This write up is for problems #2 in Assignment 11.
Investiagting Polar Equations
by
Kimberly
Burrell and Brad Simmons
Investigation of
After we investigated the polar equation by varying "a" and "k", we are given a similar polar equation except for the addition of b. At this point in our investigation, we will vary the "b" using the mentioned values for "a" and "k". Again the sine equation will remain symmetric about the y-axis.
When all values of a, b, and k are 1, we have the following graph.
The graph now has a distinct shape. There appears to be a smaller curve inside the larger curve, which occurs at the origin. Will the curve behave like the previous curves if we change the value of "b" to 2? Let's see.
The smaller curve appears to disappear. However, there is still a noticeable bend at the origin of the graph.
Now, let us vary both "k" and "b".
When a =1, k = 2, and b = 2, we get the following graph.
Here, we can observe two petal-like curves that are connected at the origin. Now, let's vary "a" to be 2, also.
When a = 2, we get 4 petal-like curves that join each other at the origin. Two of these petals are smaller than the original two petals. Now let's see what occurs when we change a = 5.
The petals have expanded as with the previous changes of "a". Therefore, if we change "k", then the number of petals should change if the same principles for "k" apply in this polar equation.
Let's try k = 5 while a = 2 and b = 2.
By observation one can see that there are 5 large petals and 5 small petals which are inside the larger ones.
Finally, we will vary all the values of a, b, and k.
Here a = 2, b = 1, and k = 5. What conclusions can you draw from this?
Improvement on the Theory of the Number of Pedals
The number of petals is based upon "k". After careful investigation and research, we found the following information.