8.7.4 Graphing Simple Polar Equations

Question 1

notes

Answer 1

• When graphing in polar coordinates:
  • Setting r equal to a constant (as in the equation r = k) generates a circle around the origin.
  • Setting θ equal to a constant (as in the equation θ = k) generates a line through the origin.
  • Setting r equal to θ (as in the equation r = θ) generates a spiral.
  • To graph a polar equation first convert it to rectangular form.