We can classify the graphs into three groups:
1. Single roses with closed petals that converge at the origin. This occurs when b = 0 and when b = 2a. The radius of the rose is given by r = 2a + b. When b = 0, there are 2k petals. When b = 2a, there are only k petals.
(graphs in black and green).
2. Double roses composed of major and minor petals. This occurs when b < 2a. There are two radii to consider: the radius of the (1) major rose is given by r = 2a + b. (2) the minor rose is given by r = 2a - b. There are k major petals and k minor petals. There are a total of 2k petals.
(graphs in purple, red, and blue)
3. Open-petaled roses with an opening or core in the center. This occurs when b > 2a. There are two radii to consider: the radius of the (1) rose is given by r = 2a + b. (2) the core is given by r = 2a - b. There are k petals.
(graphs in cyan and yellow)
NOTE: The graphs of the equations with negative values of b are 90 degree rotations of the positive b graphs. In cases where the radius was r = 2a + b in a positive b graph, the radius for a negative b graph has a radius of r = 2a - b. And in cases where the radius was r = 2a - b in a positive b graph, the radius for a negative b graph has a rdius of r = 2a + b.
Also, recall that if a is negative, the graph is reflected about the y-axis. And remember that a negative value for k has no effect on the graph since cos Q = cos (- Q).
