Let us investigate some polar equations of the form r = a + b cos ( k Theta ). We will look at the effect on the graph when we change a, b and k. On this page we will look at the change in a. Click on b and k to see their effects on the graph.

Conclusion: The positive and negative values of a are the y-intercepts of the graph. If a is enlarged, the curves becomes more smooth. See an animation of this effect here.

Here we will look at a change in b.

Here we will look at a change in k. Very interesting results!

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