In Exercises 11–20, use a polar coordinate system like the one shown for Exercises 1–10 to plot each point with the given polar coordinates. (−2, − π/2)
Ch. 5 - Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations

All textbooks
Blitzer 3rd Edition
Ch. 5 - Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations
Problem 17
Blitzer 3rd Edition
Ch. 5 - Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations
Problem 17Chapter 5, Problem 17
In Exercises 13–34, test for symmetry and then graph each polar equation.r = 2 + 2 cos θ
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the type of symmetry to test: polar equations can have symmetry with respect to the polar axis (x-axis), the line θ = π/2 (y-axis), or the pole (origin).
Test for symmetry with respect to the polar axis by replacing θ with -θ in the equation: r = 2 + 2 \(\cos\)(-θ). Since \(\cos\)(-θ) = \(\cos\)(θ), the equation remains unchanged, indicating symmetry with respect to the polar axis.
Test for symmetry with respect to the line θ = π/2 by replacing θ with π - θ: r = 2 + 2 \(\cos\)(π - θ). Since \(\cos\)(π - θ) = -\(\cos\)(θ), the equation changes, indicating no symmetry with respect to the line θ = π/2.
Test for symmetry with respect to the pole by replacing r with -r: -r = 2 + 2 \(\cos\)(θ). This does not simplify to the original equation, indicating no symmetry with respect to the pole.
Graph the equation by plotting points for various values of θ, using the symmetry with respect to the polar axis to simplify the process. The graph will be a limaçon with an inner loop.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
6mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates represent points in a plane using a distance from a reference point (the pole) and an angle from a reference direction. In polar equations, 'r' denotes the radius (distance from the origin), and 'θ' represents the angle. Understanding how to convert between polar and Cartesian coordinates is essential for graphing polar equations.
Recommended video:
Intro to Polar Coordinates
Symmetry in Polar Graphs
Symmetry in polar graphs can be tested by substituting specific values for θ. A graph is symmetric about the polar axis if replacing θ with -θ yields the same equation, and it is symmetric about the line θ = π/2 if replacing θ with π - θ gives the same result. Recognizing these symmetries helps in sketching the graph accurately.
Recommended video:
Cardioids
Graphing Polar Equations
Graphing polar equations involves plotting points based on the values of 'r' for various angles 'θ'. The shape of the graph can vary significantly depending on the equation's form. For the equation r = 2 + 2 cos θ, understanding how to evaluate 'r' at key angles (like 0, π/2, π, and 3π/2) is crucial for accurately depicting the graph.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Common Polar Equations
Related Practice
Textbook Question
702
views
Textbook Question
In Exercises 9–20, find each product and write the result in standard form.
(3 + 5i)(3 − 5i)
490
views
Textbook Question
In Exercises 15–18, write each complex number in rectangular form. If necessary, round to the nearest tenth. 6 (cos 2π/3 + i sin 2π/3)
500
views
Textbook Question
In Exercises 9–20, find each product and write the result in standard form. (−5 + i)(−5 − i)
734
views
Textbook Question
In Exercises 19–21, find the product of the complex numbers. Leave answers in polar form.
z₁ = 3(cos 40°+i sin 40°)
z₂ = 5(cos 70°+i sin 70°)
526
views
Textbook Question
In Exercises 11–20, use a polar coordinate system like the one shown for Exercises 1–10 to plot each point with the given polar coordinates. (−1, π)
684
views