Polar Curve Tracing

Math Assignment Help, Polar Curve Tracing


The following steps are helpful in tracing a polar curve r = ƒ(θ).

1. Symmetry

(i) The curve is symmetrical about the initial line if its equation remains unchanged when θ is replaced by - θ.

(ii) The curve is symmetrical about the line through the pole perpendicular to the initial line if its equation remains unchanged when θ is replaced by π - θ. 

(iii) The curve is symmetrical about the pole if its equation remains unchanged when θ is replaced by π + θ.

2. Pole

The curves passes through the pole if r = 0 for a value of θ.

3. Solving the equation

Solve the equation of r in terms of θ and see how r varies as θ varies. Make a table of corresponding values of θ and r. Many polar equations involve periodic functions such as sin θ, cos θ etc. In such cases we consider values of θ from 0 to 2π alone.

4. Asymptotes

Find out the asymptotes of the curve, if any.

5. Region

Find out the region on the plane in which no part of the curve lies.

Remark: Sometimes a polar curve easily traced by converting it into a Cartesian curve by means of the transformation x = r cos θ and y = r sin θ.

For example: Consider a polar curve r cos θ = a cos 2θ.

On multiplying both sides by r², we get

r cos θ. r² = ar² (cos² θ – sin² θ)

 x (x² + y²) = a (x² – y²).

which can be easily traced.


Related Keyword: Algebra