EMAT 6680 Assignment 11

Polar Equations

Melissa Bauers Summer 2002


This assignment is about polar equations. We will examine the equation of

 

Let us first examine the effects of theta . We will keep a, b, and k constant.

CASE #1

a = 0

b and k = 1

We will start with theta ranging from 0 to 6.28.

 

CASE #2

Now we will vary k.

k = 2

 

k = 3

 

k = 4

 

k = 5

As the value of k changes the number of leafs on the graph change. Click on link for a dramatic animation of k ranging from -25 to 25. Notice in the animations the negative numbers give the same picture as the positive.

N-Leaf Rose Animation

 

CASE #3

Vary the values of b.

a = 0

k = 1

Let us start with b = 2. We will overlay onto the graph when b = 1.

 

b = 5

 

 

 

Notice changing b increases the size of the leafs. Click here for an animation of b going from -4 to 4. Notice in the animation the negative numbers give the same picture as the positive.

CASE #4

We will go back to k =4, b = 1, and a will vary.

a =1

 

a = 2

a = 3

When a varies the "leaf rose" formation changes. Click below for an animation of a changing from -8 to 8. Notice the negative numbers look the same as the positive numbers.

Variation of a

 

SPECIAL CASE

When a and b are the same the graphs are called cardiods. If a does not equal b, then graph is called a limacon. Here are some examples:

a = 1

b = 2

k = 1

 

a = 1

b = -2

a = 3

b = 2

 

As the difference of a and b increases when a > b and b does not equal to 0, the graph resembles a circle. As the difference of a and b increases when b > a and a does not equal to 0, then the inner circle becomes bigger.

Click here for a = 10 and b = 1.

Click here for a =1 and b =10.

 


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