How do you graph r=2-4costhetar=24cosθ?

1 Answer
Nov 16, 2016

theta in (pi/3, 5/3pi), t in (0, 6)θ(π3,53π),t(0,6), symmetrical about the initial line and the shape is cardioid-like. The graph inserted is for the cartesian equivalent.

Explanation:

r=2-4 cos theta >=0 to cos theta <=1/2 to theta in (pi/3, 5/3pi)r=24cosθ0cosθ12θ(π3,53π)

r(theta)r(θ) is periodic, with period 2pi2π.

As cos (-theta) = cos thetacos(θ)=cosθ, the graph is symmetrical about

theta=0θ=0.

So, a Table for theta in (pi/3, pi)θ(π3,π) is sufficient, for realizing the whole

graph.

(r, theta): (0, pi/3) (2, pi/2) (4, 2/3pi) (6, pi)(r,θ):(0,π3)(2,π2)(4,23π)(6,π)

The inserted graph was obtained by using the cartesian equivalent

x^2+y^2+4x=2sqrt(x^2+y^2)x2+y2+4x=2x2+y2

graph{x^2+y^2+4x-2sqrt(x^2+y^2)=0 [-10, 10, -5, 5]}