Lesson # 11
by Jan White
An investigation of polar equations: r = a + b cos(kt)
When a and b are equal, and k is an integer,
this is one textbook version of the " n-leaf rose."
Compare with r = a + b cos(kt) for various
k.
What if . . . cos( ) is replaced with sin(
)?
First let's look at the graph when a =2 and b =2 and k = 2, 3, -4, -5.
When the absolute value of k is an integer greater than or equal to 2 then there will be k leaves. Notice that the length of the petals from the origin to the tip of each petal will be a+b, as long as a = b.
What happens when "cos" is replaced with "sin"?
There will be the same number of petals except the flower will be rotated
45 degrees.
Compare r = b cos (kt).
Let's compare when b = 2, and k = 2,3,-4, and -5
In this case the number of petals will be 2k petals when the absolute value of k is even and k petals when the absolute value of k is odd. Again, the length of the petals are dependent on the value of b in the equation.
What happens when "cos" is replaced with "sin"?
Again the graphs are the same except that there is a rotation of 45 degrees. By looking the coordinate graphs of sin x and cos x you can see why this rotation occurs.