Consider the graph of
Fig. 1 Graph with one leaf.
If a and b are constant and k is and integer, then we get the
"n-leaf rose" where k is the number of leaves.
Here is a graph for k =7. Note that there are 7 leaves.
Fig 2. Graph with Seven leaves.
The behavior of this graph is
predictable for any value of k. If k is not and integer, for instance
let k = 7/2, the graph will produce three and one half
leaves, (see Fig. 3)
The graph will attempt to produce fractional leaves and distort
the shape of the leaves. It is easy to recognize one half leaf bur not
all fractional leaves are obvious.
Fig. 3
Now suppose we replace the cos( ) with sin( )? Let us look a the graph for a, b, and k =1
Fig. 4
Compare Fig 1 and Fig 4
If k is an integer, and for
various k, do you think the graph will behave as in the case with Cos (
)? Investigate..
Here is a graph for k =7. Compare with Fig. 2. Take a closer look at x
=1 on all graphs... What do you see?
Fig.
5
Compare Fig 2. and Fig 5. What is the difference? Do you see a simple
transformation? If so What is it?
Now look at the case when k
=7/2. Will this be a division of leaves?
Fig. 6
Compare Fig. 6 and Fig 3. How are they similar? different?
