Use a polar coordinate system like the one shown for Exercises 1–10 to plot each point with the given polar coordinates. (2, 45°)
Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 45m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
9. Polar Equations
Polar Coordinate System
Problem 13
Textbook Question
Test for symmetry and then graph each polar equation. r = 2 cos θ
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the three common tests for symmetry in polar equations: symmetry about the polar axis (x-axis), symmetry about the line \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{2} \) (y-axis), and symmetry about the pole (origin).
To test for symmetry about the polar axis, replace \( \theta \) with \( -\theta \) in the equation and check if the equation remains unchanged. For \( r = 2 \cos \theta \), substitute \( -\theta \) to get \( r = 2 \cos(-\theta) \).
Use the identity \( \cos(-\theta) = \cos \theta \) to simplify the expression. Since the equation remains the same, the graph is symmetric about the polar axis.
To test for symmetry about the line \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{2} \), replace \( \theta \) with \( \pi - \theta \) and check if the equation remains unchanged. Substitute \( \pi - \theta \) into \( r = 2 \cos \theta \) to get \( r = 2 \cos(\pi - \theta) \).
Use the identity \( \cos(\pi - \theta) = -\cos \theta \) to simplify. Since the equation changes sign, the graph is not symmetric about the line \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{2} \). Finally, test for symmetry about the pole by replacing \( r \) with \( -r \) and \( \theta \) with \( \theta + \pi \), and check if the equation remains unchanged.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polar Coordinates and Equations
Polar coordinates represent points using a radius r and an angle θ from the positive x-axis. Polar equations express r as a function of θ, describing curves in the plane. Understanding how to interpret and plot these equations is essential for graphing polar curves.
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Intro to Polar Coordinates
Symmetry Tests in Polar Graphs
Symmetry in polar graphs can be tested about the polar axis, the line θ = π/2, and the pole (origin). For example, replacing θ with -θ tests symmetry about the polar axis, while replacing r with -r tests symmetry about the pole. Identifying symmetry simplifies graphing and analysis.
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Cardioids
Graphing Polar Equations Involving Cosine
Equations like r = 2 cos θ often represent circles or limacons. The cosine function affects the shape and orientation of the graph, typically producing curves symmetric about the polar axis. Recognizing these patterns helps in sketching accurate graphs.
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Introduction to Common Polar Equations
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