Chapter 7: Additional Applications of Integration
Section 7.1: Polar Coordinates
Example 7.1.12
Graph the ellipse r=5/2+cosθ, and obtain the standard form of its Cartesian representation.
Solution
Mathematical Solution
If e<1, the equation r=e d1+e cosθ defines an ellipse.
Writing the given equation as
r=5/21+1/2 cosθ
the values e=1/2 and d=5 can be immediately deduced. Hence, it follows that
a=e d1−e2=5/21−1/4=52⋅43=103
b=e d1−e2=5/23/4=52⋅23=53
c=e2d1−e2=5/43/4=53
use plots in module() local p1,p2,p3,p4,p5; p1:=display(implicitplot(r = 5/(2+cos(t)),r=0..5,t=-Pi..Pi,coords=polar,gridrefine=3,color=red),labels=[x,y]): p2:=plot([[-10/3,0],[0,0],[-5/3,0]],style=point,symbol=solidcircle,symbolsize=15,color=green): p3:=plot([[-5/3,0]],style=point,symbol=solidcircle,symbolsize=15,color=blue): p4:=textplot({[-10/3,.3,typeset(F[2])],[.15,.3,typeset(F[1])],[-5/3,.3,typeset(C)]}): p5:=display(p1,p2,p3,p4,scaling=constrained); print(p5); end module: end use:
Figure 7.1.12(a) Ellipse r=5/2+cosθ
Figure 7.1.12(a), a graph of this ellipse, includes the center C:−5/3,0 as the blue dot, and (as green dots) the two foci: F1 at the origin, and F2 at −10/3,0. The standard form of the Cartesian representation of this ellipse, namely,
x+5/32100/9+y225/3=1
can be deduced from the figure and the computed values of a,b, and c.
Maple Solution
Figure 7.1.12(b) contains the relevant portion of the tutor in which a graph and significant details of a conic are obtained.
The graph in Figure 7.1.12(b) has been modified by selecting Constrained Scaling. The vertical line on the right is the directrix, whose equation is x=5.
The standard form for the Cartesian representation is provided, along with the values of the parameters a,b,h,k, where h,k is the center of the ellipse.
Note that the values of a,b, and e agree with those found in the Mathematical Solution. The latus rectum is the length of a focal chord perpendicular to the major axis.
The tutor, housed in the Student Precalculus package, can be obtained from the Tools/Tutors menu.
Figure 7.1.12(b) Conic Sections tutor
Figure 7.1.12(a), or the graph in Figure 7.1.12(b), can be obtained interactively with the Plot Builder, or with the following command. (Select Evaluate in the Context Panel.)
plots:-implicitplotr=5/2+cosθ,r=0..5,θ=0..2 π,coords=polar,scaling=constrained,gridrefine=3
The direct algebraic conversion of the polar form of the ellipse to the standard form of the Cartesian representation is a tedious affair, made somewhat easier with two of Maple's tools, namely, the Context Panel and the Equation Manipulator (an Assistant).
Enter the polar form of the ellipse. Press the Enter key.
Context Panel: Evaluate at a Point r = sqrt(x^2+y^2) theta = arctan(y,x)
Context Panel: Cross Multiply
Context Panel: See Figure 7.1.12(c)
r=52+cosθ
r=52+cos⁡θ
→evaluate at point
x2+y2=52+xx2+y2
→cross multiply
x2+y2⁢2⁢x2+y2+x=5⁢x2+y2
Figure 7.1.12(c) The Equation Manipulator
Table 7.1.12(a) lists the steps to perform in the Equation Manipulator.
Step
Result
Multiply equation by 1/x2+y2
2⁢x2+y2+x=5
Add −x to both sides
2⁢x2+y2=5−x
Square both sides
4⁢x2+4⁢y2=5−x2
Group terms on left side
4⁢x2+4⁢y2−5−x2=0
Apply simplify to left side
3⁢x2+4⁢y2+10⁢x−25=0
Complete the square on the left side
3⁢x+532+4⁢y2−1003=0
Add 100/3 to equation
3⁢x+532+4⁢y2=1003
Multiply equation by 3/100
9100⁢x+532+325⁢y2=1
Table 7.1.12(a) Application of the Equation Manipulator
At this point, only pencil-and-paper suffices to obtain the final form, namely, x+5/32100/9+y225/3=1.
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