a (*O). He~ce the curve does not pass rough
curve :er:ectio~ with _the axes. (a) Find the points wherel l ongm,
obtainin ee s t e x-axis. This can be done by putting Y==O an ( ) Th urve meets the
of , g th e value ot t and then finding the value of x for this value x-axis3. hI nt ersect1on •
with the ases. a e c Wh B=±i.
1
We have
w ere_ y-o • when 1 cos 8=0 or 8-±
- , i.e. +·
- n· . en •'
t the point
(b) Similarly fi d th · · b1 (:!:,a;;, o(-±a1t, hence the curve meets the x-axis a
putting x=O. n e pomts where the curve meets y-axis

I
 ENc;-NJ:r,.._
2so , . -- -~.,t\l~o t.f.\
(b) The curve meets the Y-axis where \ y=a (1 +cos 8)
+. B=O or 8=0. When 8==0, we have Y===2a xh""O, 1
8 stmY axis at the point (0, 2a). ' eti.ee ;~• =2a cos~ !_
. mee s • ' 'llC
2
· 4 Limitations of the curve. The 1
• to. 8 = r: an db
t e. greatest Valueeastv
is atue 8 ± _,--
corresponding
Hence the curve hes between the Imes Y•O and Y=== a_2a
2
%:~- ..
cos 2 = 'Y y/2a
. a
5. Asymptotes. .The curve has no as
when x..;oo correspond mg to. ~, y does i~P!otes
cannot be negative otherwise cos _
t1ence Y . 2 is imaginary.
limit Also y cannot approach mfinrty because I tend 10
t of the curve hes below the x-axis.
· , ,
. 6. Special Points. From the equation or'
cos 61 a .
1
"I. 10115 !I
0 par
_!:_
7t
dx , '\ o::::-O 6 3 I 7t
df=a O+cos 8,

,EY_=-a sin 6 x==O

(:t3 V3)
a(;+½) a-+- 2 a·(; ti ) Q7t
dB
3a
dy a sin 8 y=2a a ( 1+ ;~) -y a
dx=~ a O+cos 8) 0
1
. 6
2 sm 6 !!..l!.-==o ~rT-2 - v'3 -:-1 -co \
=- 2 cos 2 d.-..:
8 The table giyes the points. on th_e curve when x>O. The
2 cos1 --
for the negative values of x 1s obtained by symmetry. If we
2
c~rvefurther values to it no new branch of the curve is obtained·
=-tan -
2
6
t:eobserve as x increases fro~ 0 to a1t,
y_ decreases from 2a too
dy . but if x increases further from a, .. to 2a-r., y mcreases from O to 2a
Now -dx-==O when 6=0 which gives o and so on. Usually we ~race one arch of the cycl_oid for 8 be~wecn
X= and and N -.: to 1t or O to 2":t. 1 he shape of the curve 1s as shown m the
Hence the tangent to the1 curv t h .. figure.
x-axis. c a t e point (0, 2a) is parailcl 1
Note. The four standard equations of the cycloid are
Also dy wh I-± - . . x=a (0±sin 0),
dx ' en - ·· which gives x==±a1tandy=I,
Hence the ta · y=a (I ±cos 0).
parallel to Y-axis. ngent to the curve at the point (±ir:, iii Example 2. Trace the curve
7. Region. (a) W h
e ave from the equation of the curve x=a (cost+ "j- log tan~ T}
y
y=a sin t,
I. Symmetry. Here xis an even function of t and Y. an
odd function oft, therefore, the curve 1s symmetrical about x-axis.
:r 2. Origin. Putting y=O we have t==O. N~'"'. when t=- 0,
-'FO, Hence the curve does not pass through the origin.
3. Intersection with the axes. (i) The curve does not meet
t11e ·:r-a Xis . when t= o, ro ·
· because when y=O, 1.e., _

(11.. ) The-curve meets the y-axis where x= o, 1.e.

· wI1en r== ± ..'2.:.,
and this gives
 .d2 ENGINEEIUN
GAfi\l'
y=a[ sin(±-])] ~"'~i,~ , 11.vll tJ!-"c1t-1G .
of the curve 1s as shown in the fi
283
cv•- sbape V gure
y=± a. 1'be
or
Thus the curve meets y-axis at the points (0, ::l:a).
4. Limit~tionbs of thee s':urtve. IThe leal_st Value of Y . (O,a)
greatest value is a, ecaus m . a ways ies hetwe is . . .
Hence the curve lies between the Imes y=± a. en --1 a~;ni
5. Asymptotes. When t=O, and Y::=:Q I.
i.e. x-uxis is an asymptote of the c~rve. · lh11s ho
6. Special points. From the equation of the cu '
t rve, \Ve haic
dx ( I tan-
-dt- =a -sin t+-2 2 seci--21)
tan 2-.!_ (O,-a)
2
. t+
=a -sm I ) v'
( 2 sin
t
cos
2 2 EXERCISE.11 (b)
1
=a(-sint+-.- - ) = a ( ~ ) rrace the following curves :
sm t sin t 1. x=a (t-sin t), y=a (1-cos t).
a cos 2 t
= sin t z. x=a (t-sin t), y=a (l+cos t).
dy 3. x=a (t+sin t), y=a (1-cos t).
d 1-=a cost 4. x=a [log (l+cos 11)-cos 8], y==a sin 8
dy s. x=acos3 t,y=bsin 3 t.
dy dt- cos t sin t 11'6. Procedure for Tracing of Polar Curves
dx= dx = cos" t =tan t The equation of_ a curve in the form r= f (8) orf (r, 8)=0 is
dt known as polar equation of the curve. The procedure for tracing
or such curves is fundamenta\ly the same ·as for the tracing of
Now* =O, when t=O which gives x-oo, y=O. This shows cartesian curves with slight modifications. The procedure for
tracing of polar curves is given as under.
x-axis is an asymptote.
I. Sy:mmetry, (a) If the equation of a curve remains
Al dy 1t unaltered when II is changed to -11, the curve is symmetrical about
so when !=± 2-, which gives x=0, y=±a. the \nitial line.
Hence the tangents at (0, ±a), are parallel to y-axis. (b) If the equation of a curve remains unchanged when 8 is
changed to_1t-8 or when 8 is changed to -6 and r to -r, t~e curve
7. Region. Some pomts · on the curve is symmetrical about the line through the pole and perpendicular to
t=O 7t
7t
the initial line, i.e. about the line 8=-y· .
2 7t
-2 -7t
(c) If the ·equation of a curve remains unaltered when 8 is
X=-oo 0 00 0 ct:) chan ge d to -1t---8, •the curve is symmetrical about the Ime
· e-.!:..,
- 4
Y==O a 0 2
dy
-a 0
(d) If the equation of a curve remains unchanged when ~
8
--=
dx changed to 31t --11, the curve is symmetrical
. about the rne 8= - ·
3
00 0 -co 0 1
4
l 2
 284
(e) If the equation o_f a curve. remains unc
rep1ace
ENGIN'EEJl.rNG

d by -r the curve 1s symmetrical about th hanged,,,..

' e Pole. oeQ 1,
11,.,~¾
r
dfJ
Tr=-
a(l+cos 8)
a sin 6
,
2 Pole. (a) Find if the pole lies on the 1
8
2 cos 2 y
will lie.on the curve if for some real value of 8, we~~~=- 'loe
(b) If the pole lies on the curve, the values of 6 f '""O. Po\ =--=----,-~--
2 sin 0/2 cos 0/2
ive tangents to the curve at the pole. or Which
g 3. Detei·mination
I
of ,f,. (T!.-e angle betwee h
. nte d
and the tangent to t 1e curve at a point on the curve) • ra ius1,ec10
'~i,
=-cot =tan (; +1)
+ 8)
. d8 1
. (TC
(a) Find tan 1i=r -d· - • then 1i gives the direct·

gent of the curve at a point.

r ion of th
eta~ ... tan 1,=tan
TC
2 2
8
(b) Find the points on the ~urve for which ,f, is 0
-+-·
1,= 2 2
tangent being parallel or perpendicular to the initial line.or n/2, 1~
or 7t

4. Limitations of the Cul'Ve. (a) Let the . Now

1,= T' when 8=0,
1
great~st va_lue of r be. a and b re~pectivel~, then th:~~ and 1,ie hence r=2a (from the equation of the curve).
with m a circle of a radms b but outside the circle of rad' rve !1~
ius a
(b) Solve the given equation of the curve for r • · Thus the tangent to t~e. e:urv~ at the point (2a, O) is at right
6 and find for what value of 8, r is imaginary. let for ~~~erms of angIe to the radius vector (m1t1al hne).
value of r be imaginary, then no part of the curve lies b; "~• lie 4 Limitations of the curve. The least value of r is O(when
lines 6= <1. and 6 = ~- ween lit ,,ic) ~nd the gre~tes~ val~e of r is _2a (when 6=0). Hence the
8
. 5. Asymp!ote s:h If for shorn; valduebof 8 say 01, lien curve lies entirely with m a ,circle of rad ms 2a.
tile ~symptotes exist. 1 ese can e 1oun y the method explain~ 5. Asymptotes . . Th~ curve has no asymptotes, because for
earlier. no value of 8, r tends to mfimty.
?· Region. (a) Find_ the variation of r for positive ano 6. Region. (ci) When 6 increases from 0 to ir, r decreases
nag~t1ve val~e~ of 8, markmg values of 8 for which r attaim a from 2 a to 0.
maximum, mm~.num or zero value. When r is a periodic function
of 6, the negative values of 6 need not be considered and cum i1 (b) Some points on the curve
traced for one period only. 2ir
7t 7t
(b) Giving suitable values to 8, find the corresponding valu~ 6= 0 7t

of r to get some points on the curve. Find also ¢ for thrn

3 T 3
values of 6. r= 2a 1'5a a 0'5a 0
The following examples illustrate the use of the abol'e 7t 21t 3rr Sir II
procedure. ¢= --· 4· 'T
2 3
Example 1. Trace the cardioid r=a (I+ cos 6) ;
. I. Symmetry. The curve is symmetrical about the initiJI
line, because on changing 8 to -8, the equation of the curve doe, (a,'11/2)
not change.
'.) PI 0 b se when
e. The curve passes through the pole, ecau . •n
8""", -· r is zero. The line 8=rc is tangent to the curve at the ongi · (0, TT)
8=0
3. Determination of r/,. From the equation of the curve, 8-=lT
r=a (I +cos 8)
dr
d{ =-a sin 8
 286 • INGJl'\III\J~G
289
Th portion of the curve between 7t to lit . ~ , •
e IS tra lb
metry. . h . Ced b
The shape of the curve 1s s own in the figure bel J
Example 2. Trace the curve r=a+b cos (a '),.o'W.
8
1. Symmetry.. Th . .
e curve is symmetrical a b) .
line, because on changmg 8 to - 8, the equation of t\~ut the i~
not <,hange. C\irvc
2. Pole. When r=O,
a
cos 8=- -b-
a
I cos 8 I =b ::::>) I
[·: 4)
which is not possible. Hence for 110 value of 6; r equals ze I
Therefore the curve does not pass through the P ro, J-lence the shape of the curve• is as shown in the figure.
oIe.
3_ Determination of¢. From the equation of the The curve is known as La1n1con.
E"alllPle 3· Trace the curve .r =a cos 29.
1
r=a+b cos· 8 CUrvc,
1
.
. 8
dr= - b sin S tntnetry. The curve 1s sym~etncal about the pole,
- I. onychanging r to -r, the equatJon of the curve remains
dB because
unaltered. it
Hence d8 a+b cos fl
r dr- b sin 8 2. Pole. When 8=± 4, we find r=O. Hence the curve
... tan
,1._
y,--
a+b cos 8
b sin 8 passes through the po le.
The tangents at the pole are the lines
Now for no value of 8, a+b cos 8=-o
1t
Hence tf,=/:=O, at any point. 8=± 4
Also tan ¢ is IX>, when 8=0, i.e. at the point (a+b, O). 3. Determination of~. From the equation of the curve,
Thus the tangent is perpendicular to the initial line at (atb,m we have
4. Limitations of the curve. The least value of r is a-! ,i=a2 ·cos 20
(when 8==11) and the greatest value of,. is a+b (when 0=0). Hen«
the curve lies entirely within a circle of radius of a+b. 2r !!_r - = - 2a 2 sin 20
dB
5. Asymptotes. The curve has no asymptotes, becausefor
no value of IJ, r tends to infinity. · dB a2 cos 29 -cot 28
r 7r=-·a 2 sin 28
6. Region. (a) As 8 increases from Oto ir, r decreases from
,i+b to a-band for no value of 8, r is zero.
(b) Some points on the curve.
' tan ~=tan ( I +28 )
or 4>= ; +20
6=0 -21t
n

When 8=0, ~= 21t and r=±a (from the equation of the

r=a+b a a-b

..
¢= -ex:, tan- 1 ( ~!!_) +oo
curve). :'lerpendicular to
. . . Hence at the points (± a, 0) , the tangents are i
initial line.
I
 288 . " ENGINEE~IN(l l.!1,lln,.
289
4 Lhnitations of the curve. The 1
fwh iJ-rc/ 4) and the greatest value of r is a 0st Value \ r
-61.\

y· en -nly) Hence the curve lies entirely withinc !18idering' is i~

va1ues o · circle p . ,,0 z, yoJe.
flere, = o, when B~o, ~,
3 3 ' ·" '" Hence the
4 Asymptotes. The curve has no asy of rad'10811i\i curve and tangents there at are 8::Q 8,,. 1t 21t
novalu
·e of 8 , tends to infinity.
,
mptotes bee us 0
ause r' . soil tbe ' 3'
3
'=-,
.,ale 11e tues of 8 give the same tangents
. Region. (a) As IFincreases from o to ~, r· tber va .
6 c311se o •¢itations of ~he curve. ihe least value of r is
7t 3 4 r deer b' 3. l,s t value of, 1s a. Hence the curve lies <!nti . -:a
f om ato o When 8 lies between - and --2:. eas~ greates re1y w1th1n
r · 4 4 , cos 29 is dth' f radius a.
and hence , 2 is negative. Thus between a~ . negatiic aiP,ircle4. o }.fsOY inptotes. The curve has no asymptotes be t
.- 4 4 , r IS ill) , r tends to infinity. cause or
Hence no part of the curve hes between · ag1na~ ,ovaIu e o , .
7t 31t ' '/, 'on Some points on the curve.
"Jteg•• .
-::r< 0 <T· 5, 1t .t •• 2:. 5:t
0 6 3 2 -3 6
7t
(b) Some points on the curve. We shall
7t consider the . 0 a 0 -a 0 a 0
in the first quadrants between 8=0 to - , as the cu . Po1% r""
4 rve 1s sy 111 7t
cal about the pole. llletr[. As 8 increases from O to6 , r is positive and increases from
;; 7t
7t
~= 0
6
7t
o10 a.
When B increases from 6 to 3 , r is tve and decreases
4
a o o Thus we get a loop between the lines B=O and 8=!: .
r= from a t · 3
a
.;2 0
7t 2:; .
1'i 51t As 0further increases from 2 to - 3- , r remains negative and
tp= r.
2 6 decre
ases from a to O (numerically).
,. Thus we get a second loop
The shape of the curve is shown in the figure . 2.. .
between the Jines B~-
3 to - 3- · Similarly we get another loop
2--
between the lines 8 = - 3- to '"·
The shape of the curve is shown: in the figure.

I'
8=5Tl/6 ' I

The curve is known as Lamniscate of Bernoulli.

Example 4. Trace the curve r=a sin 38.
I. 7t Symmetry. The curve is symmetrical about th e
i line 8=2 'because on changing (J to .t-8, the equationof1he
·1 curve does not change.
'290
ENGIN£EitIN
G &!>.
The curve consists of three loops and is '~ .4c1rJG . 291 ,
Leaved Rose. kno\Vti as \ i¢ flt ases from O ~o ;r;/4, r _decreases fro:n a t
Example S. Trace. the curve . r=a cos 26 \ etJ 8 jJlCf~/ to rc12, r ts negative and increases O0. When 8
t. Symmetry. (a) The curve 1s symmetricai ;,s frOJll 4 from oto a
line, because on changing 8 to -6, the equati about th , , cre35~~)1y), .
00
reinai.ns unchanged. of th c%;, 10 l)lllet• ther values. ~f 8 . need be considered as th
1o
(b) The curve 1s symm~trical about the line 9,,,_1t, e Cb~
. . ,, fur
:N"\al aboU t the initial line and the line 8--~12 · e curve is
changing 8 to rt-8, the equation of the curve·does n t ,2, hcta11,_ .111111ett• ·s shown in the figure.
o Chang ""\ sr shape I
e. fbC e consists of four loops and is kn
0=- '!!.( fbe curY . own as Fo11r
2 eel Jlose
~v A curve r=a cos n8 or r=a sin nO consists 0 f
B Note. d. g as n is odd or even. n or 2n
ps accor in
10° ' 1 6 Trace the curve r6 =a.
t:saJJlP e · .
S JJletry. The curve 1s symmetrical about the line
J. b c!:Se on changing} t_(? - 6 and r to-, the equation -
,~i/2, e does not change. _
f the curve .
.!.'L--7~--J~A8•0 o 2_ Pole. The value of r is.not zero for any real finite value
t/. of B.
Hence t he curve does not pass through the pole.
3 Asymptote. As Thus the curve has an
· te To find the equation of the asymptote, we write the
asymtP. t~ °f the curve as
equa 10 0
B' 8
!~-=/(6)
r a
Now /(8)=0 gives s~o.
2. Pole. Here r=0,
Also f'(8)=_!.
a
:. /'(O)=¾
1t 3:. 5r.: 71t
when
e=r 'T' 4 '4,··· The equation of the asymptote is,
Hence the pole lies on the curve. Tangents there at are
371" r sin (0-0)= f'~O)
and 8=-
4
[The other values of 0 give the same tangenul or r sin 8=a,
3. Limitations of tli.e curve. The least value of ris-1 aline parallel to the initial line at a distance a from it. .
and the greatest value of r is a. Hence the- curve lies entirelywitl 4. Region. (a) The equation of the asymptote to th e curve 15
in a circle of radius a. r sin 0 = a and of the curve is
4. Asymptotes. The curve .has no asymptotes, because for rO=a or r=a/8
no value of 8, r tends to infinity.
As sin O< () the value of r for the curve 15. aIways less tba~ the
5. Region. Some points on the curve value of r for th; asymptote.
8= 0 71" ;r; Therefore the curve lies entirely below th e ~s~mpto:-decreases
4 • 2 r (b) As 8 increases from·0 to oo, r is·. pos11Jve an
r= a roni co to 0.
0 -a

11111
 292 293
(3 /2
(c) Some points on the curve -rf.l"c1J'lO .
gents at the point a ' 3a/2), we shift the
,11-~ the tan
7t i•· pod int-
I= 0
2i ,ro this P0 •gin to (3a/2, 3a/2),
2 the ori
CQ
. 10
x~x- 3a/2, Y=y-3a/2

-
oriS°,ro stiift
1
2a
r= 00 a the curve becomes
7t
2r. 0 fon of
tit ,rtie equa ~
3012r3 +(Y +3a/2) = 3a(X +3a/2)(Yt 3a/2).
3

.., (X ro the lowest degree terms, we have

. to ze ,
fquaung x+Y~O or x-3a/2+y-3a/2=0,
. x+y=3a.
totes. (a) The curve has no asymptotes parallel
or _ MYinP
4
the alles- d the oblique asymptotes, put y=m and x=I in the
to ) to fin
(b ree terms. ·
highest deg ,f,:i m) = l m3+
X
· :. ,t,z(m)=-3am.
rnptotes to exist,
for asY m)=O or 1+m3=0 . .
,f,i . . .
The shape of the curve for negative values of O . m=-1, the other values bemg imaginary.
to symmetry. 'is tracej or
,f,.(m) -3am _ a
Th_e shape of the curve is shown in the figure. c=- -,,,;,(m)"" -3m2-m
The curve is known as Reciprocal spiral. ('.' m=-1)
. .c=-a
11'7. Miscellaneous Examples ·· the equation of the asymptotes is
Hence
Example 1. Trace the curve x 1 +y1=3axy x+y+a=O ('.' y=mx+c) . -
(Foliwn of Dcsrari1'i Region. (a) x and y both cannot be negative simultane-
5.
I. Symmet~y. The c_urve is symmetrical about the fi ously.
y ,-,x, because on interchanging x and y the equation of iJi Hence no part of the curve lies in the third quadrant.
curve does not change.
(b) To study the variation of y with x, we tr~n1or~-t ~urve
2. . Origin. ,a) The curve passes through the origin. to the polar form by putting x~r cos 8 and y=r sm , w ic gives
(b) The tangents at the ongin are obtained by cquatin2ili
lowest degree terms in the equation of the curve to zero. Th;11I r1 (cos3 8 +sin3 6) = 3ar 2 sin 6 cos 8
tangents at the origin arc 3a sin 8 cos 8
or r= cos3 B+sin3 8
xy= 0 or x=O, y =0. 37t
The tanger,ts at the origin arc real and different, hcnceili 9= 0
7t 7t 7t
! 7t T
origin is a node. 4 3 2 3
q . 3. · Intersection with the axes. (a) The curve mcctS!lie~ 3v'2a 6J3a - 6V30 CX)

ordinate axes at tl:e origin only. . r= O - 2 - O+3v'3~ J (3v' 3-I)

(h) l_"o find \\here thL' curve meets its lines of symrnetri,iJ (=2"12a) (=l·Sla) (=- 2"460)
y = x, putting )'=x in the equation of the curve, we get 2 first increases and
th We observe as & increases from Oto 7t/ • r is between .
2x· =3ax·•,
1
i.e . x -~ O or 3a/2 en decreases to zero. Hence loop of the curve ·
and B=O and 8=1t/2 .
.\ Y= 0 or 3a,'2. 11·
1 (1 2 11I•
1

Hence the curve n-..ccts the linl! y=x at the point _a, ,·
~ -
 294
l!NGIN~
When 8 increases from rr/2 to h/4, , is llio ~llit.
cally increases from Oto co, negative c1J'IO h . th
ff,1- he curve is s own m e figure.
The shaoe of the curve is shown in the fi . aQ~ i~ tl'vf, ape of t
gure. ,. fb'sb . y
y

)
EXERCISE 11 (c)
he folio.wing curves :2
frace t 8 . r=a•sin 8
t. , ... a cos
ci
-cos 9) 4 r 1 =a! sin 28
·
Example 2. Trace the catenar y y = c cosh x/c. 3, ,===a 39 6. r=a sin 28
5, ,:::::a cos 9 8. r=a (ltsin 8)
The equation of the curve may be written as , ... 2+3 cos
e·• 1•+e-z1, ) 1. a (l-sin B) • 10. r =a (sec B+cos 8)
y=c ( - - 2 - . 9. '""' 12. r=ae '"' (a>O, m>O)
I ·ti. r! B=a~ a sin1 8
14. r= cosT"
1
I. Symmt:try. The curve is sy~mctJical about the , . a9
because on changing x to -x the equation of the curve do~·ai11 13. '!=1'+0' '7'~+y1=:X1-y!
change. n~
15, ,=a sec~ 8/2. , QY' :<
2. Origin. The curve docs ilot pass through the origin, ~-
cause when x=O, y=c. 17. x5ty'=5ax'y',
3. Intersection with the ~xe~. The curve does not 1r,eet tie
x-axis, but meets y-axis at the J)omt (O, c).
4. Special points. • From the equation of the curve, we have,

Now

when x=O and y=c.

Hence the tangent at the point (O, c) is parallel to x-axis.
5. Asymptotes. The.curve has no asymptotes.
6. Region. As x increases, Y·also increases and when

d
 ~9
f¢" JJ1 (3) and (2), we get the valu ·
P 1bus fr~jon of the asymptote. · es of mand c and
. equa . h
ce tile iven curve may ave more than one inti. .
b'° rJote, A.g1e that each branch may have separat nite branches ·
·t js ~osst curve may have more than one asympto~easymptotes.

lU n tiJCII l given
~eoce a le t. Find the asymptotes of the curve ·
t:J•tllP x3+ /=-3.ax\
Asy,n ·}Iere the equation of1 the gtven curve is
:Pfote, 1
S0 · x3+J1=3ax .. (1)
·• 0·1 D.efinl.don_ . ~ -·1:3 der to determi~ethe asymptotes, we h'ave to evaluate m.
Jn~r n· bY Lt (y1x) and Lt (y-mx) respectively,. then
A straight bne at a fixed distance from the O • • . lll1d c give ·
asymptote to ~n infinite branch of a cu~ve, tf J:fn, is said to 1 •
11 be the asymptote. ·
·distance of a pomt Pon the cu_cve from this straight r,Perpendicu y:::::IIIX~~:ng (1) by xa, we have

r-~
1
iero, as· the point P moves to mfimty along the curv;~e approach~ p1v1

10'2 Determination of Asymptotes 1 +( ? =O·

00
The eauation of a straight line not parallel to Y· . . 'faking Umits as , we have [ ·: Lt (yf x)=m
form, lllis 18 oft~ 1+m3==0
y-mx+ c . =(1 +m){l +m1-m)•=;O
Excluding . at present the case • of asymptotes aran • m=-1, as the roots of 1tm'-m=O are not rea ·
I
y..axis, it is obvio'µs from (1) that as x approaches infinit/ m el •• c= Lt (y-mx)
must both tend to finite Jimits for asymptotes to exist. ietp,:!c Now
•perpendicular· distance of any point P(x, Y) on an infinite ,branch of = Lt ;(ytx)
['.' m=-1]
· a given curve from the hne (1), then
y-mx-c Let y+x=K, such that as
p= yl+mt Putting y=(K--x) i~ (1), we have
x3+(K :-x)3 =3a,x~
Ifline (i) is to be an asymptote to a giv~ curve, than a1 or 3(K-a)x~-3K-x+Ka=o
Dividing throughout by we get
3K2 gs
x,.
Lt (y-mx-c)=Oa
3(K-a)--~+-,
X X
•O
... (l)
or · Lt (y-mx)=c Taking limits as 00 an,(.K
3(c-a)=0
Also from (1), we }lave -0r c=a
. is given by
The asymptote to the cur:ve
L=m+ E_ y=mx+c
X X
i.e. y=-x+~
Taking limits on both sides as we have
. Lt
x+=
(L)= Lt (m+~)=m
X x-+CD X ,,(J)
· h
is t e required asymptote. .
y+x~a
· • the above
. asyll1Ptotes in h easier
Note. The method used to 1~}:.:::Se~eth0d 5 are inuc
... . m= Lt ( ~) example is not convenient. Th~ 10
and m,;,.1,ft_ ·-·•~.l..•n: ... thP 11.svmPtotes.