Put your detective hats on, because we’re going on a Polar Graph hunt!
Now that we know how to represent an ordered pair and an equation in Polar Coordinates, we’re going to learn how to Graph Polar Curves.
A Polar Graph is one where a set of all points with a given radius and angle that satisfy a Polar Equation, and there are five basic Polar Graphs:
- Limacons
- Rose Curves
- Circles
- Lemniscates
- Spirals
And there are two ways to graph/sketch Polar Graphs, either by using Transformations or the Traditional Approach which involves a Table of Values.
Together we are going explore the power of Transformations for Polar Graphs, and be able to quickly identify and sketch each of the five basic Polar Graph using some really easy to master techniques!
Additionally, we will also see how to use a Table of Values, and how to create an appropriate table, for when we need to be precise and not just give a quick sketch.
You will quickly agree, that using transformations allows us to create our Polar Graphs with ease – which is exactly what we need for when we are in Calculus and are more interested in being able to find slope, extrema or area, as Paul’s Online Notes points out.
In fact, you’ll walk away thinking that Polar Graphs are super fun and cool to draw because these basic Polar Equations are graphed with the use of plotting-points, symmetry, and the Unit Circle.
So, join me on a Polar Graph hunt!
Graphing Polar Equations – Video
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