The graph is commonly known as a rose.
k determines the number of petals. If k is
ODD: k petals. There is one petal that lies on the x-axis.
EVEN: 2k petals. There are 4 petals which lie on the positive or negative side of the x- or y- axis.
a determines the radius of the rose. The radius of the rose is 2a. If a < 0, the graph is reflected about the y-axis.
r = 2(5) cos (7q): A rose with 7 petals and a radius of 10. The axis petal is on the positive x-axis.
r = 2(-5) cos (7q): A rose with 7 petals and a radius of 10. The axis petal is on the negative x-axis.
r = 2(5) cos (-7q): A rose with 7 petals and a radius of 10. The axis petal is on the positive x-axis.
r = 2(7) cos (8q): A rose with 16 petals and a radius of 14. There are 4 axis petals.
r = 2(-4) cos (-9q): A rose with 9 petals and a radius of 8. The axis petal is on the negative x-axis.