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10.1: Polar Graphs

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Graphing in Polar Coordinates

When we plot points in Cartesian coordinates, we start at the origin and move a distance right or left given by the x-coordinate of the point, then move up or down according to the y-coordinate. When we sketch the graph of an equation or function, we think of drawing the graph from left to right, with the "height" of the graph at each x-value given by the function, as shown in figure (a).

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 3.31.27 PM.png

In polar coordinates, however, the dependent variable, r, gives not a height but a distance from the pole in direction θ, as shown in figure (b). When graphing an equation in polar coordinates, we think of sweeping around the pole in the counterclockwise direction, and at each angle θ the r-value tells us how far the graph is from the pole.

Example 10.17

Graph the polar equation r=2sinθ.

Answer

We make a table of values, choosing the special values for θ. For each value of θ, we evaluate r=2sinθ.

θ 0 π6 π4 π3 π2 2π3 3π4 5π6 π
r 0 1 2 3 2 3 2 1 0

First, we'll plot the points in the first quadrant. Observe that as θ increases from 0 to π2, r increases from 0 to 2. Starting at the pole, we connect the points in order of increasing θ. Imagine a radial line sweeping around the graph through the first quadrant: as the angle increases, the length of the segment increases, so that its tip traces out the graph shown in figure (a).

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 3.39.27 PM.png

Now continue plotting the points in the table as θ increases from π2 to π. In the second quadrant, r decreases as θ increases, as shown in figure (b). The graph we obtain is, in fact, a circle, which we will prove algebraically shortly. However, we have not yet plotted points for θ between 0 and 2π. Because sinθ is negative in the third and fourth quadrants, all the r-values for these angles are negative.

θ π 7π6 5π4 4π3 3π2 5π3 7π4 11π6 π
r 0 -1 2 3 -2 3 2 -1 0

When we plot the points in this table, we see that the original graph is traced out again. For example, the point (7π6,1) is the same as the point (π6,1), the point (5π4,2) is the same as the point (π4,2), and so on, around the circle. Thus, the graph of r=2sinθ is a circle, traced twice for 0θ2π.

To prove that the graph in Example 1 is really a circle, we convert the equation r=2sinθ to Cartesian form. First, multiply both sides by r to obtain

r2=2rsinθ

Next, replace r2 by x2+y2 and rsinθ by y, to get

x2+y2=2y

This equation is quadratic in two variables, so its graph is a conic section. We put the equation in standard form by completing the square in y.

x2+y22y=0Add 1 to both sides.x2+(y22y+1)=1Write the equation in standard form.(x0)2+(y1)2=1

We have the equation of a circle with center (0, 1) and radius 1.

Checkpoint 10.18

Graph the polar equation r=4cosθ.

Answer

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 3.49.09 PM.png

Using a Graphing Calculator

You are familiar with the graphs of many equations in Cartesian coordinates, including lines, parabolas and other conic sections, and the graphs of basic functions. You should now become familiar with some standard graphs in polar coordinates. These include circles and roses, cardioids and limaçons, lemniscates, and spirals.

At the end of this section you will find a Catalog of the basic polar graphs and their properties. You can use your calculator, set in Polar mode, to experiment with these graphs.

Example 10.19

Graph the Archimedean spiral r=2θ, for 0θ6π.

Answer

After setting the calculator in Polar mode, we enter the equation r=2θ and enter the window settings

θmin=0θmax=6πθ step =0.1Xmin=25Xmax=25X step =5Ymin=25Ymax=25Yscl=5

We then press Zoom 5 to set a square window.

The graph is shown below.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 3.51.31 PM.png

Studying a table of values can help us understand the shape of the graph.

θ 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25
r 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

As θ increases, r increases also, at a constant rate. We wind our way around the pole, steadily increasing our distance from the pole as we go. We spiral outwards, tracing the graph shown above.

Checkpoint 10.20

Use a calculator to graph the polar equation r=e0.1θ. Use the window settings

θmin=0θmax=12πθ step =0.5Xmin=45Xmax=45 Xstep =10Ymin=35Ymax=35 Yscl =10

Answer

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 3.58.00 PM.png

It is important to connect the points on the graph in order of increasing θ.

Example 10.21

Graph the polar equation r=2sin3θ.

Answer

We’ll graph the equation in stages in order to see how the graph is traced out. Begin with the window settings

θmin=0θmax=π3θ step =0.5Xmin=4.5Xmax=4.5 Xstep =1Ymin=3Ymax=3Yscl=1

Watch as your calculator produces the graph shown in figure (a).

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.00.40 PM.png

Observe that, as θ increases from 0 to π3,r first increases, reaching its maximum value of 2 at θ=π6 and then decreases back to 0. You can verify the values in the table below, which shows the points at multiples of π18. These points create the first loop of the graph.

θ 0 π18 π9 π6 2π9 5π18 π3
3θ 0 π6 π3 π2 2π3 5π6 π
r 0 1 3 2 3 1 0

Next, change θmax to 2π3, and graph again. This time the calculator traces out two loops, as shown in figure (b). For θ between π3 and 2π3,r is negative, so the second loop lies in the third and fourth quadrants.

θ π3 7π18 4π9 π2 5π9 11π18 2π3
3θ π 7π6 4π3 π2 5π3 11π6 2π
r 0 -1 3 -2 3 -1 0

Finally, change θmax to π, and graph again. For θ between 2π3 and π, the graph traces out a third loop, as shown in figure (c). For θ between π and 2π, the entire graph is traced a second time. The finished graph is a rose with 3 petals of length 2.

Checkpoint 10.22

a Use your calculator to graph the polar equation r=2cos3θ.

b Complete the table of values for the function.

θ 0 π6 π3 π2 2π3 5π6 π
r              

c Sketch the graph by hand on the grid below.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.13.20 PM.png

Answer

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.14.13 PM.png

Sketching Familiar Equations

You should also be able to sketch the standard polar graphs by hand. Once you recognize an equation as a particular type of graph, say a rose or a limaçon, you can sketch the graph quickly by finding just a few well-chosen guidepoints. The next example demonstrates a technique for sketching a rose.

Example 10.23

Graph the polar equation r=3sin2θ.

Answer

Referring to the Catalog of Polar Graphs, we see that the graph of this equation is a rose, with petal length a=3 and four petals, because 2n=4. If we can locate the tips of the petals, we can use them as guidepoints to sketch the graph.

Now, the points at the tips of the petals have r=3, so we substitute r=3 into the equation of the rose to find the values of θ at those points.

3=3sin2θDivide both sides by 3.1=sin2θApply the arcsine function to both sides.π2=2θDivide both sides by 2.π4=θ

Thus, one of the petal tips is located at θ=π4. Because the 4 petals are evenly spaced around the pole, the angle between the petals is 2π4=π2, and the other petal tips occur at

θ=π4+π2=3π4θ=π4+2(π2)=5π4θ=π4+3(π2)=7π4

We plot the tips of the petals as guidepoints, at (3,π4),(3,3π4),(3,5π4) and (3,7π4). Now we can sketch a rose with 4 petals of length 3, as shown below.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.33.05 PM.png

Checkpoint 10.24

Graph the polar equation r=4cos5θ.

Answer

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.34.13 PM.png

The limaçons, r=a±sinθ and r=a±cosθ, are another family of polar graphs. In particular, the cardioid is a special case of a limaçon with a=b.

Example 10.25

Graph the polar equation r=3+2cosθ.

Answer

This is the equation for a limaçon, with a=3 and b=2. Because a>b, the limaçon will have a dent, like a lima bean, rather than a loop. As guide points, we locate the points at the four quadrantal angles.

θ r=3+2cosθ
0 5
π2 3
π 1
3π2 3

We plot the guide points and connect them in order with a smooth curve, as shown below. Note that this limaçon involving cosine is symmetric about the x-axis; limaçons involving sine are symmetric about the y-axis.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.42.58 PM.png

Checkpoint 10.26

Graph the polar equation r=13sinθ.

Answer

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.45.37 PM.png

You should also be able to identify a polar graph and write its equation.

Example 10.27

Give a polar equation for each of the graphs below.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.48.44 PM.png

Answer

a The graph is a circle centered at (-2,0) and with radius 2, so we choose the equation r=2acosθ, with a=2. Thus, r=4cosθ.

b The graph is a cardioid with its axis of symmetry on the x-axis, and the "bottom" of the heart points in the positive x direction, so its equation has the form r=a+acosθ. At θ=0,r=2, so we can solve for a:

2=a+acos0

2=a+a(1)=2a

Thus, a=1 and we choose the equation r=1+cosθ.

Checkpoint 10.28

Give a polar equation for each of the graphs below.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.52.30 PM.png

Answer

a r2=4sin2θ

b r=1sinθ

Finding Intersection Points

To find the intersection points of two graphs, we solve the system made up of their equations. If the equations are y=f(x) and y=g(x), we simply solve the equation f(x)=g(x). For example, we find the intersection points of y=x2 and y=x+2 by solving the equation x2x2=0 to get

x2x2=0(x2)(x+1)=0x2=0,x+1=0x=2,x=1

These are the x-coordinates of the intersection points, and we can find the y-coordinates by substituting these values into either equation.

  • For x=2, we find y=22=4.
  • For x=1, we find y=(1)2=1.

Thus, the intersection points are (2, 4) and (−1, 1), as shown below.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 4.55.26 PM.png

To find the intersection points of the polar graphs r=f(θ) and r=g(θ) we solve the equation f(θ)=g(θ).

Example 10.29

Find all intersection points of the graphs of r=2+2sinθ and r=2+2cosθ.

Answer

We equate the two expressions for r and solve for θ.

r=2+2sinθ=r=2+2cosθsinθ=cosθDivide both sides by cosθ.tanθ=1Solve for θ.θ=π4,5π4

We evaluate either expression for t to find the other coordinate of the intersection point.

when θ=π4,r=2+2sinπ4=2+(12)=2+2

when θ=5π4,r=2+2sin5π4=2+(12)=22

Thus, two of the intersection points are (2+2,π4) and (22,5π4), as shown below. However, you can see in the figure that the graphs also appear to intersect at the pole. To verify that the pole indeed lies on both graphs, we can solve for θ in each equation when r=0.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.03.35 PM.png

However, you can see in the figure that the graphs also appear to intersect at the pole. To verify that the pole indeed lies on both graphs, we can solve for θ in each equation when r=0.

0=2+2sinθ0=2+2cosθ1=sinθ1=cosθθ=3π2θ=π

Both points, (0,3π2) and (0,π), represent the pole. Thus, the graphs intersect at three points: (2+2,π4),(22,5π4), and the pole.

Caution 10.30

As we saw in the previous Example, solving a system of equations r=f(θ) and r=g(θ) will not always reveal an intersection at the pole, because r may be equal to zero for different values of θ in the two equations. We should always check separately whether the pole is a point on both graphs.

Checkpoint 10.31

Find all intersection points of the graphs of r=1 and r=2cosθ.

Answer

(1,π3),(1,5π3)

Review the following skills you will need for this section.

Skills Refresher 10.2

Solve each equation. Give two solutions, 0θ2π.

1 cosθ=32

2 sinθ=12

3 tanθ=3

4 tanθ=13

5 sinθ=112

6 cosθ=12

7 tanθ=1

8 cosθ=0

Skills Refresher Answers

1 π6,11π6

2 π4,3π4

3 π3,4π3

4 π6,7π6

5 5π4,7π4

6 2π3,4π3

7 3π4,7π4

8 π2,3π2

A Catalog of Polar Curves

The Coordinate Curves

  • θ=k (k a constant)
    A line through the pole.
    k gives the angle of inclination of the line (in radians).
    Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.17.53 PM.png
  • r=k (k a constant)
    A circle centered at the pole.
    k is the radius of the circle.
    Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.18.55 PM.png

Circles

  • r=2asinθ
    A circle with center (0, a) on the y-axis, and radius |a|.
    Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.20.55 PM.png
  • r=2acosθ
    A circle with center (a,0) on the x-axis, and radius |a|.
    Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.23.34 PM.png

Roses

  • r=asinnθ
    A rose with petal length a.
    n petals if n is odd; 2n petals if n is even.
    Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.26.18 PM.png
  • r=acosnθ
    A rose with petal length a.
    n petals if n is odd; 2n petals if n is even.
    Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.27.07 PM.png

Limaçons

r=a±bsinθ or r=a±bcosθ

  • a>b, with a dent.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.29.26 PM.png

  • a<b, with a loop.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.29.29 PM.png

  • a>b, a cardioid.

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.29.33 PM.png

Lemniscates

  • r2=a2cos2θ

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.31.28 PM.png

  • r2=a2sin2θ

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.31.32 PM.png

Spirals

  • Archimedean spiral

r2=a2cos2θ

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.33.58 PM.png

  • Logarithmic spiral

r2=a2sin2θ

Screen Shot 2023-01-31 at 5.34.03 PM.png

Section 10.2 Summary

Vocabulary

• Rose

• Limaçon

• Cardioid

• Lemniscate

Concepts

1 When graphing an equation in polar coordinates, we think of sweeping around the pole in the counterclockwise direction, and at each angle θ the r-value tells us how far the graph is from the pole.

2 Standard graphs in polar coordinates include circles and roses, cardioids and limaçons, lemniscates, and spirals.

3 To find the intersection points of the polar graphs r=f(θ) and r=g(θ) we solve the equation f(θ)=g(θ). In addition, we should always check whether the pole is a point on both graphs.

Study Questions

1 Delbert says that the graph of r=2sinθ in the first example cannot be correct, because there are no points on the graph for angles between π and 2π. How do you respond?

2 Is it possible to have a rose with only two petals? What would its equation be?

3 Francine says that a circle of the form r=2acosθ is just a special case of a limaçon. Support or refute her statement.

4 There are no points on the graph of r2=4cos2θ for angles between π4 and 3π4 Why is that?

Skills

1 Describe the effect of parameters in polar curves #1–16, 83–84

2 Compare polar and Cartesian graphs #21–24

3 Sketch standard polar graphs #17–20, 25–42, 75–82

4 Identify standard polar graphs #43–58

5 Write equations for standard polar graphs #59–66

6 Find intersection points of polar graphs #67–74

Homework 10-2

In Problems 1-4, use your calculator to graph the equations.

1

a Graph r=k, for k=1,2,3. How does the graph change for different values of k?

b Write a Cartesian equation for each graph in part (a).

2

a Graph r=k, for k=1,2,3. How does these graphs compare to the graphs in Problem 1?

b Write a Cartesian equation for each graph in part (a).

3

a Graph θ=k, for k=π6,π3,2π3,5π6. How does the graph change for different values of k?

b Write a Cartesian equation for each graph in part (a).

4

a Graph θ=k, for k=7π6,5π3,7π3,11π6. How does the graph change for different values of k?

b Write a Cartesian equation for each graph in part (a).

5. Complete the table of values for each equation. Plot the points in order of increasing θ. What is different about the two graphs?

Equation 1: r=2

θ 0 π4 π2 3π4 π 5π4 3π2 7π4
r=2                

Equation 2: r=2

θ 0 π4 π2 3π4 π 5π4 3π2 7π4
r=2                

6. Graph each line, and label the points with their coordinates. How are the points on the two lines related?

Equation 1: θ=π4

θ=π4 π4 π4 π4 π4 π4
r -2 -1 0 1 2

Equation 1: θ=5π4

θ=5π4 5π4 5π4 5π4 5π4 5π4
r -2 -1 0 1 2

7.

a Graph the circle r=4cosθ. Label the points corresponding to θ=0,π4,π2,3π4, and π.

b Complete the table of values. What happens to the graph as θ increases from π to 2π?

θ π 5π4 3π2 7π4 2π
r          

c Find the center and radius of the circle.

d Give the Cartesian equation of the circle.

8.

a Graph the circle r=4sinθ. Label the points corresponding to θ=0,π4,π2,3π4, and π.

b Complete the table of values. What happens to the graph as θ increases from π to 2π?

θ π 5π4 3π2 7π4 2π
r          

c Find the center and radius of the circle.

d Give the Cartesian equation of the circle.

9.

a Graph r=2asinθ for a=2,1,1,2.

b How do the graphs change for different values of a?

10.

a Graph r=2acosθ for a=2,1,1,2.

b How do the graphs change for different values of a?

11. Complete the table of values for each cardioid, and graph the equation.

θ 0 π2 π 3π2 2π
r          

a r=1+sinθ

b r=1+sinθ

c r=1sinθ

d r=1sinθ

12. Complete the table of values for each cardioid, and graph the equation.

θ 0 π2 π 3π2 2π
r          

a r=1+cosθ

b r=1+cosθ

c r=1cosθ

d r=1cosθ

13. Complete the table of values for each limaçon, and graph the equation.

θ 0 π2 π 3π2 2π
r          

a r=2+cosθ

b r=2cosθ

c r=1+2cosθ

d r=12cosθ

14. Complete the table of values for each limaçon, and graph the equation.

θ 0 π2 π 3π2 2π
r          

a r=2+sinθ

b r=2sinθ

c r=1+2sinθ

d r=1-2 \sin \theta

15.

a Graph the following roses and compare. How is the number of petals related to the value of n in the equation r=a \sin n \theta?

r=\sin 2 \theta, \quad r=\sin 3 \theta, \quad r=\sin 4 \theta, \quad r=\sin 5 \theta

b For each graph above, list the values of \theta where the tips of the petals occur.

c Graph r=a \sin 3 \theta for a=1,2, and 3. How does the value of a affect the graph?

16.

a Graph the following roses and compare. How is the number of petals related to the value of n in the equation r=a \cos n \theta?

r=\cos 2 \theta, \quad r=\cos 3 \theta, \quad r=\cos 4 \theta, \quad r=\cos 5 \theta

b For each graph above, list the values of \theta where the tips of the petals occur.

c Graph r=a \cos 3 \theta for a=1,2, and 3 . How does the value of a affect the graph?

17.

a Solve r^2=9 \cos 2 \theta for r. (You should get two equations for r.)

b Graph both equations together. Change \theta step to 0.02 to see the whole graph.

c How does the value of a affect the graph of r^2=a^2 \cos 2 \theta?

18.

a Solve r^2=9 \cos 2 \theta for r. (You should get two equations for r.)

b Graph both equations together. Change \theta step to 0.02 to see the whole graph.

c How does this graph differ from the graph in Problem 17?

19. Graph the Archimedean spiral r=\theta. Set your window to

\begin{aligned} & \theta \min =0 \quad \quad \quad &&\theta \max =8 \pi \\ & \mathrm{Xmin}=-20 \quad \quad &&\mathrm{X} \max =20 \\ & \mathrm{Y} \min =-20 \quad \quad &&\mathrm{Y} \max =20 \\ \end{aligned}

Then graph by pressing Zoom 5.

20. Graph the logarithmic spiral r=e^{0.2 \theta}. Set your window to

\begin{aligned} & \theta \min =0 \quad &&\theta \max =8 \pi \\ & \mathrm{Xmin}=-100 \quad &&\mathrm{X} \max =100 \\ & \mathrm{Ymin}=-100 \quad &&\mathrm{Y} \max =100 \\ \end{aligned}

Then graph by pressing Zoom 5.

21.

a Complete the table and graph the equation y=\sin 3 \theta in Cartesian coordinates, for 0 \leq \theta \leq 2 \pi.

\theta                  
3\theta 0 \dfrac{\pi}{4} \dfrac{\pi}{2} \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \pi \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \dfrac{7\pi}{4} 2\pi
y                  

b Complete the table and graph the equation r = \sin 3 \theta in polar coordinates, for 0 \leq \theta \leq 2\pi.

\theta                  
3\theta 0 \dfrac{\pi}{4} \dfrac{\pi}{2} \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \pi \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \dfrac{7\pi}{4} 2\pi
r                  

22.

a Complete the table and graph the equation y=\cos 2 \theta in Cartesian coordinates, for 0 \leq \theta \leq 2 \pi.

\theta                  
2\theta 0 \dfrac{\pi}{4} \dfrac{\pi}{2} \(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\0 \pi \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \dfrac{7\pi}{4} 2\pi
y                  

b Complete the table and graph the equation r=\cos 2 \theta in polar coordinates, for 0 \leq \theta \leq 2 \pi.

\theta                  
2\theta 0 \dfrac{\pi}{4} \dfrac{\pi}{2} \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \pi \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \dfrac{7\pi}{4} 2\pi
r                  

23.

a Complete the table and graph the equation y=2+2 \cos \theta in Cartesian coordinates, for 0 \leq \theta \leq 2 \pi.

\theta 0 \dfrac{\pi}{4} \dfrac{\pi}{2} \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \pi \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \dfrac{7\pi}{4} 2\pi
y                  

b Complete the table and graph the equation r=2+2 \cos \theta in polar coordinates, for 0 \leq \theta \leq 2 \pi.

\theta 0 \dfrac{\pi}{4} \dfrac{\pi}{2} \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \pi \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \dfrac{7\pi}{4} 2\pi
r                  

24.

a Complete the table and graph the equation y=1-\sin \theta in Cartesian coordinates, for 0 \leq \theta \leq 2 \pi.

\theta 0 \dfrac{\pi}{4} \dfrac{\pi}{2} \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \pi \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \dfrac{7\pi}{4} 2\pi
y                  

b Complete the table and graph the equation r=1-\sin \theta in polar coordinates, for 0 \leq \theta \leq 2 \pi.

\theta 0 \dfrac{\pi}{4} \dfrac{\pi}{2} \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \pi \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \dfrac{7\pi}{4} 2\pi
r                  

For Problems 25-42, use the catalog of polar graphs to help you identify and sketch the following curves. Check your work by graphing with a calculator.

25. r=3 \cos \theta

26. r=2 \sin \theta

27. \theta=\dfrac{\pi}{4}

28. \theta=\dfrac{4 \pi}{3}

29. r=4

30. r=2

31. r=2+2 \sin \theta

32. r=3+3 \cos \theta

33. r=2-\cos \theta

34. r=1-3 \sin \theta

35. r=3 \sin 2 \theta

36. r=2 \cos 3 \theta

37. r=2 \cos 5 \theta

38. r=4 \sin 4 \theta

39. r=2+3 \sin \theta

40. r=3+2 \sin \theta

41. r^2=\cos 2 \theta

42. r^2=4 \sin 2 \theta

For Problems 43–52, identify each curve, and graph it.

43. r \csc \theta=2

44. r=2 \sec \theta

45. r^2=4,0 \leq \theta \leq \dfrac{3 \pi}{4}

46. \theta=\dfrac{\pi}{4},|r|<2

47. r=\sin \theta, \dfrac{3 \pi}{4} \leq \theta \leq \dfrac{5 \pi}{4}

48. r=\cos \theta, 0 \leq \theta \leq \dfrac{\pi}{2}

49. r=2 \sin 2 \theta \cos 2 \theta

50. r=\cos ^2 \theta-\sin ^2 \theta

51. r(1-\cos \theta)=\sin ^2 \theta

52. r \sec \theta=\sec \theta-\tan \theta

For Problems 53–58, graph the following polar curves. Do you recognize them?

53. r=\dfrac{2}{1-\cos \theta}

54. r=\dfrac{6}{2+\sin \theta}

55. r=\dfrac{2}{2-\cos \theta}

56. r=\dfrac{1}{1+\sin \theta}

57. r=\dfrac{1}{1+2 \sin \theta}

58. r=\dfrac{3}{2-3 \cos \theta}

For Problems 59–66, write a polar equation for the graph.

59. Screen Shot 2023-02-01 at 11.08.27 PM.png

60. Screen Shot 2023-02-01 at 11.08.33 PM.png

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For Problems 67–74, find the coordinates of the intersection points of the two curves analytically. Then graph the curves to verify your answers.

67. r=\cos \theta, r=1-\cos \theta

68. r=\sin \theta, r=\cos \theta

69. r=3 \sin \theta, r=3 \cos \theta

70. r=\sin 2 \theta, r=\cos 2 \theta

71. r=1, r=1-\cos \theta

72. r=3 \cos \theta, r=1+\cos \theta

73. r=2+\sin \theta, r=2-\cos \theta

74. r=\sin \theta, r=\sin 2 \theta

For Problems 75–82, graph the polar curve.

75. r^2=\tan \theta

76. r^2=\cot \theta

77. r=\csc \theta-2 (conchoid)

78. r=\tan \theta (kappa curve)

79. r=\cos 2 \theta \sec \theta (strophoid)

80. r=\sin \theta \tan \theta (cissoid)

81. r=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{\theta}}

82. r=\cos \dfrac{\theta}{2}, 0 \leq \theta \leq 4 \pi

83. Graph the polar curves r=1-2 \sin n \theta for n=2,3,4,5,6. Explain how the value of the parameter n affects the curve.

84. Graph the polar curves r=1-3 \cos n \theta for n=2,3,4,5,6. Explain how the value of the parameter n affects the curve.


This page titled 10.1: Polar Graphs is shared under a GNU Free Documentation License 1.3 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Katherine Yoshiwara via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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