How do you graph r=6cosθ?

1 Answer
Jan 22, 2017

The Socratic graph for the cartesian equation
r2=(x2+y2)=6rcosθ=6x is inserted.

Explanation:

This is the equation of the circle through the pole O( r = 0 ), with

center C at ( 3, 0 ). If P is any point ( r. theta ) and OA the diameter

through O.

OP=r=OAcosθ=6cosθ..

graph{(x^2+y^2-6x)((x-3)^2+y^2-.005)=0 [0, 14, -3.5, 3.5]}

This circle ia a member of the family of curves

{r=kcos(nθ)}, where k and n scale factors for r and

θ.

I let readers to see the grandeur in the graphs of the members

r=cos(θ3)andr=cos(θ5).

Graph of r=cos(θ3):
graph{x - (x^2+y^2)(4(x^2+y^2)-3)=0[-2 2 -1 1]}

Graph of r=cos(θ5):
graph{x - (x^2+y^2)(16(x^2+y^2)^2-20(x^2+y^2)+5)=0[-2 2 -1 1]}