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3.14 Polar Graphs Notes

The document covers the construction and analysis of polar graphs, including tests for symmetry with respect to the polar axis, line θ = π/2, and the pole. It also discusses domain restrictions for polar curves, finding negative r-values, and points of intersection between polar graphs. Several examples illustrate these concepts, including symmetry checks and determining intersection points.

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68 views4 pages

3.14 Polar Graphs Notes

The document covers the construction and analysis of polar graphs, including tests for symmetry with respect to the polar axis, line θ = π/2, and the pole. It also discusses domain restrictions for polar curves, finding negative r-values, and points of intersection between polar graphs. Several examples illustrate these concepts, including symmetry checks and determining intersection points.

Uploaded by

wasnikananmay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: ___________________________________________________________ Date: ___________ Period: ____

3.14 Polar Graphs

I can…
• Construct graphs of polar functions.

Tests of Symmetry
A polar equation may have one of the following types of
symmetry:

Symmetry with respect to the Symmetry with respect to the Symmetry with respect to the
𝝅
Polar Axis (x-axis): Line 𝜽 = (y-axis): Pole (origin):
𝟐

Replace 𝜽 with −𝜽 Replace (𝒓, 𝜽) with (−𝒓, − 𝜽) Replace 𝒓 with −𝒓

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If a polar equation passes a symmetry test, then its graph exhibits that symmetry.

If the equation fails a symmetry test, it MAY OR MAY NOT have that kind of symmetry.
Recall: sin(−𝜃) = − sin(𝜃) and cos(−𝜃) = cos (𝜃)
Ex 1: Check for symmetry.
a. 𝑟 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 c. 𝑟 = 16𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝝅 𝝅
Polar Axis The Line 𝜽 = The Pole Polar Axis The Line 𝜽 = The Pole
𝟐 𝟐

b. 𝑟 = 4 + 3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝝅
Polar Axis The Line 𝜽 = The Pole
𝟐
In Precalculus, we will set the foundation for later courses by considering those needed skills, namely:
• The domain restrictions for completing one cycle of a polar graph.
• Finding where the 𝑟-values are negative.
• Finding the points of intersection of two polar graphs and any common points.

Ex 1: Consider the function 𝑦 = 1 + 2 sin 𝑥 shown below.

x y x y
7𝜋
0
6
𝝅 5𝜋
𝟔 4
𝝅 4𝜋
𝟒 3
𝝅 3𝜋
𝟑 2
𝝅 5𝜋
𝟐 3
𝟐𝝅 7𝜋
𝟑 4
𝟑𝝅 11𝜋
𝟒 6
𝟓𝝅
2𝜋
𝟔
𝝅

Ex 2: Determine the domain restrictions for sketching the polar curve through one cycle. Use the auxiliary graph of the
corresponding rectangular function to assist you.
A. 𝒓 = 𝟑 + 𝟑𝒄𝒐𝒔(𝜽)

B. 𝒓 = 𝟒𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝟓𝜽)

Notes: Polar Graphs Topic: 3.14


C. 𝒓 = 𝟒𝒄𝒐𝒔(𝜽)

Let’s look at the table from Example 1 again. Find the range of positive θ-values on the given domain for which the r
value is negative. Confirm your answer by plotting this part of the polar graph. What do you notice?

𝒙 𝒚 𝒙 𝒚
7𝜋
0 𝟏 𝟎
6
𝝅 5𝜋
𝟐 −𝟎. 𝟒𝟏
𝟔 4
𝝅 4𝜋
𝟐. 𝟒𝟏 −𝟎. 𝟕𝟑
𝟒 3
𝝅 3𝜋
𝟐. 𝟕𝟑 −𝟏
𝟑 2
𝝅 5𝜋
𝟑 −𝟎. 𝟕𝟑
𝟐 3
𝟐𝝅 7𝜋
𝟐. 𝟕𝟑 −𝟎. 𝟒𝟏
𝟑 4
𝟑𝝅 11𝜋
𝟐. 𝟒𝟏 𝟎
𝟒 6
𝟓𝝅
𝟐 2𝜋 𝟏
𝟔
𝝅 𝟏

Ex 3: Use the rectangular graph 𝑦 = 2 cos(𝑥) − 1 to:


A. Find the interval of positive x-values on the given domain for which the y-value is negative.

B. State the domain for one complete cycle to sketch the polar graph.

C. What symmetry, if any, applies to the curve?

D. Sketch the polar curve.

Notes: Polar Graphs Topic: 3.14


Intersections of Polar Graphs
Points of intersection can be found algebraically. There can also be common points that are not part of the solution set.

Ex 4: Find the points of intersection of the graphs of 𝑟 = 1 − 2 cos(𝜃) and 𝑟 = 1. State the solutions and any common
points.

Ex 5: Find the points of intersection of the graphs of 𝑟 = 3 sin(𝜃) and 𝑟 = 1 + sin (𝜃). State the solutions and any
common points.

Notes: Polar Graphs Topic: 3.14

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