Polar Graphs

Milen Guergov P.7

Rose Curve
Rose curves are the most common type of polar graph and feature a graph
in the shape of a flower. These graphs stem from the parent function
r=bcosn. The n value determines the number of petals the graph has,
and the b value determines the length of each petal. The cosine rose curve
differs from the sine rose curve because its fixated on the x-axis since
cosine is horizontal, whereas the sine rose curve centers around the y-axis
and is a vertical measure.
Rose Curve
r = a * sin n
r = a * cos n

A typical polar equation is in the form r = f
() , where f is some function ( of ). is
the independent variable, and r is the
dependent variable.

If n is odd, then n is equivalent to the
amount of rose petals on the graph.




r = 2 sin 3t
Rose Curve
If n is even, then 2n is equivalent to the
amount of rose petals on the graph. If it
is a cosine rose petal equation, then the
primary rose petal has the x-axis within
it. In sin equations, the primary rose
petal rests upon the x axis, but the x axis
does not go within it.

r = 2 cos 4t

Limacons
Limacons are different from the rose curve both visually and graphically.
They take on a circular shape with an inward pinch or loop that takes place
at the origin. These can be differentiated from rose curves with the
equation because theres a different value added to the front. While
limacons resemble cardioids, they usually have a dimple, whereas
cardioids are inverted at a certain point.
Limacons
A limacon is a polar curve that forms based on the equations
o r = a b cos
o r = a b sin
If the graph of the Limacon has an inner loop.


If the graph of the Limacon is dimpled.

If the graph of the Limacon is convex.

Limacons are created as the angle increases from 0 to 2 .
Range is [a-b, a+b].
Limacon with inner loop
r = 2 + 3 cos t
Dimpled Limacon
r = 3 + 2 sin t

Convex Limacon
r = 8 + 2 cos t
Cardioids
Cardioids are a type of limacon where the inversion occurs at a specific
point on the graph instead of a dimple or curve. This happens because in
the parent equation of r=a+bcos, a is equal to b. The length of the
cardioid is determined by the sum of the a and b values. Although
cardioids are more distinct than limacons, they are similar in the sense that
their equations differ from those of rose curves because of the a value.
Furthermore, they can also be distinguished visually from rose curves
because it resembles a circle rather than having various loops.
Cardioids
r = a a cos (horizontal) r = a a sin (vertical)



Cardioids
r = 3 + 3 cos
Ah Ha! Moment
Pre-calculus has been a difficult class for me. Ive had to work hours longer
than my peers have had to in order to gain the same amount of
understanding as them. My ah-ha moment was during the trigonometric
proofs, where I began manipulating and sorting out formulas to come to a
final solution. I realized that a proof is simply a longer problem, working in
reverse, illustrating every step from the beginning equation to the end.
When I realized how to manipulate these trigonometric identities, proofs
came easy to me.
How I feel about Polars
This was by far the most difficult unit of Pre-Calculus so far, but in turn, it was
the most rewarding. I studied extremely hard and managed to pull an 89% on
our last test, allowing me the opportunity to get a B for the semester. Im very
proud of myself, and made my teacher proud because of the huge amount of
effort I put into understanding the unit. My favorite unit of Pre-Calculus was the
Polar unit, because it granted me an in-depth look at math I never knew
existed. Im very excited to further my knowledge in math in AP statistics next
year.